Master of Theological Studies
Purpose Statement
The Association of Theological Schools has established that the purpose of this degree is to provide a basic understanding of theological disciplines for further graduate study or for general educational purposes.
The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary provides a basic foundation in biblical and theological disciplines and a concentration in a particular area of study and practice. It is designed to provide students with both a general theological education and the opportunity to concentrate in subjects important to their interests or ministries. As a general theological studies degree rather than a professional degree, it is not designed for students seeking ordination or leadership positions within congregations. It consists of a minimum of 48 credit hours and normally requires at least two years of full-time study to complete.
All applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
Primary Goals of the Program
The George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University creates a learning environment that shapes scholar-ministers for the Church in the historic orthodox Christian tradition. The Seminary does so in the larger context of a major national research university with a confession rooted in the historic Baptist tradition.
As evidence of the Seminary’s commitment to both its ecclesial and educative contexts, Truett Seminary creates an intentional learning environment that promotes formation, and deepens knowledge.
Graduates of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary should be:
- Persons with a developing sense of calling and a growing dedication to the mission of God in the world;
- Persons with a deepening commitment to the life of the church;
- Persons who are continually being formed as followers of Christ, committed to integrating the Christian practices into daily life (e.g., worship, prayers, study, service);
- Persons of high ethical standards regarding their relationship and responsibility to self, family, congregation, colleagues, community, and creation.
Graduates of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary should know
- The narrative of Scripture including the contours of the biblical stories of Israel, Jesus Christ, and the church, as well as the central themes of creation, fall, redemption, mission, and recreation that shape the narrative;
- The Great Tradition (and traditions) of Christian thought;
- Baptist history and doctrine, while developing an appreciation for the wider ecumenical community;
- Appropriate means for articulating the Christian faith in light of the context in which she or he ministers.
Student Learning Outcomes
The M.T.S. program at Truett Seminary seeks to achieve holistic student development by equipping students through theological and biblical reflection, and spiritual formation. The outcomes for this degree include:
- Graduates of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary will possess foundational skills in the study of content, context, and interpretation of Christian Scripture.
- Graduates of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary will possess foundational skills in the study of both the content and context of the larger Christian tradition.
- Graduates of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary will engage in patterns of practice and belief that will inform and enrich the spiritual life of the minister.
M.T.S. Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | ||
| Minimum requirement | (48) | |
| Residence requirements - minium | (33) | |
| Grade Point average – minimum of 2.00 or “C” overall in required courses | ||
| Course Requirements | ||
| Introductory Courses 1 | ||
| THEO 7340 | Introduction to Christian Scriptures | 3 |
| THEO 7341 | Introduction to Christian History and Theology | 3 |
| Spiritual Formation | ||
| PRTH 7101 | Spiritual Formation I | 1 |
| PRTH 7102 | Spiritual Formation II | 1 |
| PRTH 7103 | Spiritual Formation III | 1 |
| PRTH 7004 | Spiritual Formation Retreat | 0 |
| Christian Scriptures | ||
| THEO 7370 | Christian Scriptures I | 3 |
| THEO 7372 | Christian Scriptures II | 3 |
| THEO 7371 | Christian Scriptures III | 3 |
| THEO 7373 | Christian Scriptures IV | 3 |
| Christian Theology | ||
| THEO 7360 | Christian Texts and Traditions I | 3 |
| THEO 7361 | Christian Texts and Traditions II | 3 |
| THEO 7362 | Christian Texts and Traditions III | 3 |
| THEO 7382 | Constructive Theology | 3 |
| Christian Tradition | ||
| THEO 7396 | The Baptist Identity 2 | 3 |
| or WSLY 7310 | Wesleyan Theology and Doctrine | |
| LEAD 7303 | Leadership for Congregational Ministry | 3 |
| or WSLY 7320 | Wesleyan History & Polity | |
| Electives | ||
| Select nine hours from the following courses: 3 | 9 | |
| New Testament Greek I | ||
| New Testament Greek II | ||
| Hebrew I | ||
| Hebrew II | ||
| Greek Language Readings | ||
| Hebrew Language Readings | ||
| Old Testament Readings | ||
| Studies in Systematic Theology | ||
| Studies in Historical Theology | ||
| New Testament Readings | ||
| Studies in Christian Ethics | ||
| Wesleyan Worship & Sacraments 4 | ||
| Satisfactory academic progress | ||
| Total Hours | 48 | |
- 1
These are required courses; however, based upon previous academic experience, students may petition to waive or substitute these courses. Introductory courses are waived from the degree plan by passing an advanced standing exam (see the Advanced Standing Policy).
- 2
This course is required for all students receiving a Baptist scholarship.
- 3
Additional courses must be approved by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
- 4
Students seeking ordination in the Wesleyan tradition are required to take this course as one of their electives.