Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)

The Master of Theological Studies is for students interested in theological education for a variety of educational and personal goals. This degree program seeks to provide a meaningful grounding in the theological disciplines for further graduate study, personal theological pursuit, secular or church-related careers. Through a core of required courses and a wide variety of elective course offerings and concentrations, the Master of Theological Studies can be tailored to a variety of particular interests and goals. 

Program Requirements | General Guidelines | Curricular Areas | Concentrations 

Program Requirements

1. All M.T.S. students are required to complete satisfactorily an M.T.S. Writing Course and an M.T.S. Writers' Workshop. The Writing Course must be completed in the first semester of course work, the Writers' Workshop in the second semester. Satisfactory completion of all requirements in the course and workshop is necessary in order to advance in the M.T.S. program. 
2. The Master of Theological Studies consists of 32 course units (the approximate equivalent of 48 semester hours of credit), normally as follows: 
   • Area I: Biblical Studies (8 units) 
   • Area II: Christian Thought & Mission (8 units) 
   • Area III: Concentration Electives (12 units) 
   • Area IV: Internships, Methodology Courses, or Research Papers (4 units) 
3. Beginning in Fall of 2005, M.T.S. students in concentrations other than Christian Counseling will go through an M.T.S. version of Assessment I at or near completion of 11 units of coursework, and an M.T.S. version of Assessment II. Students in the Christian Counseling concentration will be required to complete the M.Div. version of both Assessment I and II. 

Total: 32 units 
(Note: most courses in the curriculum are 2-unit courses that meet for 2 3/4 hours a week for a 14-week semester, equivalent to a 3 semester-hour course.) 

General Guidelines

1. Requirements for the Master of Theological Studies could theoretically be completed in one-and-a-half years of full-time study. Scheduling of courses or extra-Seminary commitments may extend the program of studies over a two-year period. Normally, the maximum time allowance for completion of the degree requirements is six academic years. 
2. Faculty advisors are responsible for working with students in designing their program. Requests for exceptions to the stated requirements are submitted to the Academic Dean by the advisor. 
3. Normally, advisors are assigned in keeping with students' announced fields of concentration. 
4. A 2-unit research paper is 40-50 pages in length (if written in fulfillment of Area IV requirement). Procedures and time lines for M.T.S. projects and/or research papers are available in the Registrar's Office. 
5. All M.T.S. research papers will follow Chicago Manual style, as outlined in Carole Slade's Form & Style. 
6. Transfer credit from other institutions will be evaluated and approved by the Registrar and the Dean. A minimum of one-half of the Area III elective concentration (6 units) must be taken with the Seminary's regular or adjunct faculty members. 

Areas I and II: Biblical Studies and Christian Thought and Mission 
Students will normally take foundation courses listed in the M.Div. curriculum (e.g., O.T. History & Content; N.T. Study; Biblical Interpretation; Systematic Theology I and Church History I or II), as stipulated under each concentration below. 

Area III: Elective Concentrations 
An elective field of concentration enables students (with the approval of advisors) to obtain the particular Master of Theological Studies that will best suit their personal and vocational goals. The availability of particular concentrations depends on existing faculty and curricular resources. 

Area IV: Internships, Methodology Courses and/or Thesis 
One or a combination of the following may fulfill this segment of the program: practica; methodology courses (such as educational methods, theological field education, exegesis/ language); independent research. 

Concentrations (Prior to Fall 2005)

• Biblical Studies 
• Contemporary Theology 
• Christian Faith and Public Policy 
• Christian Heritage 
• Christian Mission 
• Christian Counseling 

Concentrations (Beginning Fall 2005)

• Bible, Theology, and Ethics (encompasses Biblical Studies, Contemporary Theology, and Christian Faith and Public Policy emphases) 
• Christian Heritage and Mission (encompasses Christian Heritage and Christian Mission emphases) 
• Christian Counseling 

Biblical Studies (Bible, Theology, and Ethics)
The M.T.S. in Biblical Studies curriculum includes language study (Greek and Hebrew), methodology and biblical background (e.g. Biblical Interpretation, Archaeology) and biblical content/theology courses in individual books or sections of the Bible (e.g. Psalms, Prophets, Romans, Gospels, O.T./N.T. Theology). 

• Area I: OT History & Content or OT Study; NT Study; OT or NT Theology; and a 2-unit Bible elective 
• Area II: Systematic Theology I and Church History I or II, plus 4 units according to interest and ability in Theology, Ethics, Church History, and Christian Mission 
• Area III: Required: One of the biblical languages and Biblical Interpretation, plus 8 elective units to build on concentration
  Recommended: 
  Greek and Hebrew for those heading toward post-seminary studies; 
  Computer literacy in biblical studies as basis for post-seminary research; 
  Research Methodology in Biblical Studies. 
• Area IV: Possibilities: 
  An archaeological dig and/or a biblical land study tour (up to 4 units); 
  A 2-unit research paper and a study tour/archaeological dig, or two 2-unit research papers. 

Contemporary Theology (Bible, Theology, and Ethics)
This focus offers an opportunity for theological reflection on personal and global issues of concern today, based on a solid foundation of Christian theology. Because of the diverse backgrounds and interests of our theology faculty, the concentration might take any one of several directions. 

