Master of Theology Program (Th.M.)

Mission
This two-year program leads to the Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree. The program may be considered additional academic preparation of students for teaching ministries and for biblically and theologically enhanced pastoral ministries.

Objectives
Th.M. degree is designed to:
1. Provide students with advanced instruction in biblical exegesis, ethics, Christian history and systematic theology.
2. Foster competence in providing and assessing advanced biblical and theological instruction in diverse educational and ministerial settings.
3. Personally mentor students in critical, analytical and logical thinking in advanced exegetical and theological work.
4. Promote critical engagement in diverse biblical, theological, historical and ethical issues of our time.
5. Guide students to develop insight and skills in high level biblical, ethical, historical and theological writings.
6. Develop the skill of building interpersonal relationships within closely knit classroom setting so that students may be prepared for establishing healthy relationships in other life environments.

Th.M. may be a terminal degree or serve as preparation for other higher degrees, such D.Min. or Ph.D. Study may be concentrated in a particular field or theological discipline, or it may center on a project of special interest, drawing upon the advanced curricular offerings of various departments.

Th.M. studies are coordinated by the Chair of Th.M. Department, the Dean of Seminary and the Chief Academic Officer.

Research Paper
A candidate’s Th.M. research paper or thesis must be completed and approved by the faculty advisor before the end of the term preceding the graduation ceremony at which the degree is to be awarded. A draft or a substantial portion of the project must be submitted for preliminary review by the faculty advisor before the spring term begins, after which his or her graduation will take place.

Requirements for the Completion of the Degree
A Th.M. candidate must normally complete the program within two years, but emergency situations may warrant the Graduate Studies Committee to grant a one-year extension of the program upon written request to the director of graduate studies. The graduate committee must approve the request. For the Th.M. extension fee consult the registrar’s office.

Procedures and regulations for such items as registration and changing and dropping courses in the Th.M. program are the same as those in the M.Div. degree program. Further questions may be directed to the chair of the Th.M. program, the director of graduate studies or the student’s academic advisor.

Program of Study
Each candidate for the Th.M. degree must successfully complete 36 credit hours in residence, including preparation of a research paper or a thesis project on a topic of special interest approved by the Graduate Studies Committee (6 credit hours).

The Th.M. program comprises three types of classes: seminar, independent study and regular class. The seminar will be led by instructors appointed by the graduate committee in order to prepare the Th.M. students for research. Independent study will be conducted under the individual guidance and direction of the faculty advisors for the research. Additional courses are selected primarily from M.Div. electives and faculty advisors’ special classes.

There are three major tracks conducted presently at WBU: Biblical Theology, Systematic Theology/History and Ethics/Spirituality. The following are the curricula for the Th.M. program:

FIRST YEAR

FALL SEMESTER
BIB841 Advanced Biblical Exegesis 3 credits
BIB831 Old Testament Theology /or/
BIB832 Covenant Theology 3 credits
Electives or Independent Study 3 credits
Total 9 credits or more

SPRING SEMESTER
BIB653 Exegesis of Mark 3 credits
BIB842 Advanced Old Testament Themes /or/
BIB833 Intertestamental Theology 3 credits
Electives or Independent Study 3 credits
Total 9 credits or more

SECOND YEAR

FALL SEMESTER
BIB843 Advanced New Testament Themes /or/
BIB844 Theology of the Cross /or/
BIB845 Theology of Resurrection 3 credits
THL811 Current Theological Issues 3 credits
Thesis Writing 3 credits
Total 9 credits or more

SPRING SEMESTER
THL841 Advanced Systematic Theology /or/
THL842 Christology /or/
THL843 Redemption /or/ 3 credits
ETH851 Current Ethical Issues 3 credits
Thesis Writing 3 credits
Total 9 credits or more
36 Total Credit Hours (30 Total Credit Hours of Course work plus Thesis 6 Credit Hours)

Classes
Electives or Independent Studies are taken under the guidance of the advisors for the research (3 Credits per semester).