Master of Sacred Theology
Further your academic pursuits in theology
The Master of Sacred Theology (STM) degree is a post-MDiv degree that provides the opportunity for students to develop more fully an area of expertise in a theological discipline through seminar courses and research. Some students may wish to pursue this degree in order to prepare for doctoral research in a PhD program. Students may choose to concentrate on a particular field of theological study (Church History, New Testament, Old Testament, Theology, Lutheran Studies) or they may choose to concentrate on a particular topic (i.e., the Trinity, the atonement, Baptism, Christianity and the arts, etc.), examining that topic in a cross-disciplinary manner, using the resources of several traditional theological disciplines.
The STM may be completed with a thesis or a capstone. The thesis STM is 18 credits of coursework, plus 12 credits dedicated to writing a thesis. The non-thesis STM is 27 credits of coursework, plus a 3 credit capstone. The courses offered in the program depend on student interest and faculty availability. The STM can be completed entirely in residence at the Seminary Center on the campus of Trinity School for Ministry (TSM) or as a hybrid of online studies and intensives. Half of the credits must be completed in residence, either on campus during the regular Fall and Spring terms, or during the intensives in January and June.
Residential students generally take 4-5 courses per term in Fall and Spring, supplementing as desired with January & June intensives. Most residential students graduate after 1-2 years of full-time study. Hybrid/online students generally take 1-2 courses per term in Fall, Spring, and Summer, with January & June intensives to fulfill residency. Most online students graduate after 1-3 years of part-time study.
