Master of Theological Studies

A Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) is a graduate degree, offered in theological seminary or graduate faculty of theology, and gives students lay training in theological studies. Under Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) standards, programs require graduates to have earned an accredited bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Programs must require students to complete at least two years of full-time study or its equivalent to earn the degree. The degree can serve as preparation for entering a doctoral program in theology, religion, or a related subject, such as education, counseling, social sciences, or humanities. While its primary goal is to prepare the student for academic pursuit of theology, rather than ordained ministry, many who earn the M.T.S. often work in the local church context as a lay minister, an ordained minister, or an administrator. The M.T.S requires the completion of a summative evaluation, which could be a thesis or other project.