Master of Theology |

Reclaiming Advanced Biblical Scholarship

Discernment. Precision. Conviction. These are the principles that matter when it comes to theological excellence and biblical fidelity. As challenges to the truth mount from outside and inside the church, the Master of Theology program provides the depth and clarity you need to hold fast the word of truth in challenging times, and equip others to do the same. The Master of Theology program builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in the Master of Divinity program. It is designed to take students deeper and farther—whether the goal is the proclamation of the Word in the pulpit, the training of ministers in the classroom, or the preparation for doctoral studies in the academy.

Scholar

Specialize in one of four emphases of academic study, gaining competency in current trends, historical expression, and essential truths.

Exegete

Improve your skills in the interpretation of God’s Word by refining your knowledge of hermeneutics and the biblical languages.

Teacher

Grow in your ability to communicate effectively through seminars in pedagogy and opportunities to present papers for review.

Contributor

Cultivate excellence in writing by demonstrating critical thinking, in-depth interaction, and thorough research.

Core Classes and Schedule

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The Master of Theology program offers four emphases: Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, and Bible Exposition, culminating in a thesis for 29-unit Ph.D. track students and a research portfolio for the 28-unit non-Ph.D. track students.

New Testament Non-Ph.D. Track

Year 1- Fall	Units	Year 1- Spring	Units	Year 2- Fall	Units	Year 2- Spring	Units
Intro. to Academic Research (EP 810)	1	Philosophy of Pedagogy (EP 820)	1	Practice of Pedagogy (EP 830)	1	Advanced Research Methods (NT 840)	3
Exegesis of Genesis 1-11 (OT 861)	2	Exegesis of John (NT 870)	2	Seminar in Soteriology (TH 824)	2	Exegesis of Luke-Acts (NT 861)	2
Exegesis of Pastoral Epistles (NT 877)	2	Criticism of Syn. Gospels (NT 856)	2	Seminar in Eschatology (TH 888)	2	Directed Study OR Elective	2
NT Textual Criticisms (NT 855)	2	Advanced Greek Grammar (NT 853)	2	Winterim Course OR Elective	2		28 Units

New Testament Ph.D. Track

Year 1 - Fall	Units	Year 1 - Spring	Units	Year 2 - Fall	Units	Year 2 - Spring	Units
Intro. to Academic Research (EP 810)	1	Philosophy of Pedagogy (EP 820)	1	Practice of Pedagogy (EP 830)	1	Th.M. Thesis ** (TH 838)	3
Exegesis of Genesis 1-11 (OT 861)	2	Exegesis of John (NT 870)	2	Seminar in Soteriology (TH 824)	2	Exegesis of Luke-Acts (NT 861)	2
Exegesis of Pastoral Epistles (NT 877)	2	Criticism of Syn. Gospels (NT 856)	2	Seminar in Eschatology (TH 888)	2	Theological German * (GR 800)	2
NT Textual Criticisms* (NT 855)	2	Advanced Greek Grammar *(NT 853)	2	Theological Latin* (LT 800)	2
				Thesis Intro. Methods ** (BI 837A)	2		29 units
							* incorporates PhD qualifying exam ** incorporates thesis fee

Old Testament Non-Ph.D. Track

Year 1- Fall	Units	Year 1- Spring	Units	Year 2- Fall	Units	Year 2- Spring	Units
Intro. to Academic Research (EP 810)	1	Philosophy of Pedagogy (EP 820)	1	Practice of Pedagogy (EP 830)	1	Advanced Research Methods (OT 839)	3
Exegesis of Genesis 1-11 (OT 861)	2	Exegesis of John (NT 870)	2	Seminar in Soteriology (Th 824)	2	Advanced Hebrew Grammar (OT 853)	2
Seminar in Eschatology (TH 888)	2	Biblical Aramaic (OT 872)	2	Exegesis of Zechariah (OT 863)	2	Directed Study OR Elective	2
Old Testament Issues (OT 841)	2	Advanced Hebrew Readings (OT 871)	2	Winterim Course OR Elective	2		28 units

