Master of Sacred Theology

Master of Sacred Theology - (25 credit hours)

The Master of Sacred Theology (STM) degree is intended for those persons who interests lie in pursing an advanced theological degree with an emphasis on academic study. The Seminary believes that the scholarly vocation is a gift to the ministry of the Church. Because theology can never properly be separated from its relationship to mission and ministry the STM degree aims at enriching both scholarly and pastoral competency. It is thus an appropriate program for both parish pastors and those who goals include further graduate study on an advanced level.

SUMMATIVE REQUIREMENT

Successful completion of 25 semester hours is required for graduation with the Master of Sacred Theology. Twelve hours must be in the area of concentration. A thesis is the normal expectation for completion of the degree: six hours of credit are given for the thesis (these hours are in addition to the concentration). In exceptional circumstances, the student may petition the Academic Affairs Committee for permission not to write thesis. Only courses taken at the 3000 or 4000 levels count towards fulfilling the degree requirements. No more than nine hours may be taken as independent study courses. No more than six hours may be earned through the other seminaries in the Theological Consortium of Greater Columbus or transferred from another STM or comparable program.

DEGREE OUTCOMES

For the sake of the mission of the church, graduates of the Master of Sacred Theology (STM) are able to demonstrate the ability to do advanced scholarly work in an area of academic interest.

The following Core courses are required:

• FDN 4001 Foundations Seminar  
• BL/HTS/MN 4992 - Thesis (based on concentration)
• Successful completion of candidacy examination prepared by the appropriate academic division.  
• Six hours of credit by taking 3000 or 4000 level elective courses selected from the Biblical Literature (BL), History Theology Society (HTS), Language Acquisition (LA) or Ministry (MN) divisions listed in the course descriptions.

Concentrations

Biblical Studies

• Twelve hours of credit by taking 3000 or 4000 level elective courses selected from the Biblical Literature (BL) division listed in the course descriptions.
• Must have Greek and Hebrew competencies.

Mission and Evangelism

• Twelve hours of credit by taking 3000 or 4000 level elective courses selected from the Ministry (MN) division listed in the course descriptions.
• Must have at least one modern language competency.

Pastoral Leadership and Practice

• Twelve hours of credit by taking 3000 or 4000 level elective courses selected from the Ministry (MN) division listed in the course descriptions.
• Must have at least one modern language competency.

Theological Studies

• Twelve hours of credit by taking 3000 or 4000 level elective courses selected from the History Theology Society (HTS) division listed in the course descriptions.
• Must have at least one modern language competency.