• Area I: OT History & Content or OT Study; NT Study; OT or NT Theology; plus a 2-unit Bible elective 
• Area II: Systematic Theology I and II; Church History I or II; plus 2 units according to interest and availability in Theology, Ethics, Church History, and Christian Mission 
• Area III: electives to build concentration 
• Area IV: Required: Two 2-unit research papers 

Christian Faith and Public Policy (Bible, Theology, and Ethics)
This concentration equips persons to shape public policy in a way that is grounded in both Christian faith and social analysis, by helping students learn how to integrate solid biblical/theological study and careful socio/political thought. The curriculum includes courses at Eastern University and other institutions, as well as internships with agencies impacting public policy. 

• Area I: OT History & Content or OT Study; NT Study; plus 4 units of Bible electives 
• Area II: Theological Foundations for Ministry; Systematic Theology I and Church History I or II plus 2 units according to interest, availability in Theology, Ethics, Church History, and Christian Mission 
• Area III: 
  1. Theology and Public Policy (includes a 3-day introduction to Christian agencies in Washington, D.C. that impact public policy) 
  2. Political Theology 
  3. The additional 8 units may be taken from the following: 
     • Discipleship, Spiritual Formation and Social Change 
     • Biblical Faith & Economics 
     • Courses at Eastern University (Macroeconomic Analysis; Public Policy & Development; Legal & Government Issues Affecting Non-profit Organizations; Economic Systems & Comparative Values) 
     • Students may also opt to take one or two graduate courses on public policy from universities in the Philadelphia area. 
• Area IV: 
  1. Required: Internship with an organization working on public policy, consisting of 14 hours per week plus bi-weekly reflection seminars with supervisor (2 units). One internship option is with Evangelicals for Social Action (ESA), whose office is on campus; there are many other Philadelphia options. 
  2. The above requirement may be taken for up to 3 additional semesters. (Any units exceeding the 4-unit requirement for Area IV may be applied to the 12-unit requirement for Area III.) 
  3. The student may write a 2-unit research paper. 

Christian Heritage (Christian Heritage and Mission)
The central purpose of this concentration is to learn how to draw upon the Christian heritage as a resource for ministry today. Two means to that end are to gain a graduate level familiarity with the Christian heritage and to gain a good grasp on historical methodology. 

• Area I: OT History & Content or OT Study; NT Study; plus 4 units of Bible electives 
• Area II: Church History I and II, plus 4 units in Theology, Ethics, Church History, and Christian Mission 
• Area III: The 12 units of electives must include 3 of the following: 
  • one course on a specific period of Church Heritage 
  • one course on a significant movement in Church Heritage 
  • one course on one or more major issues 
  • one course on one or two major figures whose primary contributions preceded 1960 

  The courses selected should preferably not overlap. Courses may be taken at other graduate schools. All elective concentration courses must be approved by a Palmer Theological Seminary professor in the discipline. 

• Area IV: A minimum of one course on historical methodology and a 40 to 50 page independent research paper on a subject approved by a Seminary professor in the discipline 

Christian Mission (Christian Heritage and Mission)
The aim is to provide students with a biblical, wholistic understanding of contemporary challenges to Christian mission, current theologies of mission, the missionary situation around the world and the involvement of the local church in world mission. 

• Area I: OT History & Content or OT Study; NT Study; plus 4 units of Bible electives 
• Area II: Theological Foundations for Ministry, Systematic Theology I and either Church History II or a course in the History of Missions, plus a 2-unit course in Theology, Ethics, Church History, and Christian Mission 
• Area III: Required: Christian World Mission, plus 10 units of electives according to interest and availability. (By agreement with Palmer Theological Seminary, students may also take courses offered in Overseas Ministries Study Center [OMSC], M.S. Economic Development program at Eastern University, and the Mission program of Westminster Seminary.) 
• Area IV: Possibilities: 
  1. Third World immersion/study experience 
  2. A 2-unit research paper in combination with a 2-unit supervised internship experience. 

Christian Counseling
This concentration offers the opportunity to gain insights and abilities for ministry to persons where relational, interpersonal and caring skills are called for. This concentration does not prepare persons to be professional counselors, but it does lay a solid theological and counseling theory foundation for further preparation. 

• Area I: OT History & Content or OT Study; NT Study; plus 4 units of Bible electives 
• Area II: Systematic Theology I and Church History I or II, plus 4 units according to interest and availability in Theology, Ethics, Church History, and Christian Mission 
• Area III: Introduction to Pastoral Care plus electives to build concentration 
• Area IV: Possibilities: 
  1. Clinical Pastoral Education (4 units) 
  2. Two 2-unit Clinical Pastoral Care experiences in two different types of settings 
  3. A 2-unit CPC experience and a 2-unit Seminary-approved, supervised practicum 
  4. A methodology course (e.g. Statistics/Tests and Measurements), followed by a 2-unit research project related to the methodology course. 

When selecting this concentration, it is especially important that the student understand how this course of study relates to the field and practice of counseling. Completion of the M.T.S in Christian Counseling does not qualify a person for licensure, certification or practice as a professional counselor. The course of study, however, does provide exposure to a variety of counseling theories, issues and skills, and it requires the student to bring theological and biblical knowledge to bear upon this foundational social science material. Consequently, the M.T.S with a concentration in Christian counseling is well suited for those who, a) intend to pursue further graduate studies in psychology/counseling, b) are engaged in lay ministry settings requiring interpersonal and caring skills, and c) desire to integrate their Christian faith with counseling theory and practice. 

If you would like to learn more about the Master of Theological Studies program, send your name, postal address, phone number and which program(s) you are interested in to semadmis@eastern.edu.