Old Testament Ph.D. Track

Year 1 - Fall	Units	Year 1 - Spring	Units	Year 2 - Fall	Units	Year 2 - Spring	Units
Intro. to Academic Research (EP 810)	1	Philosophy of Pedagogy (EP 820)	1	Practice of Pedagogy (EP 830)	1	Th.M. Thesis ** (TH 838)	2
Exegesis of Genesis 1-11 (OT 861)	2	Exegesis of John (NT 870)	2	Seminar in Soteriology (Th 824)	2	Advanced Hebrew Grammar (OT 853)	2
Seminar in Eschatology (TH 888)	2	Biblical Aramaic (OT 872)	2	Exegesis of Zechariah (OT 863)	2	Theological German * (GR 800)	2
Old Testament Issues * (OT 841)	2	Advanced Hebrew Readings * (OT 871)	2	Akkadian * (OT 873)	2
				Thesis Intro. Methods ** (OT 837A)	2		29 units
							* incorporates PhD qualifying exam ** incorporates thesis fee

Theological Studies Non-Ph.D. Track

Year 1 - Fall	Units	Year 1 - Spring	Units	Year 2 - Fall	Units	Year 2 - Spring	Units
Intro. to Academic Research (EP 810)	1	Philosophy of Pedagogy (EP 820)	1	Practice of Pedagogy (EP 830)	1	Advanced Research Methods (TH840)	3
Seminar in Soteriology (TH 824)	2	Exegesis of John (NT 870)	2	Exegesis of Genesis 1-11 (OT 861)	2	Seminar in Theology Proper (TH 816)	2
Seminar in Eschatology (TH 888)	2	Seminar in Dispensational Theology (TH 828)	2	Seminar in Bibliology (TH 813)	2	Directed Study/Elective	2
Readings in Historical Theology (TH 805)	2	Readings in Systematic Theology (TH 807)	2	Winterim Course OR Elective	2		28 Units

Theological Studies Ph.D. Track

Year 1- Fall	Units	Year 1- Spring	Units	Year 2- Fall	Units	Year 2- Spring	Units
Intro. to Academic Research (EP 810)	1	Philosophy of Pedagogy (EP 820)	1	Practice of Pedagogy (EP 830)	1	Th.M. Thesis ** (TH 838)	2
Seminar in Soteriology (TH 824)	2	Exegesis of John 1-12 (NT 870)	2	Exegesis of Genesis 1-11 (OT 861)	2	Seminar in Theology Proper (TH 816)	2
Seminar in Eschatology (TH 888)	2	Seminar in Dispensational Theology (TH 828)	2	Seminar in Bibliology (TH 813)	2	Theological German * (GR 800)	2
Readings in Historical Theology *(TH 805)	2	Readings in Systematic Theology ** (TH 807)	2	Theological Latin* (LT 800)	2
				Thesis Intro. Methods ** (BI 837A)	2		29 Units
							* incorporates PhD qualifying exam ** incorporates thesis fee

Bible Exposition Non- Ph.D. Track

Year 1- Fall	Units	Year 1- Spring	Units	Year 2- Fall	Units	Year 2- Spring	Units
Intro. to Academic Research (EP 810)	1	Philosophy of Pedagogy (EP 820)	1	Practice of Pedagogy (EP 830)	1	Advanced Research Methods (BI 840)	3
Seminar in Bibliology (TH 813)	2	Exegesis of the Pastoral Epistles (NT 877)	2	Exegesis of Psalm 119 (OT 864)	2	From Text to Exposition: (BI 870)	2
Readings in Contemporary Hermeneutics (BI 824)	2	History of Biblical Interpretation Pt I (BI 830)	2	History of Biblical Interp. Pt II (BI 831)	2	Directed Study OR Elective	2
Readings in Contemporary Homiletics (BI 826)	2	History of Biblical Preaching (BI 832)	2	Winterim Course OR Elective	2		28 Units

