Theological Studies, MTS
You thirst for more knowledge. Go deeper in your study of Scripture, the Christian tradition and the Church today.
Our Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree provides instruction across a broad range of theological disciplines. You will complete a core curriculum and then craft the remaining courses to fit your academic and professional goals.
You may use remaining electives to concentrate in one or more areas, such as:
- Biblical studies
- Christian theology
- Church history
- Pastoral care
- Worship
Or, you may also craft a more broad-ranging curriculum without a particular specialization.
Faculty will teach, form and nurture you to ensure as a graduate you exhibit the following competencies.
- A solid understanding of scripture, theology and church history.
- An ability to interpret and communicate the Gospel that honors both the Christian faith and the contemporary multicultural world.
At Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS), we believe that being Lutheran means being in a relationship with other denominations.
That’s why some of our students are Methodists, some are Baptists, and there are students from other denominations as well. Your questions and insights have a place here regardless of your denomination.
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Degree Requirements
Offered in Columbia through December 2024; offered in Hickory beginning Spring 2025
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree is a two-year program (48 credit hours) that provides instruction in a broad range of theological disciplines. Students complete a 27-hour core curriculum and then craft the remaining seven courses to fit their academic and professional goals. MTS students must also complete a summative exercise in which they utlize research and critical-thinking skills within a specific theological field. This track is open to students from all denominations. The MTS can be used to fulfill the Disciplinary Basic Graduate Theological Studies (BGTS) courses and certain other conference membership and ordination requirements in the United Methodist Church. It also applies to those who have completed the UMC's Basic Course of Study and have a bachelor's degree.
Program Admission Requirements
Visit Graduate Admission for the most current Program Admission Requirements.
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Program Requirements
Core Requirements: 27 Credit Hours
- BIB 500 - Survey of the Bible
- BIB elective in any biblical studies area 3 Credits.
- CHS 501 - Church History I
- CHS 502 - Church History II
- THL 501 - Learning Outcomes(Master of Theological Studies students must repeat three times)
- THL 503 - The Vocation of the Seminarian
- THL 510 - Exploring Theology Across Contexts and Cultures
- THL 600 - Introduction to Christian Theology
- THL 650 - Christian Ethics
- Any THL elective 3 Credits.
- THL 670 - Constructive Theology
General Electives: 18 Credit HoursTotal Credit Hours: 48 -
Summative Exercise
The completion of the MTS degree requires a concluding exercise that allows for summative evaluation of the student's work. Through this exercise, the student deomonstrates research and critical-thinking skills within a specific theological field. The exercise may be a thesis in the area of concentration, a comprehensive evaluation (oral or written), or another summative process of evaluation. Students wishing to complete a summative exercise in the field of biblical studies must complete one or more of the relevant biblical language requirements (BIB 503 or BIB 504) and integrate knowledge of the biblical language(s) into the exercise.
Thesis Option: This is a capstone course of three credit hours that should result in a 30- 40 page paper in the area of specialization. This option is recommended for any MTS student who plans on further graduate work. Students should work with their advisors to have the thesis topic approved by the middle of the first semester of the second year. A thesis advisor will be determined based on the thesis topic. The thesis will count as one of the student's general electives.
Written/Oral Comprehensive Examination: The focus of the exam will be the integration of theory and practice. The exam may be completed as a written take-home or oral exam. The coordinator of the two-year programs is responsible for the formulation of the exams yearly.
Other options: Students may propose to the coordinator of the program an alternative to the above options that would be more aligned with the personal and professional goals of the student. This proposal is due to the coordinator by the middle of the first semester of the second year.
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Degree Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Theological Studies program will:
- Demonstrate theologically informed and self-reflective engagement of distinct human cultures and communities.
- Demonstrate competencies necessary to cultivate anti-racist discipleship.
- Analyze Christian scripture and traditions with reference to their original contexts.
- Demonstrate research and critical-thinking skills within a specific theological field.
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Seminary Degree Program Add-On Options
LTSS students may earn a formal concentration in one of three areas: Biblical Studies, Theology, and Faith Formation. Concentrations consist of nine (9) credit hours in general electives. Courses required by a degree program do not count toward a concentration.
Biblical Studies: Choose 9 hours among BIB electives.
Theology: Choose 9 hours among THL electives. With the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, a student may apply up to three hours in biblical studies (BIB) or church history (CHS).
Faith Formation: Choose 9 hours among CED electives. With the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, a student may apply up to six hours in relevant education (EDU) or ministry (MIN) courses.
LTSS students may earn a formal cognate in Leadership. Cognates consist of nine (9) credit hours in general electives. Courses required by a degree program do not count toward a cognate.
Choose 9 hours among the following courses:
- LED 527 Strategic Leadership and Communication
- LED 537 Leading Change, Innovation, and Agility
- LED 547 Leading Diverse Teams
- LED 557 Personal Leadership Development and Ethics
- MIN 540 Leadership in God's Mission
LTSS students may earn a formal cognate in Counseling. Cognates consist of nine (9) credit hours in general electives. Courses required by a degree program do not count toward a cognate. Students enrolled in a counseling cognate will be assigned a secondary advisor from the Counseling program.
Choose 9 hours among the following courses:
- COU 505 Counseling Theories
- COU 520 Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- COU 530 Counseling Techniques
- CPE 500 Clinical Pastoral Education (6 hours in addition to any CPE degree requirement)
- HCS 505 Theoretical Foundations & History of Human Services
- Up to 3 hours of MIN electives, pending approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Programs
LTSS students may earn a formal cognate in Sustainability. Cognates consist of nine (9) credit hours in general electives. Courses required by a degree program do not count toward a cognate.
Choose 9 hours among the following courses:
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