Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
Ideal for students who are preparing to pursue doctoral studies in religion or theology or who are looking to focus their degree on a particular area, the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) emphasizes rigorous, personalized study of theology and its subdisciplines guided by the nation's largest theological faculty.听
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At a Glance
Funding is available for all students to attend and/or present at academic conferences.听
Tailor your theological study toward your area of interest with six elective courses and an optional thesis.
Prepare for doctoral studies by applying up to 18 credits in ancient or modern languages toward the M.T.S.
Our Theology and Ministry Library holds the largest collection of Catholic literature outside of the Vatican.
Take courses at 10 area schools through the Boston Theological听Interreligious Consortium.
Students may pursue directed readings with faculty members during the program's second year.
One elective may be used to complete a 30鈥�50 page thesis, under the direction of a faculty advisor.
While not required, you are welcome to participate听in all formation opportunities the school offers.
MTS Formation Opportunities
Though the MTS does not have formation requirements, MTS students are welcome to participate in any schoolwide offerings, and also have a range of student- and faculty-led opportunities tailored for their particular hopes and needs. All offerings are optional.听
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- Conference Paper Writing and Delivery Workshop
- Applying for Ph.D. Programs Workshop
- Navigating careers in academia
- Honest conversations on the state of higher education
- Language Practice Groups
- MTS Retreat
- Service Opportunities
- Weekly Sports Club Meetings
- Monthly Pub Nights
- Semesterly Social Committee Events (Upcoming: MTS Karaoke Night!)
Lumen et Vita is CSTM's graduate student journal, run by a team of student editors and guided by a faculty advisor. Lumen et Vita hosts a fall symposium and spring conference each year, during which students present their original research to peers and faculty from both CSTM and other theological schools.
Our Students and Alumni
Our diverse community is made up of lay and religious men and women from around the world who represent a range of ages, interests, and experiences. Explore some of their stories.
Curriculum
Typically completed in two years of full-time study, this 48-credit program provides students with a thorough grounding in Scripture, Church history, historical-systematic颅-practical theology, moral theology, and pastoral studies, as well as specialized study in their area of interest.
Systematic Theology
6 credits
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| Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Ecclesiology, Christology, or Fundamental Theology (Choose 1) | 3 |
| Specific Interest | 3 |
Biblical Studies
6 credits
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| Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| OT Core Narrative (or OT elective) | 3 |
| Introduction NT (or NT elective) | 3 |
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Christian Ethics/Moral Theology
6 credits
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| Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge* (choose 1 from list) | 3 |
| Specific Interest | 3 |
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*General Knowledge in Christian Ethics听
TMCE7004 Moral Dimension of the Christian Life听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
TMCE7034 Critical Ethical Issues听
TMCE7164 Call & Response: Intro to the Moral Life听 听 听 听 听 听
TMCE8002 Fundamental Moral: Theological Ethics
History of Christianity or Church History
6 credits
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| Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Narrative Survey (I, II, or III) | 3 |
| Specific Interest | 3 |
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Pastoral Studies
3 credits
Choose 1 course from list
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| Course No. | Course Name |
|---|---|
| TMPS7279 | Conflict Resolution and Transformation |
| TMPS7054 | Intro to Liturgy |
| TMPS8122 | Canon Law of the Sacraments |
| TMPS7093 | Intro to Pastoral Care and Counseling |
| TMPS7278 | Socio-Spiritual Care |
| TMPS7277 | Mitigating Trauma |
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Other courses may fulfill this requirement as well, based on advisor approval.
Practical Theology
3 credits
Choose 1 course from list
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| Course No. | Course Name |
|---|---|
| TMPT8106 | Spirituality & Justice: 20th Century Writings |
| TMPT8022 | Seminar in Practical Theology |
| TMST8041 | Theological Anthropology and the Body听 |
| TMST8105 | Discipleship |
| TMPT8132 | Theology, Race, & Critical Race Theory |
| TMPT8137 | Public Theology, Politics, and Faith in the United States |
Other courses may fulfill this requirement as well, based on advisor approval.
Electives
In addition to core courses aimed at theological literacy in the subdisciplines of biblical studies, systematics, moral theology, and history of Christianity, students take six elective courses in their area of interest.听
Optional Research Thesis
Students have the option to complete a 30鈥�50 page research paper as one of their six elective courses, working closely with a faculty thesis advisor and receiving feedback from a second reader. This is an excellent option for students interested in doctoral study.
Justice and Diversity Requirement
Students must complete at least one course (area requirement or elective) that has been designated as a Justice & Diversity (JD) course. Please consult the CSTM Course Catalog to view courses that meet this requirement.
Students can choose to apply up to 18 credits of study (six courses) in an ancient or modern language toward the M.T.S. degree.
For students who wish to explore language studies in addition to their program requirements, CSTM will cover up to 6-credits of听language听coursework (at the rate of the student's CSTM听scholarship) in addition to the degree requirements (i.e. an M.T.S. student's financial aid would apply to the 48 credits of the M.T.S. degree in addition to 6 credits of听language听coursework). View policy here.
Over the course of studies for the M.T.S. degree, students are encouraged to maintainpersonal files of assigned and completed work (artifacts) that best represents their mastery of a particular topic. In the semester prior to their last semester of study, students will compile a Learning Portfolio of artifacts from their personal files that consists of two parts:
- an assignment from each of the five distribution areas
- a 5-7 page Final Reflection Paper
In total, the Portfolio contains six documents. One artifact should demonstrate thestudent鈥檚 capacity to integrate Justice & Diversity (JD) perspectives and content with other course content/themes.
During their final semester of studies, each M.T.S. degree candidate will meet with a facultymember for a 30-minute Closing Conversation. In advance of this conversation, the faculty member will review the Learning Portfolio in light of the Student Learning Outcomes of the M.T.S. Program.
Upon completing the M.T.S. degree, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Bible, its historical contexts, and methods of interpretation;
- Articulate methodologies of moral reasoning in relation to Scripture, tradition, and experience, demonstrated by literacy in a specific area of interest;
- Demonstrate knowledge of Christian tradition, articulated through systematic thought on Christology, ecclesiology, or fundamental theology;
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the historical development of the Christian church, its institutions, and its practices and teachings;
- Articulate methodologies of pastoral studies and practical theology and demonstrate a capacity for interdisciplinary and contextual analysis for Christian discipleship; and
- Articulate the value of reading and listening to members of traditionally marginalized groups.