Master of Theology (Th.M.)

Purpose

The Master of Theology program is designed to prepare students for an advanced biblical and theological education, to equip them for a teaching ministry at a seminary or university, and to enhance their specialized scholarly function and spiritual vitality in ministry. The Th.M. program focuses in three areas of studies: Old Testament, New Testament, and Systematic Theology.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Th.M. program offers specialization in Biblical Studies (concentrations in Old Testament or New Testament) and Systematic Theology. The program fosters and equips students to have the following qualities and be able to:

  1. Interpret and teach the content of Scripture or theology in academic and ministry settings.

  2. Evaluate various biblical and theological critical methodologies.

  3. Locate, appraise, and synthesize research resources for biblical and theological studies. 
  4. Complete an academic master’s thesis that is well-organized, logical, and effectively evaluates and synthesizes complex theological concepts.
  5. Assess personal spiritual vitality.  This is to be achieved through:
    1.  Practicing spiritual disciplines individually and in the faith community (e.g., small groups and chapel).
    2. Assessing Spiritual Growth with Lifeway Spiritual Growth Assessment 
    3. Identifying self-awareness, godly character, mature interpersonal relationships and ministerial gifts.
    4. Examining an increasing likeness to Christ as manifested in love for God, love for others, and the fruit of the Spirit.
Admission Requirements
  1. Born-again Christians and are called to the ministry of theological education or theological research.
  2. Master of Divinity degree or Master of Arts in Biblical studies from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.33 (B+ or 86.5 – 89.9%) or above.
  3. Proof of English proficiency is required. Minimum TOEFL score of 550 / 79-80 (TOEFL IBT), or IELTS score of 6.5, taken within two years, is required.
  4. A research paper by applicant, as evidence of the aptitude for advanced theological studies.
  5. A demonstration of maturity in personal and spiritual life, with recommendations from two seminary professors.
  6. Applicants must achieve a grade of B or above in Hebrew and Greek at the time of application. A course grade of C will not be eligible for a scholarship.
Entrance Exams
  1. All students are required to take an entrance exam.
  2. Exam for different concentration: OT: Hebrew exam; NT: Greek; ST: Systematic theology knowledge
    1. Students are to take the entrance exam on New Student Orientation Day if the student has completed 15 credits in Biblical languages before admission.
    2. Students are to take the entrance exam by July 31 in next year if the student has not completed 15 credits in Biblical languages before admission. The Biblical languages requirement shall be completed within the 1st year or as the courses are offered.
Program Content
  1. This program emphasizes academic research. All courses are designed toward this direction.
  2. Entire program consists of 24 semester units (excluding prerequisite of 15 units in biblical languages): 18 units of course work and 6 units of thesis.
  3. Biblical language requirement is either 9 units of Hebrew and 6 units, of Greek or 6 units of Hebrew and 9 units of Greek. 
  4. This program is only offered to students majoring in biblical and theological studies.
Program Design

Basic studies (6)

  • Core course: Research and methodology (6)

Area of study (12)

  • Exegesis II for OT or NT/Historical development of theology for ST (4)
  • OT/NT Seminar 1 / Contextual Theology (4)
  • OT/NT Seminar 2 / Readings in ST (4)

Integration (6)

  • Thesis (6)
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Location and Duration
  • Students are encouraged to maintain a full-time status. All regular courses must be taken at the main campus in El Monte, California.  The student may work on the thesis off-campus. 
  • The minimum duration of this program is 2 years and the maximum is 4 years (including thesis work). The maximum may be extended for one more year.
Graduation Requirements
  1. Complete 24 semester units (thesis included) with a GPA of 3.0 (B) or above.
  2. Register thesis after completion of course work.
  3. Finish the thesis and pass the oral defense of dissertation.
  4. Obtain academic clearance.

( For the details, please see the Master of Theology Student Handbook.)