REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF THEOLOGY
The master of theology degree is designed for full-time or part-time students, especially those preparing to enter vocational ministry or those already serving as ministers. It consists of studies in the traditional areas of Christian clergy education with an 18-hour emphasis in Biblical Studies, Educational Ministries, Pastoral Ministry, or Theological/Historical /Philosophical Studies.
Standard Course Outline – Thesis Option
• Biblical Studies, (2, three hour seminars)
• Theological/Historical/Philosophical Studies, (2, three hour seminars)
• Pastoral Ministry Studies, (2, three hour seminars)
• Educational Ministry Studies, (2, three hour seminars)
• Two additional seminars (6 hours) in one of the four emphases above and then
• Two thesis writing seminars (6 hours) leading to the completion of a 75-page minimum thesis that focuses on some aspect of the student’s area of emphasis. This option is available only by professor/supervisor approval, and includes the preparation and faculty approval of a thesis prospectus;
• Supervised Practicum (one semester, three hours of credit).
Standard Course Outline – Essay Option
• Biblical Studies, (2, three hour seminars)
• Theological/Historical/Philosophical Studies, (2, three hour seminars)
• Pastoral Ministry Studies, (2, three hour seminars)
• Educational Ministry Studies, (2, three hour seminars)
• Four additional seminars in one of the four emphases above (combining to make 6 seminars in that field, or 18 hours of emphasis) to conclude with a…
• Written comprehensive essay in the chosen emphasis (see “Additional Requirements” below).
• Supervised Practicum (one semester, three hours of credit).
Seminar Format
Each of the seminars is presented with a balanced approach blending academic research and professional application. Students may elect additional seminars as electives, but must fulfill one of the two options above and complete the three-hour Supervised Practicum.
General Requirements
• Thirty-nine (39) hours of graduate coursework is required for the degree.
• GPA average during pursuit of the degree must be 3.0 for all seminars.
• Only one "C" grade may be offered for credit toward the 39 required hours.
• No "D" grade will be accepted as satisfactory for degree completion. Students earning a "D" grade may repeat the course, and the highest grade (of B or better—or see previous requirement related to the acceptability of one grade of "C") earned in a subsequent attempt will be considered for degree completion.
• Students will complete two (2) seminars in each of the four general areas of M.Th. studies, (a total of six (6) hours in each of the four areas) making a total of 24 hours of graduate research coursework.
• For an 18-hour emphasis, students combine the 2 seminars above with an additional four (4) seminars in the same general area of M.Th. studies, making a total of 18 hours of emphasis (for a total of 36 hours of seminar coursework). Only by prior professor approval may a student elect the “Thesis Option” (as described in “Standard Outline – Thesis Option” above).
• Students, in consultation with the Professor of Pastoral Ministries & Counseling (for Main Campus students) or Director of Louisville Educational Center (for Louisville Center students), will select an appropriate ministry placement with a ministry title, secure a journeyman minister as a field supervisor, and will complete course CHS 599 under the academic supervision of a professor of ministry. This is a three (3) hour course.
• The Dean of the School of Theology serves as advisor for Main Campus students, and the Director of the Louisville Education Center serves as advisor for Louisville Students.
Additional Requirements for Thesis Option or Comprehensive Essay:
• Students desiring an 18-hour emphasis in Biblical Studies, Educational Ministries, Pastoral Ministry & Counseling, or Theology/Philosophy/History must complete in addition to all coursework a Comprehensive Essay, which must be completed during the last trimester of the student’s M.Th. program. The Comprehensive Essay allows the student to (1) update the Philosophy of Ministry statement made at application into the program and to (2) to synthesize the 18-hr area of emphasis with his or her Philosophy of Ministry statement. The student will follow the instructions below.
Declare intent to write the Comprehensive Essay to your Advisor (refer to the INTENT TO WRITE M.TH. COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY).
1. Compose a 7-10 page critical essay (New Times Roman font, 1” margins, with cover page [title, your name, date, advisor’s name]) in which you update your Philosophy of Ministry statement in light of your 18-hour emphasis. Synthesize your understanding of the philosophy and practice of Christian ministry with the knowledge and skills that were part of your seminar coursework. In light of your 18-hour emphasis respond to the following questions (be as specific as possible):
• How would you now describe your philosophy of Christian ministry?
• How has your area studies altered, expanded, and/or given new vision for your philosophy of ministry?
• What sources and resources do you now hold as necessary for ministry?
• What new goals do you set for yourself and for your ministry?
2. Submit the essay to your advisor as per date listed on the INTENT form. Students selecting the thesis option (with prior approval by supervisory professor) to fulfill degree requirements will follow the specific directions stipulated in courses CHS 681 Thesis Writing I, and CHS 682 Thesis Writing II.
3. Students may select the thesis option only with faculty/supervisor approval and must receive faculty approval of their completed "prospectus" before enrolling in CHS 681 Thesis Writing. hesis prospectus instructions are available from School of Theology office (270-789-5029). Each Student must prepare a prospectus under the direction of the student's chosen faculty advisor, who will present the prospectus to a regularly scheduled School Faculty meeting for approval. The student's faculty advisor will also direct the research and writing of the thesis.