Preparing Religious Scholars
- Research: Write a thesis to pursue research interests or prepare to study at the graduate level.
- Flexibility: Create a program suited to individual academic interests and religious backgrounds/faith traditions.
- Sacred texts: Understand the historical, social and literary contexts that formed sacred texts, as well as a variety of interpretive strategies.
- Contexts: Gain insight into changing emphases, interpretations and practices over time and in differing cultural contexts.
- Theology and philosophy: Explore the world’s wisdom traditions and bring them into conversation with contemporary experience.
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) is a dynamic, 20-credit program tailored to fit your unique academic interests. Whether you're passionate about exploring theology or seeking to provide theological leadership in your community, the MTS offers the flexibility to design a program that aligns with your goals.
For those considering advanced academic pursuits, the MTS also provides the option to write a thesis, paving the way for future graduate studies. Embark on a journey of theological exploration and leadership with the MTS program!
Program Summary
Program Summary
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program offers four faith focus areas to tailor your studies: Interfaith, Buddhist, Christian, or Muslim. Each focus combines foundational courses with the flexibility to explore your chosen tradition in depth or design a broader, non-specialized program.
Program Structure:
- 7 Core Courses: Foundational Emmanuel College courses required for all students.
- 5 Tradition-Based Electives: Courses specific to your selected focus area.
- 3 Additional Designated Electives: Broaden or deepen your theological studies.
- 5 Open Electives: Flexibility to explore other areas of interest.
Electives allow you to build either a specialized or survey-style program of study, depending on your academic and professional goals.
Flexible Completion Options:
- Full-Time: Complete your degree in as little as 2 years.
- Part-Time: Take up to 8 years to finish at your own pace.
Faith Focus or Stream
Buddhist
Foundational Faith Courses Include:
History of Buddhist Traditions
Foundational Tenets and Practices of Buddhism
Buddhist Meditative Traditions
Classic Buddhist Texts
Buddhist Ethics
Buddhist Contemplative Care
Christian
Foundational Faith Courses Include:
Old Testament I
New Testament I
History of Christianity I
Theology I
Christian Ethics in Context
Muslim
Foundational Faith Courses Include:
Surat al-Baqara (Qur’an I)
Biography and Thought: Study of the Life of Muhammad
Islamic Thought: Classical Age or Modern Age
Religious Thought and Spirituality in Islam
Law, Ethics, and Society
Interfaith
Interfaith Courses Include:
Selections across the faith traditions
- Sacred Texts: Deepen your understanding of foundational writings.
- History: Explore the historical contexts and developments of various traditions.
- Theology & Religious Thought: Engage with key theological ideas and religious philosophies.
- Religious Ethics: Examine ethical frameworks and moral teachings across traditions.
- Spirituality: Discover diverse approaches to spiritual practices and experiences.
Theology, Spirituality & The Arts Stream
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master of Theological Studies program you will be able to demonstrate
- Knowledge of sacred texts, history, ethics, and theology that is substantial and relevant.
- Comprehension of intercultural, interreligious and contextual issues bearing upon theological research and scholarship.
- Skills and practices of theological scholarship.