Bible Exposition Ph.D. Track

Year 1 - Fall	Units	Year 1 - Spring	Units	Year 2 - Fall	Units	Year 2 - Spring	Units
Intro. to Academic Research (EP 810)	1	Philosophy of Pedagogy (EP 820)	1	Practice of Pedagogy (EP 830)	1	Th.M. Thesis ** (TH 838)	3
Seminar in Bibliology (TH 813)	2	Exegesis of the Pastoral Epistles (NT 877)	2	Exegesis of Psalm 119 (OT 864)	2	From Text to Exposition: (BI 870)	2
Readings in Contemporary Hermeneutics * (BI 824)	2	History of Biblical Interpretation Pt I (BT 830)	2	History of Biblical Interp. Pt II (BI 831)	2	Theological German * (GR 800)	2
Readings in Contemporary Homiletics * (BI 826)	2	History of Biblical Preaching *(BI 832)	2	Theological Latin* (LT 800)	2
				Thesis Intro. Methods ** (BI 837A)	2		29 Units
							* incorporates PhD qualifying exam ** incorporates thesis fee

What it Takes To Complete

2-3

Years to Complete

28-29

Required Units

Modular Sessions

Meet the Faculty

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Austin T. Duncan

Pastoral Ministries Department Chair & Director of D.Min. Studies

Michael Grisanti

Old Testament Department Chair

Brad Klassen

Bible Exposition Department Chair

Mark Zhakevich

New Testament Department Chair

Kevin Zuber

Theology Department Chair

Nathan LeMaster

Assistant Professor of Old Testament

James Mook

Director of Ph.D. Studies

Compare Master of Theology to our other Programs

Doctor of Ministry

Master of Divinity

Doctor of Philosophy

Bachelor of Theology

Diploma of Theology

Master of Biblical Ministry

Spanish-English Hybrid  Master of Divinity

Master of Theology

Degree Requirements

Master of Divinity (or M.Div-equivalent M.A. of at least 72 credits)
A consistent record of commendable Christian ministry experience

Career Outcomes

Qualification to fulfill a teaching position and pursue doctoral study, such as the PhD

Learning Outcomes

As an advancing scholar, specialize in an area of biblical or theological studies, gaining facility in its literature and scholarship.
As an advancing exegete, employ more refined skills in Hebrew and Greek translation, exegesis, and interpretation.
As an advancing teacher, implement the skills of communication and effective teaching of course content.
As an advancing researcher, demonstrate thoughtfulness, in-depth interaction, thorough research, and excellence in scholarly writing

Structure

To accommodate the pastor, teacher, or missionary already engaged in ministry, the Master of Theology program does not require residency at the Los Angeles campus. For each 15-week seminar, students can connect online from anywhere in the world for most of the weekly lectures and discussions. Students are required to meet in-person for one week, once each semester.

Doctor of Ministry

Prerequisites

Master of Divinity (or M.Div-equivalent M.A. of at least 72 credits)
3+ years of commendable pastoral ministry experience

Career Outcomes

Enhanced skills in sermon preparation and public exposition of Scripture

Learning Outcomes

As an experienced biblical expositor, to add further understanding, quality, and depth to the exegetical skill needed in sermon preparation.
As an experienced biblical expositor, to add further understanding, quality, and depth to the sermon content synthesis.
As an experienced biblical expositor, to add further understanding, quality, and depth to the rhetorical eloquence.
As an experienced biblical expositor, to demonstrate enhanced expository preaching skills in a culminating program project.

Master of Theology

Degree Requirements

Master of Divinity (or M.Div-equivalent M.A. of at least 72 credits)
A consistent record of commendable Christian ministry experience

Career Outcomes

Qualification to fulfill a teaching position and pursue doctoral study, such as the PhD

Learning Outcomes

As an advancing scholar, specialize in an area of biblical or theological studies, gaining facility in its literature and scholarship.
As an advancing exegete, employ more refined skills in Hebrew and Greek translation, exegesis, and interpretation.
As an advancing teacher, implement the skills of communication and effective teaching of course content.
As an advancing researcher, demonstrate thoughtfulness, in-depth interaction, thorough research, and excellence in scholarly writing

Structure

Master of Divinity

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s Degree
A consistent record of commendable Christian ministry experience.

Career Outcomes

Qualification for pastoral, missionary, and Christian education ministries, as well as further graduate study.

