Theological Studies, MTS
You thirst for more knowledge. Go deeper in your study of Scripture, the Christian tradition and the Church today.
Our Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree provides instruction across a broad range of theological disciplines. You will complete a core curriculum and then craft the remaining courses to fit your academic and professional goals.
You may use remaining electives to concentrate in one or more areas, such as:
- Biblical studies
- Christian theology
- Church history
- Pastoral care
- Worship
Or, you may also craft a more broad-ranging curriculum without a particular specialization.
Faculty will teach, form and nurture you to ensure as a graduate you exhibit the following competencies.
- A solid understanding of scripture, theology and church history.
- An ability to interpret and communicate the Gospel that honors both the Christian faith and the contemporary multicultural world.
At Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS), we believe that being Lutheran means being in a relationship with other denominations.
That’s why some of our students are Methodists, some are Baptists, and there are students from other denominations as well. Your questions and insights have a place here regardless of your denomination.
Hybrid-Online Option
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program is also offered in a hybrid-online format. Students can choose to attend in-person on the Hickory campus or through a hybrid-online format that combines livestreaming with face-to-face educational experiences, including the required semesters of supervised field experience and on-campus gatherings twice per year. The hybrid option still offers students opportunities for fellowship and formational events with faculty and residential students.
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Program Requirements
Offered in Hickory, NC
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree is a two-year program (48 credit hours) that provides instruction in a broad range of theological disciplines. Students complete a 27-hour core curriculum and then craft the remaining seven courses to fit their academic and professional goals. MTS students must also complete a summative research project in which they utlize research and critical-thinking skills within a specific theological field. This track is open to students from all denominations. The MTS can be used to fulfill the Disciplinary Basic Graduate Theological Studies (BGTS) courses and certain other conference membership and ordination requirements in the United Methodist Church. It also applies to those who have completed the UMC's Basic Course of Study and have a bachelor's degree.
Program Admission Requirements
Visit Graduate Admission for the most current Program Admission Requirements.
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Program Requirements
Core Requirements: 30 Credit Hours
- BIB 500 - Survey of the Bible
- BIB elective in any biblical studies area 3 Credits.
- CHS 501 - Church History I
- CHS 502 - Church History II
- THL 501 - First Week Gathering(Master of Theological Studies students must repeat four times)
- THL 503 - The Vocation of the Seminarian
- THL 510 - Exploring Theology Across Contexts and Cultures
- THL 600 - Introduction to Christian Theology
- THL 650 - Christian Ethics
- THL 670 - Constructive Theology
- Any THL elective 3 Credits.
General Electives: 18 Credit HoursMTS Graduation Requirement-MTS Research ProjectMTS Research Project
The completion of the MTS degree requires a final project demonstrating research and critical-thinking skills within a specific theological field (for example, biblical studies, theology, church history, practical ministry, etc.). To pass this requirement, students must achieve a score of 75% or higher on a common MTS research project rubric. Students may submit a capstone assignment they have completed within a course, or they may register for a faculty directed independent study for academic credit (the latter is recommended for students planning on further research-based graduate work). Students wishing to complete a research project in the field of biblical studies must complete one or more of the relevant biblical language requirements (BIB 503 or BIB 504) and integrate knowledge of the biblical language(s) into their work. The MTS research project must demonstrate work completed in the student's final program year, ideally in the final semester. Early in their first semester, students should begin planning the research project in consultation with their faculty advisor and the MTS Program Director.
Total Credit Hours: 48 -
Degree Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Theological Studies program will demonstrate:
- Emotional-spiritual maturity and community membership appropriate to public ministry.
- The ability to engage distinct human communities through theologically informed intercultural analysis and self-reflection.
- The ability to analyze Christian scripture and traditions with reference to their original contexts.
- Advanced writing, research and critical-thinking skills within a specific theological field.
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Seminary Degree Program Add-On Options
LTSS students may earn a formal concentration in one of three areas: Biblical Studies, Theology, and Faith Formation. Concentrations consist of nine (9) credit hours in general electives. Courses required by a degree program do not count toward a concentration.
Biblical Studies: Choose 9 hours among BIB electives.
Theology: Choose 9 hours among THL electives. With the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, a student may apply up to three hours in biblical studies (BIB) or church history (CHS).
Faith Formation: Choose 9 hours among CED electives. With the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, a student may apply up to six hours in relevant education (EDU) or ministry (MIN) courses.
LTSS students may earn a formal cognate in Leadership. Cognates consist of nine (9) credit hours in general electives. Courses required by a degree program do not count toward a cognate.
Choose 9 hours among the following courses:
- LED 527 Strategic Leadership and Communication
- LED 537 Leading Change, Innovation, and Agility
- LED 547 Leading Diverse Teams
- LED 557 Personal Leadership Development and Ethics
- MIN 540 Leadership in God's Mission
LTSS students may earn a formal cognate in Counseling. Cognates consist of nine (9) credit hours in general electives. Courses required by a degree program do not count toward a cognate. Students enrolled in a counseling cognate will be assigned a secondary advisor from the Counseling program.
Choose 9 hours among the following courses:
- COU 505 Counseling Theories
- COU 520 Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- COU 530 Counseling Techniques
- CPE 500 Clinical Pastoral Education (6 hours in addition to any CPE degree requirement)
- HCS 505 Theoretical Foundations & History of Human Services
- Up to 3 hours of MIN electives, pending approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Programs
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