Master of Theological Studies
The M.T.S. at PTS
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary offers a hybrid Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) degree where our customizable curriculum engages scriptural study and features theological research courses. Students focus their studies on one or more theological disciplines to prepare for future graduate study, Christian education careers, or general education purposes. To further customize their seminary degree, a Graduate Certificate in Urban Ministry can be incorporated into the curriculum. At the end of the theological studies program, each student completes a final project that deeply explores a chosen area of concentration.
CAREERS WITH A MASTER OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
M.T.S. graduates often choose to become:
- College or seminary professors
- Pastors
- Religion teachers
- Journalists
- Missionaries
- Doctoral program students
The final project and the elective courses allow students to specialize their theological research in a chosen focus area, which can be interdisciplinary.
Sample focus areas include:
- Practical Theology
- Biblical Theology
- American Religious History
- History of Christian Mission
- Liturgical Studies
- Ecumenical Studies
- Theological Ethics
- Christian Leadership
- Church History
- The Bible and Urban Ministry
- New Testament
- Old Testament
- Historical Theology
- Christian Spirituality
- Theology and Education
- Missional Theology
- History of Biblical Interpretation
- Systematic Theology
- Reformation Studies
M.T.S. Sequence
At Pittsburgh Seminary, the Theological Studies program can be completed in two academic years. Engaging in theological research methods, the second year of theology courses offers the option to customize this program with an abundance of electives. The three tracks are outlined below: General; Scripture and Its Interpretation; and Christian Theology and Traditions.
Access the M.T.S. General Sequence
M.T.S. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
The main objective during the Master of Theological Studies program is to facilitate the exploration of a theological discipline or tradition through flexible courses centered on theological research. By fostering religious reflection and academic study, our students engage with scripture and can reflect that sacred knowledge to the world.
- Demonstrate ability to reflect on Christian traditions.
- Demonstrate an awareness of how socio-cultural context shapes interpretations of tradition, thought, and/or practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to participate in God’s work of enacting racial justice by describing and resisting the sin of racism.
- Engage in graduate level theological research.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PITTSBURGH SEMINARY’S HYBRID M.T.S. PROGRAM
At Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, the Master of Theological Studies degree equips students to engage with biblical texts in context and perform theological research. Our flexible coursework empowers seminary students to delve into the theological questions and traditions that interest them most. This academic Master of Theological Studies degree is comparable to the master of arts in theological studies or master of arts in religion offered at other institutions. And because it's a hybrid degree program, you will learn from your context and ours.
