Master of Theological Studies
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) is a basic degree program in the academic study of theology. It is an introductory program of studies designed both to provide a general understanding of the Christian faith and to permit students some focus on themes and issues of personal and social relevance. The MTS also constitutes a basis for further graduate studies in theology. Students planning advanced degree study should include an ancient language in their program and note the further requirements of the department under consideration. There is no residency requirement for the MTS. Normally, two years of full-time study is required to complete the program.
CONCENTRATION IN ORTHODOX AND EASTERN CHRISTIAN STUDIES
In addition to completing the MTS requirements, students may additionally qualify for the designation 鈥渨ith concentration in Orthodox and Eastern Christian studies鈥� upon graduation from the Faculty of Divinity at 杏吧原创 provided that a minimum of 12 credits are from courses in Orthodox studies.
Admission to the MTS Program
Click here for admission requirements, application procedure and forms.
Faculty Advisor
The MTS faculty advisor is Prof. Donald Wiebe (donald.wiebe@utoronto.ca聽and 416-978-2567 ext. 2567).聽The faculty advisor for Orthodox students is Fr Geoffrey Ready (geoffrey.ready@utoronto.ca). Both are members of the聽Faculty of Divinity teaching staff.
You will consult with your advisor prior to course registration in order to arrange a balanced program of studies that suits your educational and vocational goals. It remains your responsibility to ensure that all program requirements are fulfilled to be eligible to graduate. Your faculty advisor is available at any time throughout the academic year.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Of the 20 course credits required for the program, five will be required introductions to bible (Old Testament, New Testament), history, theology, and pastoral theology and each must be supplemented by two further courses in each of the four program areas (biblical, historical, pastoral and theological studies). All students must enroll in a one-credit course of independent studies in their final term in which they will engage in a summative reflective exercise resulting in a substantive report or major paper. The summative exercise may also be a work of graphic art, a musical composition, a poem or other creative piece, with accompanying written commentary. Those considering the possibility of further graduate work in theology are advised to complete a two-credit thesis as the summative reflective exercise. The remaining five or six courses are electives, permitting students to concentrate their studies in areas of particular interest.
Faith Foundation Courses
All students in the Master of Theological Studies are expected to complete the seven faith foundation courses in their first ten course enrolments before moving on to additional courses (later requirements, electives, etc.)
ANGLICAN CONCENTRATION AND GENERAL STUDIES
| Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: Old Testament (TRB1007H) or Introduction to the Hebrew Bible 2 (TRB1094H) |
| Living Tradition 1 or Living Tradition II聽 |
| Anglican History and Theology (TRJ2631H) or Why Study Church History? (TRH1011)聽 |
| God and Creation (TRT1101H) or Living in the Spirit: Theology 2 (TRT1103H) |
| God鈥檚 Mission and the Church鈥檚 Calling (TRP1622H) or Life and Death in the Wilderness: Skills for Congregational and Communal Life and Leadership (TRP2665H) |
| Foundations of Anglican Liturgy (TRP1111H) or Liturgy in Context |
| Diversity and Intercultural Engagement (TRT3641H) |
ORTHODOX CONCENTRATION
| Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: Old Testament (TRB1007H) or Introduction to the Hebrew Bible 2 (TRB1094H) |
| Living Tradition 1 or Living Tradition II聽 |
| Why Study Church History? (TRH1011)聽 or History of the Eastern Churches 1204 to 21st c (TRH2414H)聽 聽 |
| Orthodox Life: Foundations of Eastern Christian Theology聽 |
| God鈥檚 Mission and the Church鈥檚 Calling (TRP1622H) or Life and Death in the Wilderness: Skills for Congregational and Communal Life and Leadership (TRP2665H)聽 |
| Sanctification of Time: Liturgy of the Hours & Church Year (TRP3103H/TRP6103H) |
| Diversity and Intercultural Engagement (TRT3641H) |
MTS Thesis
Students opting to complete a two-credit thesis for the MTS will:
- Identify and meet with a faculty member who agrees to be supervisor;
- Prepare a thesis proposal to be approved by the supervisor before the writing of the thesis;
- The thesis proposal (no more than 2,000 words) shall include the following:
- A succinct statement of the research question and the thesis to be established;
- Previous enquiry on this question and available secondary literature;
- A description of the project as a whole, including the methods to be followed and the steps proposed to answer the research question and establish the thesis;
- An initial bibliography;
- Complete and submit a thesis of no more than 10,000 words;
- Carefully adopt an approved academic style, including an approved format for citation of all sources used; spelling must be consistent with a recognized Canadian standard;
- Provide a one page abstract; and
- Provide, at the end of the thesis, a list of works that demonstrates responsible use of primary and secondary sources.
Students planning advanced degree study should include an ancient language in their program and note the further requirements of the department under consideration.