Master of Theology
A focused opportunity in biblical scholarship, the Master of Theology equips you for leadership in pastoral ministry, pastoral training, and academia
Theological precision for the . . .
Scholar
Specialize in an area of biblical or theological studies, gaining facility in its literature and scholarship.
Exegete
Employ a more refined skill set in Hebrew and Greek translation, exegesis, and interpretation.
Teacher
Implement the skills of communication and effective teaching through pedagogy courses.
Contributor
Show excellence in writing by demonstrating critical thinking, in-depth interaction, and thorough research.
What sets the TMS ThM apart?
The specialization and the Educational Pedagogy.
In addition to coursework in your chosen discipline of Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, or Bible Exposition, you will take research, writing, and teaching courses in Educational Pedagogy. This combination of coursework will develop your practical teaching and writing skills in a specialized area of research and will culminate in a scholarly, thesis-equivalent research portfolio suitable for development in teaching and in future doctoral work.
Dedicated students can complete both the Th.M. and Ph.D. programs at The Master’s Seminary in a total of five years. To expedite future doctoral studies, each Th.M. discipline includes four major exams, which serve as Ph.D. qualifying exams.
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The Specialized Curriculum
Old Testament
Focus on advanced Hebrew grammar, readings, exegesis, Aramaic, German, and Akkadian.
Fall Semester
Intro. to Academic Research
Exegesis of Genesis 1–11 2
Seminar in Eschatology
Old Testament Issues*
Spring Semester
Philosophy of Pedagogy
Exegesis of John 2
Biblical Aramaic
Advanced Hebrew Readings*
Fall Semester
Practice of Pedagogy
Seminar in Soteriology
Exegesis of Zechariah
Akkadian* (PhD track)
or Winterim Course (Non-PhD track)
Spring Semester
Advanced Research Methods
Advanced Hebrew Grammar
Theo. German* (PhD Track)
or OT Directed Study (Non-PhD)
New Testament
Specialize in Greek grammar, New Testament text critical issues, and exegesis.
Fall Semester
Intro. to Academic Research
Exegesis of Genesis 1–11
Exegesis of Pastoral Epistles
NT Textual Criticism*
Spring Semester
Philosophy of Pedagogy
Exegesis of John 2
Criticism of Syn. Gospels
Advanced Greek Grammar*
Fall Semester
Practice of Pedagogy
Seminar in Soteriology
Seminar in Eschatology
Theo. Latin* (PhD track)
or Winterim Course (Non-PhD track)
Spring Semester
Advanced Research Methods
Exegesis of Luke-Acts
Theo. German* (PhD Track)
or NT Directed Study (Non-PhD)
Theology
Study systematic theology, historical theology, and current theological issues.
Fall Semester
Intro. to Academic Research
Seminar in Soteriology
Seminar in Eschatology
Readings in Historical Theology*
Spring Semester
Philosophy of Pedagogy
Exegesis of John 2
Seminar in Dispensational Theo.
Readings in Systematic Theology*
Fall Semester
Practice of Pedagogy
Exegesis of Zechariah
Seminar in Bibliology
Theo. Latin* (PhD track)
or Winterim Course (Non-PhD track)
Spring Semester
Advanced Research Methods
Seminar in Theology Proper
Theo. German* (PhD Track)
or TH Directed Study (Non-PhD)
Bible Exposition
Specialize in bibliology, hermeneutics, homiletics, and exegetical method.
Fall Semester
Intro. to Academic Research
Seminar in Bibliology*
Readings in Contemporary Hermeneutics*
Readings in Contemporary Homiletics
Spring Semester
Philosophy of Pedagogy
Exegesis of the Pastoral Epistles**
History of Biblical Interpretation, Fathers to Reform.
History of Biblical Preaching
Fall Semester
Practice of Pedagogy
Exegesis of Psalm 119**
History of Biblical Interp., Post-Reform. to Present
Theo. Latin* (PhD track)
or Winterim Course (Non-PhD track)
Spring Semester
Advanced Research Methods
From Text to Exposition: Romans
Theo. German* (PhD Track)
or TH Directed Study (Non-PhD)
Exams
There are four major exams pertinent to each discipline which are embedded in corresponding courses. These exams serve as Ph.D. qualifying exams.
*Incorporates Ph.D. qualifying exam
**Recommended exegesis courses, but these may be substituted with others in the same emphasis
Capstone Project
Students will produce a thesis-equivalent portfolio under the guidance of a faculty advisor. At 150-200 pages, this capstone project is composed of at least six scholarly papers, providing a multifaceted background for a future dissertation topic.
Modular Format
The Th.M. program’s modular format enables you to pursue further scholarship while remaining rooted in your local church. Students are required to attend courses at the Los Angeles campus twice a year (Nov/Dec and May).
The 18-week fall and spring terms are divided into 3 segments:
- The pre-module period involves 10 weeks of interactive learning facilitated through the online platform Canvas;
- The modular period lasts between 1–3 weeks at the Los Angeles campus each semester, as individual courses meet for one week each (or up to three weeks for certain languages);
- The post-module period provides an additional 5 weeks of supplemental learning facilitated through Canvas after the on-campus modular period ends.