The Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.)
The Theological School has changed the requirements for the Master of Sacred Theology degree beginning with students admitted in Spring 2008 and later. Students who were admitted previously should consult the prior catalogue for requirements. The Master of Sacred Theology is a one-year program (18 credits) for those who have completed their basic theological education with the M.Div. or its equivalent and who wish to pursue further study in a particular field within the curriculum of the Theological School.
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Admission Requirements
Students must have met the following requirements for admission to the S.T.M. program:
- Applicants must hold the M.Div. (or first graduate theological degree providing equivalent theological background, or its educational equivalent) from an accredited theological school and must have maintained at least a 3.33 (B+) grade point average. Additional academic work beyond the M.Div. may also satisfy the 3.33 grade point average requirement.
- If an applicant's academic record indicates deficiencies in certain areas prescribed by the Association of Theological Schools (A.T.S.) in the United States and Canada, that person may be required to take prerequisite courses that will not be credited toward the S.T.M. degree.
- No advanced standing is granted toward the S.T.M. degree.
- Applicants must submit an academic paper in English as part of their application. International students who have not done previous academic work in English may submit their own English translation of another paper.
- All applications for the fall semester must be complete by February 1 of that year. Applications for the spring semester must be complete by October 1 of the previous fall.
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Academic Calendar
Courses are offered in the fall semester, January term, spring semester, and summer term. January term and spring semester courses are added together in considering a student's scholarship and full-time status. Credit loads exceeding 15 credits in one semester or 3 credits in the January term must be approved by petition to the Academic Standing Committee.
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Curriculum
Each student is expected to develop a coherent program of study in consultation with the director of the S.T.M. program upon initial registration. The coherence of the program may be exhibited by 1) the concentration of courses and seminars in a single division of the Theological School curriculum, or 2) by focus on a major aspect of theological study that is approached from an interdisciplinary perspective. In either case, 12 credits must be taken in a specific field of concentration, with the remaining six credits in other fields that support the student's designated field of study. Proficiency in a foreign language is not required for the degree but certain programs of study may require such proficiency.
The satisfactory completion of an extended research paper in conjunction with a class is required. The candidate’s paper should demonstrate mastery of the basic perspectives of that field. No additional credits are given for the paper. Students are encouraged to write the extended paper in conjunction with a course taken in their first semester of coursework.
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Length of Program
The program is generally completed in one year or three academic terms. All requirements for the S.T.M. degree must be completed within four years from the date of initial matriculation. Visas are issued for a maximum of two semesters.
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