Academics

Master of Theological Studies

The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree is an academic degree focused on a specific theological discipline or a concentration within a general theological discipline. This degree is designed for those who desire to continue beyond the MTS into further graduate study or who desire a focused area of learning at the graduate level. HGST offers four concentrations in the MTS degree: (1) biblical studies, (2) theological studies, (3) Christian spirituality, or (4) missional theology. The final project for the MTS degree is the presentation of a student portfolio and summative paper in the area of concentration as part of an interdisciplinary capstone course that includes an entire cohort of MTS students during the final semester. The person who completes the MTS degree program will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of a selected theological discipline or concentration;
• Analyze and relate the major concerns of one‘s selected theological discipline or concentration within the context of the broader theological disciplines;
• Incorporate critical and theological thinking into research and writing.

In addition to the overall MTS program outcomes, the person who completes the Biblical Studies Concentration will be able to:

• Exhibit exegetical skills through competency in biblical languages
• Demonstrate competency through use of academic hermeneutical tools
• Exhibit skills in preparation for doctoral studies in theology or religion

In addition to the overall MTS program outcomes, the person who completes the Theological Studies Concentration will be able to:

• Demonstrate competency through use of academic hermeneutical tools
• Exhibit skills in preparation for doctoral studies in theology or religion

In addition to the overall MTS program outcomes, the person who completes the Christian Spirituality Concentration will be able to:

• Demonstrate competency through use of academic hermeneutical tools
• Exhibit skills in preparation for doctoral studies in theology, religion, or spirituality
• Integrate biblical and theological disciplines into the study of Christian spirituality

In addition to the overall MTS program outcomes, the person who completes the Missional Theology Concentration will be able to:

• Demonstrate competency through use of academic hermeneutical tools
• Exhibit skills in preparation for doctoral studies in theology, religion, or leadership
• Integrate biblical and theological disciplines into the study of missional theology

Graduation Requirements
The MTS degree will be awarded upon the recommendation of the faculty to persons who have completed a comprehensive and integrated program of study including the specific requirements outlined in one of the degree plans below. Candidates for graduation must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and a grade of C- or better on every course counting toward the completion of the degree. Course remediation and/or additional credit hours may be necessary in cases where a student’s cumulative GPA falls below the requirement for graduation.

The MTS degree must be completed within four calendar years from the date of first enrollment. Exceptions must be approved by the Academic Dean. Ordinarily, the last full year of work toward the MTS degree must be completed in residence at HGST. Ordinarily, no more than 16 semester hours of work will be allowed as transfer credit toward the MTS degree. All transfer credits are subject to evaluation by the Academic Dean as to applicability toward MTS degree credit and must have been earned in a comparable, accredited Master’s level degree program.

MTS degree plan – Biblical Studies Concentration

MTS degree plan – Theological Studies Concentration

MTS degree plan – Christian Spirituality Concentration

To receive a Certificate in Spiritual Direction, the following additional 9 credit hours are required:

CS 767 Techniques of Spiritual Direction, 3 hours
CS 780/781 Spiritual Direction Practicum*, 6 hours

*Pre-practicum packets requiring background checks, liability insurance, personal counseling sessions, supervisor information, and more are available at www.hgst.edu/academics/resources.

MTS degree plan – Missional Theology Concentration

PL 780 Missional Ministry Practicum may be used for 3 of the 9 focused elective hours.
Otherwise, the Practicum will require an additional 3 hours to total 53 credit hours.