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Master of Theological Studies
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) is a rigorous academic degree best suited for those interested in teaching, leadership, or advanced theological studies. This degree program provides students with a solid theological foundation while allowing the opportunity to concentrate on a specific theological field.
At a Glance
Formats
In-Person
Hybrid
Length
2 Years
Application Deadline
Rolling Admission
Professional Outcomes
Doctoral studies
Secondary education
Non-profit leadership
Catechetical Ministry
The Master of Theological Studies
“I chose the MTS, concentrating in systematic theology, because I felt that it would help me to ask and answer questions about my own experience of faith, as well as enable me to aid others in asking similar questions. I have found a real community of scholarship here in Collegeville and think that it has significantly impacted my life, both academically and personally. For those discerning the MTS, I would say that it has provided me with the space and the tools to develop a fides quarens intellectum et iustitiam and all within a community of friends and mentors that have walked with me every step of the way.”
Master of Theological Studies Overview
The MTS degree requires the completion of 48 credits, or roughly 2 years of full-time studies. The The MTS includes 24 credits of study in the Collegeville Core, at least 9 credits in a concentration area, and up to 12 more credits of electives. This program also requires final Comprehensive Exams (3 credits) with the elected concentration area. This program requires on-campus participation for at least half of the degree program, which can be satisfied either in academic year or summer
Focus Areas
You may choose an area of study from five specializations:
- Sacred Scripture
- Systematic Theology (Doctrine and Moral)
- History of Christianity
- Liturgy
- Monastic Studies/Spirituality
Degree Breakdown
Master of Theological Studies – 48 Credit Hours
Collegeville Core
24 Credit Hours
Collegeville Core Courses:
Sacred Scripture: 6 Credits Total
- New Testament Elective
- Old Testament Elective
Systematic Theology: 6 Credits Total
- Moral Elective
- Doctrine Elective
History of Christianity: 6 Credits Total
- Two Course Sequence
Liturgy: 3 Credits Total
Monastic Studies/Spirituality: 3 Credits Total
Degree Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Theological Studies program will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the history and contemporary context of the Christian theological tradition, including its global context, ecumenical character, and the multicultural realities.
- Exercise a critical, historically-rooted approach to theology that includes reading primary texts in their historical context, assessing them critically, and identifying the social, cultural, and personal lens through which they interpret the tradition.
- Articulate ways in which theological study serves the ongoing life of the Church.
- Incorporate the Benedictine charisms of biblical, liturgical, and communal life into their vocational identity and practice.
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]
Written Narrative
Applicants are required to upload a typed narrative as a part of the application. This narrative should be about 800 words. The narrative should address the applicants professional and vocational goals, and their interest in studying academic theology, particularly at Saint John’s.
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.
Letters of Recommendation
M.T.S applicants are required to request 3 letters of recommendation, from educational or professional contacts, within the online application system. The M.T.S requires that at least one letter of recommendation speak to the applicant’s ability for research.
Recommenders should be able to speak to the academic ability, leadership qualities, communication skills, and overall readiness for graduate theological study.
Letters of recommendation must be requested through the Slate Portal and cannot be sent directly from the applicant to the admission office.
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.