The Master of Theology (Th. M) program is a 124-unit course of instruction which is well suited for students who plan to pursue doctoral studies, wish to teach in an academic institution, and want to be more effective preachers and teachers of God’s Word. By taking a full-time load of 6 units each trimester, the program can be completed in five years. Course availability, student load, adherence to student advisement, how soon the student completes the capstone thesis requirement, and other factors may extend or shorten the anticipated completion timeline.

PURPOSE

The curriculum leading to the ThM degree is designed to help students develop a high level of competency in academic research by sharpening their exegetical and theological skills beyond the MDiv or its equivalent in preparation for:

1. Advanced study in a doctoral program such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Theology (ThD).
2. Teaching ministry in institutional settings where doctoral-level credentials are not required; and
3. More effective teaching and preaching ministries in local church settings.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the Master of Theology program students will be able to:

1. Recite the general knowledge of the Old and New Testaments including the themes and a synthetic understanding of the major books.
2. Explain the historical development of Christian theology and philosophy.
3. Methodologically evaluate major theological views in the light of biblical theology and defend premillennial theology.
4. Demonstrate ability in the level of competency to exegete Greek and Hebrew texts of the Bible.
5. Summarize a biblically based philosophy of Christian education and the role of the teacher.
6. Be prepared for advanced theological education.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Basic admission requirements and application procedures for the Th.M. program are the same as for all graduate programs at SCS (see Admissions section of this Catalog), with the following exceptions.

1. The evaluation for admission to the Th.M. program includes a review of the applicant’s college transcript (or equivalent) coursework and any related graduate work to ensure the appropriate academic preparation necessary to pursue the Th.M. degree. Transcripts of this work must show a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.
2. Applicants who have completed a graduate degree in biblical or theological studies may be admitted to the Th.M. program with a degree plan outlining what courses and how many units will be required for the completion of their degree. Applicants who are determined to be deficient in their previous course work may be admitted to the program on a conditional status subject to their completion of identified deficiencies.

PROGRAM LENGTH

The program is designed to be completed in five years. However, some students may require additional time, especially if remedial coursework is necessary. All coursework including thesis writing must be completed within ten years, beginning on the date of the student’s first registration for ThM courses at SCS. If the candidate cannot complete the program within this time frame, the candidate must make a written request for an extension to the Dean of Bible and Theology; failure to do so will be considered as withdrawal from the program.

THESIS

Writing and defending a thesis is the capstone project for the ThM degree through which the student evidences a high degree of scholarly competence and research. The thesis must advance knowledge in the respective concentration and/or in methodology and possess quality expected of academic publishing. The prospective ThM candidate will demonstrate research that contributes to the wider body of knowledge pertaining to Bible, theology and/or history in one of the four concentrations for ThM thesis project, and must obtain approval of the thesis subject by their advisor as early in the program of study as possible:

Old Testament

Focus on research pertaining to any one of the 39 books of the OT, displaying a scholarly method in advanced Hebrew (or related languages), grammar, readings, and exegesis. Research will include interaction with both Christian and non-Christian primary and secondary sources.

New Testament

Specialize in research pertaining to any one of the 27 books of the NT, displaying a scholarly method in advanced Greek grammar, syntax, exegesis, and New Testament text critical issues.

Theology

Concentration in one of the various fields of study: Biblical Theology, Systematic Theology, or Historical Theology (including themes related to theological systems). Scholarly exegesis, handling of primary resources, and responsible representation and charitable critique of opposing views will characterize the research conducted and finished product.

Ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman Studies

Specialize in ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman non-canonical sources or historical study that relates to biblical studies: DSS, LXX, Second Temple literature (Apocalyptic, Apocryphal, pseudepigraphal texts, Josephus, Philo, Tacitus, Pliny, etc). Scholarly exegesis, handling of primary resources, and responsible representation and charitable critique of opposing views will characterize the research conducted and finished product.

Once the thesis subject is approved, the following two-step process begins.

1. The student registers for RS-891 Thesis Project 1 and prepares a thesis proposal which is comprised of a tentative title, a thesis statement, a prospectus (no more than six pages) that defines need, goals, and methodology of the research project, and a preliminary bibliography.
2. The student registers for RS-892 Thesis Project 2 and writes the thesis under the supervision of the advisor. Once the thesis is determined to be complete, the student defends the thesis before the thesis committee.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Each candidate for the Th.M. degree must meet the general graduation requirements and:

1. Complete 124 units of the prescribed curriculum and any remedial coursework
2. Take at least 97 of the required 124 units through the Th.M. program at SCS
3. Complete the program curriculum with not less than a 3.0 GPA; and 4. Complete a thesis evidencing a high degree of scholarly competence.