Master of Theological Studies
The MTS degree is designed to prepare students for Christian ministry or personal spiritual development. It offers flexibility in structure with our hybrid option and can be tailored to student’s specific vocational goals. The thesis option also makes the MTS appropriate preparation for doctoral studies.
Program Duration
Designed to be completed in 2 years, if studying full-time. Students may study part-time and have up to 10 years to complete the program.
Course Format Options
In-Person/Livestream
Register to attend these courses in-person or remotely via livestream.
In-Person
The traditional classroom experience.
Online
These courses meet fully online in asynchronous format.
The MTS program may be fully completed remotely through a combination of online (asynchronous) and livestream (synchronous) courses.
Tuition
Approximate cost per course is listed above. For full details, visit our Tuition and Fees page.
Specializations:
Christian History and Worldview
Read more about each specialization.
Program Requirements
| Number of courses | |
| Biblical Studies |
2 |
| New Testament and/or Old Testament courses (any 2 courses with codes beginning with NT or OT) |
|
| Theological Studies | 2 |
| Church History and/or Theological Studies courses (any 2 courses with codes beginning with CH or TH) |
|
| Ministry Studies | 2 |
| Ministry Studies courses (any 2 courses with codes beginning with MS) | |
| Ministry Formation | 1 |
| Multi-Term (in-class or online), To be completed alongside a weekly ministry placement Spiritual Formation Retreat (Pass/Fail) [at end of program] |
|
| Specialization | 6 |
| 6 courses in one of the following specializations: Biblical Studies (BS) Church and Culture (CC) Counselling and Spiritual Care (CS) Pastoral Studies (PS) Christian History and Worldview (CW) |
|
| Electives | 5 |
| Free Electives OR 3 Free Electives + Thesis Option (25,000 words) | |
| Program Total | 18 |
Note: each course is equivalent to 3 semester hours
Thesis Option
There is also the option of doing a thesis as part of this degree. Students who demonstrate sufficient academic success (at least a B+ or higher in their specialization and a GPA of at least B+) are encouraged to consider the thesis option. The thesis allows students to pursue their own research, while working with an academic mentor on the faculty. Those who intend to go on for further academic training are strongly encouraged to pursue the thesis option.
Note: Students wishing to write a thesis in biblical studies, must use two of their electives for appropriate biblical language study.
Ministry Formation
The goal of Ministry Formation is to offer McMaster Divinity College students an opportunity for ministry experience, integration of classroom learning with ministry practice, and reflection on personal and theological issues as they pertain to their own development as ministering persons. The program seeks to be highly intentional in its process and outcomes so as to maximize the student’s development for future ministry. By emphasizing the central development tenets of “Knowing, Being, Doing,” the Ministry Formation program seeks to be integrated with the rest of the College’s curriculum, and is intentional in its desire to be an effective program for the formation of current and future ministers in the Church. Ministry Formation is a required course for one year of the MTS program, to allow for flexibility for students, Ministry Formation (Ministry Formation Seminar) is now offered online.
Admission Requirements
Agreement with the McMaster Divinity College Statement of Faith
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with a B- average
Application Deadline
Fall Semester June 1
Winter Semester October 15
Spring Semester March 15