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Master of Theology

Program Total Number of Credits: 24

The Master of Theology (Th.M.) is a 24-hour terminal degree program designed to equip individuals with the skills and competencies necessary to excel as researchers, authors and/or instructors of religion in post-secondary academic environments. Currently, the program offers for two concentrations--Biblical or Historical/Theological studies.


Degree Requirements :


  • TH 701 Pentecostal Hermeneutics (3 hrs)

  • TH 889 Capstone Thesis (3 hrs) or TH 888 Capstone Extended Paper

  • 4 courses in major area of study (12 hrs)

  • 2 courses in minor/related field (6 hrs)  or 3 (9 hrs) if Extended Paper option is selected


The program offers for two concentrations--Biblical or Historical/Theological studies.


Educational Requirements:

The ThM degree has as a prerequisite the Master of Divinity degree (MDIV) or its educational equivalent. By purpose and design the DMIN is built upon the knowledge and skills associated with the successful completion of the MDIV degree. Thus, the normal route into the DMIN is through the successful completion of an MDIV degree. However, applicants to the ThM degree program may be accepted based upon the ability to demonstrate having achieved the knowledge and skills required of MDIV graduates without actually holding the MDIV degree. At PTS there are three options by which an applicant may demonstrate having achieved the equivalent of an MDIV degree.


The Three Options.


Option 1:  An Accredited Theological Degree Plus Sufficient Course Work:   Equivalency may be demonstrated by:

  1. a.    Holding an accredited master’s level degree in any area of theological education

  2. b. Having a minimum of 72 hours of graduate credits,

  3. c.     And having successfully completed within the 72 hours a minimum of 6 hours of graduate Biblical studies, 6 hours of graduate theological/historical studies, 6 hours of graduate ministry related studies and 3 hours of graduate personal/ministerial development studies.


Option 2:  An Accredited Theological Degree Plus A Portfolio:    Applicants may demonstrate equivalency by :

  1. a.  Possessing an accredited master’s degree in any area of theological education (Biblical studies, Theological/Historical studies, or

  2. studies in ministry practice),

  3. b.   Submitting a portfolio demonstrating achievement of the degree outcomes of the PTS MDIV degree,

  4. c.   And completing an interview with the ThM Director for the purpose of reviewing the portfolio and confirming achievement of

  5. the degree related outcomes, i.e., the interview is congruent with the M.Div. capstone review.


Option 3: An Accredited Non-theological but Ministry Related Degree Plus a Portfolio:  Applicants to the ThM degree program who do not possess a theological master's degree but who do possess an accredited master's degree in a field related to ministry (counseling, education, leadership, business administration, etc.) may demonstrate equivalence with the MDIV degree by:

  1. a.    Submitting a portfolio demonstrating competency in each area of the PTS MDIV degree outcome statements.

  2. b.    Completing 21 hours of master's level theological studies as prescribed: 9 in Biblical studies, 9 in theology, and 3 in personal development for ministry. One of the courses in Biblical studies must be in web based biblical exegesis and another in research and writing for advanced theological studies. Contact the ThM Director for details.

  3. c.    And being interviewed by the ThM Director for the purpose of reviewing the portfolio and confirming achievement of the degree related outcomes, i.e., the interview is congruent with the M.Div. capstone review.


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