Learning Outcomes

As a future elder, pastor, missionary, or educator, comprehend the significant areas of biblical interpretation, biblical languages, Christian theology and pastoral ministry.
As a future elder/pastor, construct a personal, biblical philosophy of ministry with application to the desired vocational goals.
As a future preacher/teacher of the Scripture, synthesize the input of biblical languages, Bible backgrounds and theological constructs to preach and teach the Bible to varied age levels and abilities within any ministry context.
As a future spiritual leader, exhibit the disciplines of holiness, prayer, leadership, and compassion required for ministry.

Master of Theology

Degree Requirements

Master of Divinity (or M.Div-equivalent M.A. of at least 72 credits)
A consistent record of commendable Christian ministry experience

Career Outcomes

Qualification to fulfill a teaching position and pursue doctoral study, such as the PhD

Learning Outcomes

As an advancing scholar, specialize in an area of biblical or theological studies, gaining facility in its literature and scholarship.
As an advancing exegete, employ more refined skills in Hebrew and Greek translation, exegesis, and interpretation.
As an advancing teacher, implement the skills of communication and effective teaching of course content.
As an advancing researcher, demonstrate thoughtfulness, in-depth interaction, thorough research, and excellence in scholarly writing

Structure

Doctor of Philosophy

Prerequisites

Master of Theology
A consistent record of commendable Christian ministry experience

Career Outcomes

Qualification for professorship, writing, and research

Learning Outcomes

As a critical thinker, collect and analyze primary and secondary sources of information, critique interpretations of the evidence, synthesize the evidence for future scholarly contributions to the field of study, and draw and integrate implications for professional practice.
As a theological exegete, apply exegetical skills to the biblical text, develop a theological critique of views related to the text, and connect the issue with its historical precedents.
As a scholarly communicator, engage in quality written papers and oral presentations in colloquia for the purpose of disseminating personal scholarship to peer audiences as well as future readers and hearers of their work

Master of Theology

Degree Requirements

Master of Divinity (or M.Div-equivalent M.A. of at least 72 credits)
A consistent record of commendable Christian ministry experience

Career Outcomes

Qualification to fulfill a teaching position and pursue doctoral study, such as the PhD

Learning Outcomes

As an advancing scholar, specialize in an area of biblical or theological studies, gaining facility in its literature and scholarship.
As an advancing exegete, employ more refined skills in Hebrew and Greek translation, exegesis, and interpretation.
As an advancing teacher, implement the skills of communication and effective teaching of course content.
As an advancing researcher, demonstrate thoughtfulness, in-depth interaction, thorough research, and excellence in scholarly writing

Structure

Bachelor of Theology

Prerequisites

A minimum of 30 semester units of undergraduate general education credits, with at least 3 of those credits in math
A consistent record of commendable Christian ministry experience.
Over 25 years old

Career Outcomes

Qualification for pastoral, missionary, and Christian education ministries, as well as further graduate study

Learning Outcomes

As a future elder, pastor, missionary, or educator, comprehend the significant areas of biblical interpretation, biblical languages, Christian theology and pastoral ministry.
As a future elder/pastor, construct a personal, biblical philosophy of ministry with application to the desired vocational goals.
As a future preacher/teacher of the Scripture, synthesize the input of biblical languages, Bible backgrounds and theological constructs to preach and teach the Bible to varied age levels and abilities within any ministry context.
As a future spiritual leader, exhibit the disciplines of holiness, prayer, leadership, and compassion required for ministry.

Master of Theology

Degree Requirements

Master of Divinity (or M.Div-equivalent M.A. of at least 72 credits)
A consistent record of commendable Christian ministry experience

Career Outcomes

Qualification to fulfill a teaching position and pursue doctoral study, such as the PhD

Learning Outcomes

As an advancing scholar, specialize in an area of biblical or theological studies, gaining facility in its literature and scholarship.
As an advancing exegete, employ more refined skills in Hebrew and Greek translation, exegesis, and interpretation.
As an advancing teacher, implement the skills of communication and effective teaching of course content.
As an advancing researcher, demonstrate thoughtfulness, in-depth interaction, thorough research, and excellence in scholarly writing

Structure

Diploma of Theology

Prerequisites

o previous degrees required
A consistent record of commendable Christian ministry experience
Over 25 years old

Career Outcomes

Qualification for pastoral, missionary, and Christian education ministries, as well as further graduate study.

