Master of Theological Studies
An affordable and accessible academic degree designed for teachers and others seeking a solid foundation in the theological discipline.
An affordable and accessible academic degree designed for teachers and others seeking a solid foundation in the theological discipline.
The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) is a 36-hour general academic graduate degree providing a serious study that covers Scripture, historical and systematic theology, comparative theology, and ethics. Theology, in this instance, is understood to encompass both critical religious study–primarily of the Christian religion–and its practice. As such, courses may contain theoretical and spiritual formation components.
Many students choose the M.T.S. solely as a way to increase their knowledge of Christianity as well as to bring that knowledge to their families, careers, or individual lives. The program builds on either the B.R.S. or on undergraduate degree programs earned elsewhere. The degree is generally completed in two years.
Admission to the M.T.S. program will require the following:
Prior to acceptance into the M.T.S., the student’s writing ability will be assessed by way of a review of performance on the essays developed in the foundation courses. If the student is weak in writing skills, a decision on admission may be delayed until he/she has completed M 17 Research and Writing, which includes more extensive writing.
If the student presents a three-year Bachelor of Theology or a similar degree or diploma, the student may be admitted to the master’s program only after completing 30 credits of leveling work identified by the Office of the Registrar. However, a bachelor’s degree will not be awarded in this instance, as the credits are considered “leveling” work.
Program Learning Outcomes
The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) program imparts a general foundation in the biblical and theological disciplines. Distinctively, the outcomes of the M.T.S. program are to prepare graduates who,
Specific Learning Objectives
The Program Learning Outcomes above are achieved by focusing on important learning objectives that are taught and reinforced throughout the various courses. Many of these objectives are addressed in the G.C.B.S. program but are reinforced and further developed in the M.T.S. program. Students completing an M.T.S. degree will,
The projected completion time for the M.T.S. degree is 24 months of full-time, uninterrupted study. The cost for students who reside in the 35 developed countries listed under Financial Information is a one-time $25 registration fee and a tuition charge of $450 per quarter. Tuition and fees are guaranteed for only two (2) years. At this rate, students residing in one of the 35 developed nations may expect to pay $3,625 if they complete the M.T.S. within 24 months.
Allowing for a modest increase in tuition after 24 months, students who extend their studies to 36 months may expect to pay $5,875. Textbooks and other resources are available online in an electronic format without cost to the student. Any purchase of hard-copy books is totally optional.
A maximum of six (6) semester credits may be accepted in transfer toward the M.T.S., provided the credits are (1) religious in nature, (2) come from an accredited institution, and (3) have not been applied toward another degree.
Once formal admission is granted, the student is assigned to the M.T.S. curriculum. Students already registered normally follow the degree plan in effect at the time of registration or admission to a particular program. Continuing students are directed to the notes below and their online worksheet. Transference to a later plan means that all requirements in this plan must be fulfilled.
The spiritual dimension and development courses bracket the program but are operative throughout. The advanced courses M 1 through M 4 provide evidence that the student has a comprehensive understanding of the biblical text, the theological message of the Bible, and the exegetical methodology needed to complete the master’s program. Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies may apply those 15 hours towards these Foundation courses. Foundation courses must be taken in the order listed below. Specialty courses are electives and may be drawn from any course numbered MRS 100-500, 700 in any order. However, MRS 633 Being Christian in a Secular Environment, must be taken in the last 9 hours of the program.
In addition to the minimum cumulative G.P.A. requirement, students in the M.T.S. program must complete one proctored comprehensive exam at the end of the program of study prior to the capstone essays. Arrangements for the proctored exam will be made with the student’s advisor.
In order to work toward an accredited MTS at NationsUniversity as a returning MRS graduate, there must be 36 graduate credits taken at NU since January 1, 2012, and 18 of those credits must be courses not previously used toward your MRS degree.
| ONOS | Orientation to NationsUniversity Online Study (non-credit) |
| MRS 622E | Encountering Biblical Spirituality |
| M 1 | Critical Introduction to the Old Testament |
| M 2 | Critical Introduction to the New Testament |
| M 3 | Biblical Theology |
| M 4 | Biblical Hermeneutics |
| M 17 | Research and Writing |
One course from the MRS 100s
One course from the MRS 400s or 500s
One course from the MRS 700s
Two electives chosen from MRS 100-500s, 700s
MRS 633 Being Christian in a Secular Environment (Must be taken in the last 9 hours of the program)
Because NU is a distance learning institution and operates without defined semesters or terms, students work at their own pace. Courses are normally completed one at a time, but a student is not prohibited from enrolling in multiple courses simultaneously. Credit is calculated according to the semester system. The final grade point average on the credits used for the degree must be a minimum on a 4.00 scale. If a student reaches the end of the curriculum with less than a 3.00 G.P.A., he/she may take additional courses to substitute for, or offset, a “C” grade.
Read the Academic Catalog & Student Handbook for additional requirements and information on the Master of Theological Studies program.
NationsUniversity cannot guarantee that NationsUniversity credits will be accepted for transfer by other institutions. The final judgement in accepting NationsUniversity credits is the sole responsibility of the receiving institution.
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