Master of Theology
The Master of Theology (Th.M.) allows students to engage in intensive study in further research. Whether you want further expertise in a specific area of study or want further preparation before Ph.D. studies, the Th.M. is the degree for you. The Th.M. program offers the student an opportunity to gain greater mastery in an area of study than is normally possible at the M.Div. level.
Ministry Th.M.
The Ministry Th.M. is designed for students interested in furthering their M.Div. studies but who are not necessarily planning to do advanced studies beyond the Th.M. degree. The Ministry Th.M. coursework is designed to cover broader categories of study than the Research Th.M. or Ph.D., enabling the student to round out their M.Div. education in preparation for ministry.
Program Requirements
| Graduate Research Seminar | 2 |
| Foundations for Theological Studies | 2 |
| Five Th.M. Courses | 20 |
| Total Program Requirements | 24 |
|---|
Ministry Th.M. Concentrations
- Biblical Theology & Exegesis
- Missions & Evangelism
- Philosophy, Worldview, & Apologetics
- Practical Theology
- Theological and Historical Studies
Research Th.M.
The Research Th.M. is designed for students interested in pursuing further studies, most likely a Ph.D.
The Research Th.M. provides the opportunity to broaden and deepen the student’s knowledge in an area of concentration and to produce a significant research paper (thesis), which will be an important step in pursuing further studies.
Program Requirements
| Graduate Research Seminar | 2 |
| Foundations for Theological Studies | 2 |
| Three Th.M. Courses | 12 |
| Two Doctoral Seminars | 8 |
| Thesis | 2 |
| Total Program Requirements | 26 |
|---|
Research Th.M. Concentrations
- Biblical Studies
- Biblical Theology
- Church History
- Missions & Evangelism
- New Testament
- Old Testament
- Philosophy, Worldview, & Apologetics
- Practical Theology
- Systematic Theology
- The student will be able to plan research in an area of specialization and, where appropriate, will relate the work to the larger context of theological study.
- The student will be able to conduct research using standard scholarly tools and methods.
- The student will be able to communicate the results of his/her research effectively.
- The student will be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding of an area of specialization.
Introducing the new modular Th.M.
Start Your Application
Thank you for your interest in the Master of Theology program at Southern Seminary. The following information is designed to give you insight into the Th.M. application process. After reviewing these requirements, prospective students will want to begin completing the online application.
Admission Prerequisites
- An M.Div. or its equivalent (72 credit hours minimum in specific disciplines) for all degrees with the exception of Christian Worship, Higher Education, Christian Missions and Leadership which requires an M.A. (61 hours minimum in specific disciplines).*
- A master’s level cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for a Ministry Th.M. and 3.3 for a Research Th.M and Modular Th.M.
- Academic Paper
*For more information about our equivalency standards, leveling options, or to request an equivalency review based on your master’s level work, please email admissions@sbts.edu.
TOEFL (International Applicants)
For applicants whose native language is not English, an official score report not more than three years old on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required prior to admission. Ministry Th.M. applicants must score at least 90 and Research Th.M. applicants must score at least 95.
Application Deadlines
Research and Modular Students please allow up to six weeks from application deadline for a final admission decision.
| Ministry Th.M. | Rolling Admissions Deadline |
| Research Th.M. — Fall Matriculation | June 1 |
| Research Th.M. — Spring Matriculation
Modular Th.M. – Spring Matriculation |
November 1st
November 1st |
“An additional year’s worth of in-depth study helped me discern that further study was in my future. Whether you are a pastor, a recent graduate, a hopeful academic or something in between, Southern’s Th.M. program is a great way to dig your well just a bit deeper.”
Tyler Wittman
Th.M., Southern Seminary
Ph.D. Systematic Theology, University of St. Andrews
Ministry Th.M.
| $1,000 down payment, balance due equally over 18 months. | |
| Total cost for SBC students | $8,615 |
| Total cost for non-SBC students | $14,645 |
Research Th.M.
| $1,000 down payment, balance due equally over 18 months. | |
| Total cost for SBC students | $9,330 |
| Total cost for non-SBC students | $15,861 |
Students should allow at least three semesters of study to complete their program. Students who take longer than three semesters will be assessed an additional $1,000 fee for each semester of extension beyond the three-semester limit.
Advance your theological education.
Schedule a Doctoral Campus Visit
Visiting Southern will give you an opportunity to explore our beautiful campus and to get all of your important questions answered.
Attend Preview Day
Southern Seminary hosts a Preview Day each Spring and Fall – attendees are automatically entered to win a $1000 scholarship.
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