Learning Outcomes

As a future elder, pastor, missionary, or educator, comprehend the significant areas of biblical interpretation, biblical languages, Christian theology and pastoral ministry.
As a future elder/pastor, construct a personal, biblical philosophy of ministry with application to the desired vocational goals.
As a future preacher/teacher of the Scripture, synthesize the input of biblical languages, Bible backgrounds and theological constructs to preach and teach the Bible to varied age levels and abilities within any ministry context.
As a future spiritual leader, exhibit the disciplines of holiness, prayer, leadership, and compassion required for ministry.

Master of Theology

Degree Requirements

Master of Divinity (or M.Div-equivalent M.A. of at least 72 credits)
A consistent record of commendable Christian ministry experience

Career Outcomes

Qualification to fulfill a teaching position and pursue doctoral study, such as the PhD

Learning Outcomes

As an advancing scholar, specialize in an area of biblical or theological studies, gaining facility in its literature and scholarship.
As an advancing exegete, employ more refined skills in Hebrew and Greek translation, exegesis, and interpretation.
As an advancing teacher, implement the skills of communication and effective teaching of course content.
As an advancing researcher, demonstrate thoughtfulness, in-depth interaction, thorough research, and excellence in scholarly writing

Structure

Master of Theology

Degree Requirements

Master of Divinity (or M.Div-equivalent M.A. of at least 72 credits)
A consistent record of commendable Christian ministry experience

Career Outcomes

Qualification to fulfill a teaching position and pursue doctoral study, such as the PhD

Learning Outcomes

As an advancing scholar, specialize in an area of biblical or theological studies, gaining facility in its literature and scholarship.
As an advancing exegete, employ more refined skills in Hebrew and Greek translation, exegesis, and interpretation.
As an advancing teacher, implement the skills of communication and effective teaching of course content.
As an advancing researcher, demonstrate thoughtfulness, in-depth interaction, thorough research, and excellence in scholarly writing

Structure

Frequent Questions

How is the Th.M. curriculum structured?

In the 28-unit (29-unit, Ph.D. Track), modular Th.M. program, students are given the opportunity to select an Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, or Bible Exposition emphasis.

Exams

There are four major exams pertinent to each discipline, embedded in corresponding courses. The exams serve as Ph.D. qualifying exams.

Thesis or Capstone Project

To demonstrate academic ability in the non-Ph.D. track, students are required to compile a scholarly research portfolio for the completion of their studies. In the Ph.D. track, the successful submission of a research thesis is required.

What does the modular format look like?

The 15-week fall and spring semesters are divided into three segments:

The pre-module period involves 12 weeks of interactive learning facilitated through Canvas—our online learning platform.
In-person courses at the Los Angeles campus are held for 1–3 weeks.
After the in-person courses end, the term allows for an additional 2 weeks of supplemental learning facilitated through Canvas.

How do the Th.M. and Ph.D. programs complement each other?

The Master of Theology is a preparation degree for the Ph.D. program. Qualifying exams for the Ph.D. are incorporated into the Th.M. curriculum so that students are qualified to enter the doctoral program upon successful completion of the Th.M.

The Th.M. program is ideally completed in two-to-three years, and the Ph.D. program is completed in an additional two-to-three years.

The programs are designed as two halves of a whole. The Th.M. is the coursework that prepares students to write their dissertations in the Ph.D. program. During their Ph.D. studies, students will present a series of colloquia and a defense to the faculty.

If I continue with doctoral study at TMS, who will be my faculty advisor?

Students in the doctoral program will have three readers. The first is their advisor, who will be a member of the TMS faculty. The second reader is another faculty member, and the third is an outside reader from another like-minded seminary.

Advisors are assigned based on a student’s emphasis and the faculty’s availability. Upon application to the program, students may request an advisor. On occasion, a faculty member may also request to serve as advisor to a specific student.

Why TMS?

You wouldn’t trust a doctor who didn’t train at a hospital, who had never cared for an actual patient. In the same way, you shouldn’t entrust the care of your soul, or your family’s, to a pastor with no local church experience. You want someone who was trained in the church and trained by pastors.

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