Palmer Theological Seminary
Master of Theological Studies
St. Davids, PA

Palmer's MTS degree prepares women and men for careers in parachurch ministry, public policy, and teaching, among others, and encourages approaching all vocations as ministry. Students can choose concentrations in Christian Faith and Public Policy, Biblical Studies and Theology, Christian Counseling, and General Studies. View concentration and curriculum information.

Some pursue this degree in response to God’s call for vocational application in government, advocacy, counseling and lay ministry within their own congregation, or for personal spiritual growth. Others pursue this degree to prepare for PhD studies.

Program Details

  • Delivery: on-campus
  • Length: 48 credits; 2 years average full-time (part-time options available)
  • Cost: view the cost per unit and our financial aid options
  • Locations: St. Davids, PA
  • Start Terms: January and August

Distinctives

  • FLEXIBILE: Flexible course offerings with evening and weekend class times available.
  • AFFIRMING: Affirming of women and men in ministry.
  • QUICK COMPLETION: Opportunity to realistically complete degree in two years.
  • SOCIAL JUSTICE: Emphasis on social justice through coursework and the work of faculty.
  • DIVERSITY: Ecumenical and unifying environment. Diverse student population which fosters rich peer to peer learning.
  • VARIOUS CONCENTRATIONS: Students can choose concentrations in Christian Faith and Public Policy, Biblical Studies and Theology, Christian Counseling, and General Studies.
  • VOCATIONAL APPLICATION: Students complete this MTS degree for vocational application in government, advocacy, counseling, lay ministry within their own congregation, publishing, public policy and personal enrichment.
  • PhD PREPARATION: Direct route for students that want to later pursue PhD work with thesis option in certain concentrations.
  • SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Students should apply for the Sider Scholarship (50% off tuition) and Brauch scholarships (40% off tuition) to determine their eligibility.
“What I appreciated most about Palmer was the space to rethink the fundamentals of Biblical Christianity, which have been shaped sometimes more by culture than by the scriptures. Any educational experience should not just confirm, but challenge, and Palmer provided just such a “wrestling” arena!”

Linda Hytha, MTS '17

Whole Gospel. Whole World. Whole Persons.

  • Whole Gospel: Demonstrate a biblically informed and theologically grounded commitment to a Holistic Gospel Witness. Activate a commitment to service in the church and community to minister to changing times.
  • Whole World: Develop the ability to engage in the reality and the theology of diverse communities; through a global context of the Christian tradition and intercultural understanding.
  • Whole Persons: Develop a hunger for lifelong spiritual formation and a commitment to fostering interdependent relationships.

Choose Your Concentration

  • Christian Faith and Public Policy
  • Biblical Studies and Theology
  • Christian Counseling 
  • General Studies 

View concentration and curriculum information