If you simply want to do focused academic study, the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) offers you the most flexibility. We also have dual-degree options with American University's programs in International Peace and Conflict Resolution and International Development.
Objectives
The Master of Theological Studies degree is offered to provide:
- general theological understanding that equips graduates to reflect thoughtfully and faithfully on their life and work and that enables lay members to participate more effectively in the mission of the Church
- background in the theological disciplines as a foundation for further graduate study
- multi-disciplinary education, especially for participants entering or engaged in other professions who wish to pursue their work from the enlarged perspective of a religious community.
While not designed to provide qualifications for ordained ministry, the M.T.S. degree can provide a structure for meeting certification requirements for various forms of lay ministry. Admission standards for the M.T.S. degree are essentially the same as for the M.Div.; the only difference is the type of recommendations requested.
Length of Program
Students must successfully complete 60 hours of course work in the regular curriculum, plus a final M.T.S. paper. A maximum of 15 hours toward the degree may be from non-theological disciplines, provided such courses are related to the course of study pursued at Wesley. Requests for such credits must be approved by the Dean.
The M.T.S. program may be completed in a minimum of two years of full-time study and must be completed within six years from the date of admission.
Completion of an M.T.S. in conjunction with an M.Div. requires a minimum of 120 semester hours and completion of all requirements for both degrees.
Requirements
Required Courses
- Introduction to Hebrew Bible (4 hours) BI-101 and -102 or BI-175
- Introduction to the New Testament (4 hours) BI-171 and -172 or BI-175
- The Church in History (6 hours) CH-101 and -102
- Systematic Theology (6 hours) ST-305 and -306
- Religion and Society (6 hours) Religion and Society courses must include at least two of the following areas: Ethics, Sociology of Religion, Pastoral Care and Counseling, Anthropology of Religion, World Religions. Only three hours in any one of these areas will count toward the degree requirement.
M.T.S. Paper (3 hours)
Students must prepare a final paper (Course IS-301), which may focus on a problem requiring in-depth research in a particular discipline or may serve broadly to integrate the your learning over the course of study. Proposals for M.T.S. papers must be filed with the M.T.S. Director on the official form by October 1. (An "early bird" proposal submission date of April 1 is available to students who want to begin their research in the summer.) Upon approval of the proposal, a faculty advisor/reader is assigned. That person may opt to administer an oral examination upon completion of the paper.
MTS Paper Proposal Form | MTS Paper Requirements
Elective Courses
Courses beyond those required for all M.T.S. candidates are taken as electives. There are approximately 30 hours of electives in the M.T.S. degree. Students may use their electives to sample a broad range of curricular offerings or they may choose to concentrate their electives in a certain discipline. While the Director of the M.T.S. program serves as advisor for M.T.S. students, those who choose to concentrate their electives may wish to consult a faculty member in their chosen discipline to help guide their selection of electives. This is particularly beneficial for students who are considering further graduate study. Please see the catalog for a full listing of electives.
