Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree program attracts those for whom the academic study of theology is itself a fulfilling—even spiritual—exercise. An MTS student might be preparing for doctoral studies and an academic vocation, for service to a congregation, for deacons orders, or for work in a nonprofit setting. We know there is no “typical” MTS student. Luckily, with the academic resources of Boston University School of Theology, no matter what theological discipline interests you, it can be studied here. Our outstanding faculty set demanding academic standards, and offer opportunities for interdisciplinary study through the wider University and the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium.
The MTS degree is completed over two years of full-time study. Its curriculum begins with core coursework in theology, history, and biblical studies, along with a contextual education experience to help students learn beyond the classroom. Once the core is completed, students can choose to take the flexible “open format” route, in which they take courses that fit their interests from any discipline. Or MTS students can opt to declare a specialization in a particular field. The specialization still leaves plenty of free electives, but it provides a more robust focus in a particular field of study. In addition, the MTS can be taken as part of a dual degree with social work (MTS/MSW) or with education (MTS/MAT).
Please see the full description of the degree program in the STH Bulletin, which also contains admissions and financial information.
The School of Theology offers the following variations of the MTS degree program:
Open Format MTS Program
- Open Format MTS – customizable toward one’s own interests
Plan of Study
MTS Core (16 credits)
- Intro to Christian Traditions (3 credits) and Christianity Engaging Modernity (3 credits) – year-long sequence
- Intro to Hebrew Bible (3 credits) and Intro to New Testament (3 credits) – year-long sequence
- First year formation (1 credit)
- One semester Contextual Education internship, project, or travel seminar (3 credits)
Core Electives: 3 courses of the student’s choosing – one from each broad area of the curriculum (9 credits):
- One course from Cluster 1, “Texts and Traditions” (3 credits)
- One course from Cluster 2, “Engaging Contemporary Contexts” (3 credits)
- Once course from Cluster 3, “Theories and Practices of Leadership” (3 credits)
Free Electives (24 credits): Half of the degree is open to courses of each student’s choosing with advisor approval.
MTS with Specializations
In addition to the “Open Format” or “Dual Degree” versions of the MTS degree, students may also pursue one of the following specializations ((pdf) (docx))
- Religion and Conflict Transformation: the study of the theology, theory, and practice of faith-based conflict transformation in the church and in the world.
- Transcultural Studies: the interdisciplinary study of faith and leadership across cultural and national borders that draws primarily upon the fields of sociology, mission, ethics, and culture studies.
- Theology: the critical and constructive study of the Christian witness of faith, its meaning and truth, and its relevance for the world.
- Texts and Traditions: the historical study of Hebrew and Christian scripture, church history, and the history of Christianity more broadly (students can focus in on one or more of these if they like).
- Religion and Science: the interdisciplinary study of religion and science, with attention to the challenges and debates, opportunities and interrelationships that arise in the meeting of these two important areas of human life and thought.
- Ecological Theology & Ethics: the study of the interrelationships between theology, ethics, spirituality, and nature, particularly in light of environmental concerns and employing the tools of ecological sciences.
- Spirituality Studies: the study of religious experience and spiritual practices, texts and traditions with careful attention to the intersections of spirituality, faith communities, culture, and public life.
Dual Degree: Theology and Education MTS/MAT
Opportunities abound for religious educators in both secular and religious contexts, not only for the teaching of a particular religion, but for teaching any number of other subjects in religious or faith-based institutions. The combination of expertise in theology and religion with the various academic fields for which the MAT prepares persons uniquely position graduates from the dual degree as interdisciplinary leaders and educators with broad intellectual horizons and pedagogical depth.
The Master of Arts in Teaching degree program in the School of Education is designed for college graduates who want to continue their studies in an academic field, and at the same time secure initial licensure to teach at the secondary level. Currently, the School of Education offers MAT degrees in English Education, Mathematics Education, Modern Foreign Language Education, Science Education, and Social Studies Education. While the MAT program requires students to possess an undergraduate degree, or equivalent amount of coursework, in the intended area of study, the program does not presume students have completed coursework in education. The MAT program leads to licensure as a middle or high school teacher in all states and in the District of Columbia through reciprocal licensure agreements. (Individual states may have other requirements).
Dual Degree: Theology and Social Work MTS/MSW
This program is designed for students who are enrolled, or who plan to seek admission, in the dual degree program that the School of Theology shares with the School of Social Work (the MTS/Master of Social Work degree). The track ensures that courses counting for both degrees are tracked properly and guides the student through both programs efficiently. At present, almost one-third of MTS courses are shared with Social Work, thereby reducing the time it takes to complete both degrees had they been taken separately.
MTS Learning Outcomes
The MTS curriculum is shaped by the conviction that religious life in today’s world may be enriched by deep exploration of theological traditions in dialogue with broad understanding of the complexities of our global context. Students have opportunities to prepare for a variety of contributions as religious leaders serving in diverse communities, analyzing religious life in relation to diverse social contexts, and increasing theological knowledge and understanding.
The primary learning outcomes of the MTS include:
- a critical appreciation and foundational understanding of:
- the Hebrew Bible and New Testament;
- the broad heritage and legacies of the Christian tradition; and
- the Christian tradition in relation to other faith traditions and social-cultural contexts.
- a critical understanding of and creative engagement with the cultural realities and structures within which religious and other forms of public leadership are carried out, including:
- contemporary cultural and social issues and their significance for diverse linguistic and cultural contexts of leadership informed by faith; and
- the global character of religious communities in the multifaith and multicultural context of contemporary society.
- focused knowledge in a specific discipline for students pursuing a particular MTS concentration or, in other cases, a survey knowledge of various theological disciplines,
- a developed intellectual focus and vocational direction, and
- growth in one’s capacity for a robust embrace of and engagement with social and theological diversity and one’s capacity to relate across difference.
