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Master of Theology (Th.M.)
Master of Theology (ThM)
The Master of Theology (ThM) program is a postgraduate, pre-doctoral program which prepares students for further studies in Theology. For students who already have a master’s level degree in theology (MA, MTS, M.Div), this advanced degree allows those to continue their theological education through the writing and completion of a significant master’s thesis, complimented by coursework.
At a Glance
Formats
In-Person
Online
Hybrid
Length
1 Year
Application Deadline
Rolling Admission
Professional Outcomes
Ph.D. Candidate
D.Min Candidate
The Master of Theological Studies
I absolutely loved my experience in the Th.M. at Saint John’s. I had the opportunity to focus on theological research in a supportive and encouraging environment and build connections with professors who helped me see through my goal of pursuing a PhD in theology. I also made lifelong friends who made me a better Christian, student, and person. Saint John’s does an amazing job integrating the spiritual and the academic: the opportunities I had for things like collective prayer and community building fueled my research.
Master of Theology – Overview
The Master of Theology degree requires the completion of 24 credits hours. The ThM includes 15 credits of electives, a 3 credit Research Seminar, and 6 credits of Thesis writing. For those who plan to seek entry into a doctoral program, language requirements in your discipline may be required for admission.
Degree Breakdown
Master of Theology: 24 Credits
Research Seminar: 3 Credits Total
- The research seminar is designed to direct and guide students in advanced theological research in preparation for writing a thesis. Students will be engaged in dialogue and critiques of each other’s work in order to enhance understanding of theological research and writing.
Thesis: 6 Credits Total
Electives: 15 Credits Total
- Students select coursework based upon the student’s area of research interest and need.
Foreign Language Reading Proficiency
Student with aspirantions to pursue doctoral studies are strongly encouraged to take coursework in required languages and to use these languages in their thesis to bolster chances for successful doctoral applications (e.g., a Th.M. student seeking a Ph.D. in New Testament should take coursework in Greek and use Greek within the Thesis).
Degree Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Theology will be able to:
Gain a general knowledge of the Christian theological tradition and of contemporary scholarship
- Students will understand and be able to use theological vocabulary and concepts in theological and ministerial discussions.
- Students will be able to engage in research, writing, and oral exposition.
- Students will develop an understanding of the global context of the Christian tradition, the ecumenical character of the Christian tradition, and the multicultural realities of contemporary society.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to use theological texts in a language other than English
Develop a critical, historically-rooted approach to theology
- Students will know how to read primary texts in the context of historical periods.
- Students will be able to assess theological texts and materials critically.
- Students will be aware of the social, cultural, and personal lens through which they interpret the tradition.
Demonstrate the ability to engage in theological research and defend a position responsibly through the writing and oral defense of a thesis.
Understand how theological study serves the ongoing life of the Church.
Residential Students
Residential students are expected to participate in a Research Assistantship as part of their scholarship. Admitted residential students who participate in a Research Assistantship will receive a full-tuition academic year scholarship.
Theological Integration
Academic Excellence
- Obsculta Journal – Each year students, with the oversight of a faculty member, publish a student journal of theology.
- Language Training – Saint John’s regularly offers coursework in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew.
- Alcuin Library – Home to the Saint John’s Bible and the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library, Alcuin contains one of the largest theological collections in North America.
- Conference Support – Saint John’s financially supports students to attend conferences to hone their academic writing.
Spiritual Formation
- Midday Prayer & Convivium – Every Thursday students, faculty, and staff gather for an ecumenical midday prayer and shared meal.
- Monastic Horariums – Saint John’s Abbey and The Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict pray the Liturgy of the hours every day.
- Spiritual Direction – While not required in the MTS curriculum, students are able to take advantage of Spiritual Direction with the monastic communities.
- Daily Mass – There are many options for daily Mass with in the local community, and Tuesday Mass is offered in Emmaus Hall.
Student Experience
- Community Retreat – Every year Saint John’s hosts a community day of retreat for all students, faculty, and staff.
- Student Government – Events are planned throughout the year by the student government for students.
- Student-Led Retreats – Student government hosts two student retreats a year, one in the fall and one in the spring.
- Embedded Experience – our graduate students have full access to the dining halls, sporting events, fine arts programming, weightrooms, campus ministry, etc. of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.
Application Process
Saint John’s uses a robust application software, Slate, for the application process. Prospective students will create a username and password, and then upload/request pertinent information directly into Slate. After beginning an application, students can log back into the application portal and check their progress.
If you have any questions/concerns about Slate and the admission process, please reach out to the Admission Office: [email protected]
Letter of Intent
- Applicants are required to upload a typed letter of intent as a part of the application. This narrative should be about 800 words.The letter of intent should address the applicant’s professional and vocational goals, the specific requirements of the ThM, areas of theological interest, and capacity for undertaking a substantial research and writing project.
Letters of Recommendation
- ThM applications are required to submit 2 letters of recommendation.
- These 2 letters of recommendation should come from professors at the institution where you completed your graduate theological degree.
- Letters of recommendation must be requested through the Slate Portal and cannot be sent directly from the applicant to the admission office.
Writing Sample
- ThM applicants are required to submit a writing sample of 15-20 pages, including bibliography and footnotes.
- A graduate paper or chapter of a thesis is acceptable.
Resume / CV
Applicants are required to submit an updated résumé outlining personal, educational and professional backgrounds. This can be uploaded directly into the application portal, Slate.
Transcripts
Official transcripts of post-secondary coursework must be sent from the Registrar’s Office to the Admissions Office
Contact Information for Sending Transcripts:
Admissions at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary
P.O. Box 7288
Collegeville, MN 56321
Next Steps
Our Office of Admission is available to walk with you in your discernment. Whether you’re questioning which degree is the best for your personal, vocational, and professional goals or if you feel ready to start your application today, our team is prepared to accompany you through the process.