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Build on your MDiv, MTS, or other approved theological degrees and engage deeply with your faith. The Master of Theology (ThM) is an advanced degree that gives you insights into a focused area of study and lays a strong foundation for future doctoral studies or a lifetime of spiritual learning and practice.
December 1 – Final deadline for all Master’s-level international and exchange applicants
January 15 – Fall 2026 priority deadline for top scholarship consideration for MDiv, MACEF, MTS, and Dual MDiv/MACEF applicants who are U.S. citizens, DACA students, or permanent residents of the U.S.
April 15 –Fall 2026 final deadline for MDiv, MACEF, MTS, Dual MDiv/MACEF, and ThM applicants who are U.S. citizens, DACA students, or permanent residents of the U.S.*
*Applications submitted after April 15 will be reviewed on a space-available basis. Before applying after the final deadline, email a request to the admissions team at admissions@ptsem.edu.
Do you:
Building on the foundation of your previous theological graduate work, the ThM degree program deepens your intellectual engagement with your chosen area of interest and sharpens your research and scholarship skills. Whether you plan to pursue a career in research, ministry, or another field, you develop advanced competency to support a lifetime of learning and service.
As a ThM student, focus your coursework on one of five specializations, creating a program of study in consultation with your faculty advisor. A faculty advisor may approve you to take classes in other areas, but your primary focus is on your chosen specialization. In general, introductory-level courses do not count toward the ThM degree.
Choosing a specialization to match your specific career goals, you may dive into topics such as Biblical theology and history of religion to pastoral care and traditions of Christian worship. In addition to your coursework, you have the option of completing a thesis with the approval and support of an advisor.
Throughout your experience, you encounter a variety of theological voices and perspectives on campus and in the community. Coursework emphasizes the development of your own individual spiritual life and goals while preparing you with the leadership skills and academic preparation you need to thrive.
Choose an area of study from five specializations:
*To specialize in Practical Theology, you must have an MDiv degree.
The ThM degree program requires you to complete 24 credits of courses in your chosen specialization, although you may be able to take courses in other topics with your advisor’s approval. You may also fulfill three or six credits with an optional thesis.
To qualify for admission, you need to have:
To apply, please submit the following:
Interviews are not required but are strongly encouraged as they play a significant role in scholarship consideration. For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, interviews are available once the application is submitted. International student interviews are by invitation only. Instructions and a link to schedule an interview will be provided to eligible candidates after application submission.
$5,000 scholarship awarded to select domestic ThM students who show exceptional promise for advanced theological research.
Note: International ThM applicants are eligible for the other scholarships listed in the link below.
Learn More
The Master of Theology degree program provides opportunities to specialize a professional pathway, shape advanced research skills, deepen spiritual practices, and engage the theological disciplines with uncommon depth through a rigorous curriculum. Complete the ThM program poised to pursue PhD studies or advance your career.
Many of our graduates go on to lead traditional congregations, while others lead new forms of ministry in the nonprofit sector, entrepreneurial space, and other vocations, such as education and government. Still others influence and inspire the next generation of church leaders by teaching and serving at institutions around the world.
Ben Immanuel
ThM ‘24
Take the next step beyond your first graduate theological degree and pursue advanced research in your chosen area of specialization. Request more information about the Master of Theology degree, schedule a visit, or apply today.
