Master of Theological Studies Degree

Contents of this page:

1. Programme Overview
2. Curriculum
3. Admission Requirements
4. Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Overview

This post-baccalaureate degree is aimed at university-educated laypeople who wish to pursue advanced studies in theology. The programme aims to provide a wide-ranging view of Christian theology, with a specifically Lutheran focus. It is appropriate training for anyone seeking to serve in the church in a non-ordained capacity, or simply for personal enrichment.

The core of required courses introduces the basics of each major discipline, while electives allow the student to concentrate on a selected major: Old Testament Exegetical, New Testament Exegetical, Historical, Systematic, or Practical. Most classwork is done together with MDiv students, enhancing the community of learning. The research paper offers the opportunity to focus on a specific topic of research interest. The MTS normally requires two years of full-time study. 

Curriculum

The following courses, totalling 9.0 credits, are required for successful completion of the Master of Theological Studies:

Systematic Theology (1.5 credits) 

• SYTH 7P05 Introduction to Theology (0.5 credits)
• SYTH 7P00 Lutheran Confessions I (0.5 credits)
• SYTH 7P10 Lutheran Confessions II (0.5 credits)

Historical Theology (1.5 credits) 

• HITH 7P00 Historical Theology I: The Patristic Age (0.5 credits)
• HITH 7P10 Historical Theology II: Medieval and Reformation Periods (0.5 credits)
• HITH 7P20 Historical Theology III: The Emergence of Modernity (0.5 credits)

Practical Theology (1.0 credit) 

• PRTH 7P00 Worship in the Parish I (0.5 credits)
• PRTH 7P10 Catechetics (0.5 credits)

Electives (3.5 credits) 

• Electives in one’s major discipline (1 credit)
• Free electives (2.0 credits) 
• Research Paper (0.5 credits) 

Admission Requirements

CLTS requires a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university.

Further information on the Master of Theological Studies degree can be found in the Academic Calendar.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Theological Studies programme will:

1. Religious Heritage
a. demonstrate scriptural literacy, exegetical skill, and sensitivity to critical issues;
b. know and interpret major milestones in 20 centuries of church history and doctrinal development;
c. articulate clearly Lutheran doctrine and practice from the 16th century onwards, particularly the content of the Book of Concord;

2. Cultural Context
a. know and embrace the heritage and ethos of Lutheran Church–Canada (or the student’s own church body), and critically assess it, where appropriate;
b. understand the origins and nature of the secularist worldview prevalent in contemporary Canada and the impact of resulting social issues on Christian ministry (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18-25; 9:19-23);
c. be able to articulate and critically assess the teachings and practices of people in the multi-faith and multi-cultural Canadian context in order to proclaim Christ’s love to them (cf. Acts 17:22-34);

3. Personal & Spiritual Formation
a. manifest and seek a deepening faith, devotional life, and personal maturity (Eph. 4:13-16; 6:18);
b. demonstrate and appreciate the need to be “blameless” (I Tim. 3:10), i.e., to live in accordance with the Law of God, displaying humility and integrity;
c. display and cultivate a compassionate and kindly approach to other people (Eph. 4:25-32).