Master of Theology

{{Short description|Master's degree}}
{{for|Master of Arts in Theology|Master of Arts}}

'''Master of Theology''' ({{lang-la|Theologiae Magister}}, abbreviated '''MTh''', '''ThM''',  or '''MTheol'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/qualifications/mtheol.html|title=Master of Theology (MTheol), Qualifications|publisher=University of Otago|date=5 May 2019}}</ref>) is a post-graduate degree offered by [[universities]], [[divinity school]]s, and [[seminaries]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|title=Approved Degrees|url=https://www.ats.edu/member-schools/approved-degrees?field_degree_degree_value_1=ThM|publisher=Association of Theological Schools|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> It can serve as a transition degree for entrance into a PhD program or as a stand-alone terminal degree depending on one's particular educational background and institution of study. In North America, the ThM typically requires at least 2–3 years of prerequisite graduate study for entrance into the program, typically a [[Master of Divinity]] or equivalent. 

== Coursework ==
The Master of Theology often includes one or two years of specialized advanced and/or doctoral level studies in theological research (i.e. counseling, [[church history]], [[systematic theology]], etc.). Depending on the institution, it may or may not require [[comprehensive examination]]s and a research [[thesis]], but is required to produce "learning outcomes that demonstrate advanced competency in one area or discipline of theological study and capacity to conduct original research in that area."<ref name="ATSStandards">{{cite book|url=https://www.ats.edu/files/galleries/standards-of-accreditation-161130.pdf|title=Degree Program Standards|publisher=Association of Theological Schools|page=41|year=2015}}</ref>

== North America ==
In North America, the [[Association of Theological Schools]] requires a Master of Theology, or the equivalent [[Master of Sacred Theology]], to be the minimum educational credential for teaching theological subjects in its accredited seminaries and graduate schools.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Which Degree? MDiv vs. MA vs. ThM |url=https://www.seminarycomparison.com/seminary-comparison-mdiv-vs-ma-vs-thm/ |website=Seminary Comparison |access-date=22 March 2019 |date=25 April 2017}}</ref> The [[Association of Theological Schools]] classifies both degrees as "Advanced Programs Oriented Toward Theological Research and Teaching."<ref name="ATSStandards"/>

The Master of Theology often functions as a terminal level degree, dependent upon one's particular educational route or institution of study. Some institutions award a Master of Theology ''en route'' to a [[Doctor of Philosophy]] or [[Doctor of Theology]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Doctor of Philosophy|url=http://www.sbts.edu/doctoral/doctor-of-philosophy/|website=SBTS|publisher=Southern Baptist Theological Seminary|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref>

== International ==
The international Th.M or M.Th degree is generally an entry-level masters degree, roughly equivalent to an American [[Master of Arts|M.A.]] The nomenclature can be confusing. In the U.S., the Th.M is an advanced or second master's, while in much of the rest of the world, it is a first degree.

== See also ==
* [[Master of Divinity]]

== References ==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Master Of Theology}}
[[Category:Christian education]]
[[Category:Master's degrees|Theology]]
[[Category:Religious degrees]]