The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) degree program is designed to provide a basic understanding of the theological disciplines as a foundation for further graduate study, for enhancement of lay leadership roles or for personal enrichment. The degree requirements are designed to ensure some breadth of exposure to the various disciplines of theological study, while at the same time allowing each student to fashion a plan of study that serves her or his particular interests and goals.
Requirements for Admission:
The requirements for admission to the M.T.S. program are the same as those for the M.Div. program, excluding 2.
The requirements for graduation are that the student must complete 48 term hours of approved coursework, with a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0. Three of these hours may be earned through completion of a thesis. Fifteen hours of foundational courses are required: Six hours of biblical studies from OT 6301 Interpretation of the Old Testament I, OT 6301 Interpretation of the Old Testament II, NT 6301 Interpretation of the New Testament I, NT 6302 Interpretation of the New Testament II; HX 6305 The Christian Heritage I; ST 6301 Interpretation of the Christian Message I; and XS 6310 The Church in Its Social Context or HR 6302 World Religions and Christianity. Twelve hours are required in one of six broad areas of concentration: 1) Biblical studies, 2) Church history, 3) World Christianity and world religions, 4) Systematic theology, 5) Moral theology and theology and culture, 6) Practical theology and Christianity and society.
All requirements for the degree must be completed within six calendar years of the time of initial registration.
More information about Perkins Admissions
Master of Theological Studies with Concentration in Church Music and Worship
This degree offers basic theological, liturgical and church music education to people who have already completed graduate work in some area of music and are seeking a vocation in church music in the parish. In the United Methodist context, these people may be seeking ordination as deacon. An M.M., M.M.E. or equivalent degree is required for admission.
Requirements for Graduation
Twenty-four hours in Basic Ministerial Studies (allowing for some variations according to denominational background, professional goals and previous coursework) are required. This will include six term hours in each of three of the four divisions of the Perkins curriculum as required of all M.T.S. students.In addition, 24 hours in Church Music and Worship are required:
Three term hours in CM 8330 Church Music Colloquium I
Three term hours in CM 8331 Church Music Colloquium II
Three term hours in CM 8332 Church Music Colloquium III
Three term hours in WO 83XX Elective in Worship (WO 6313 Word and Worship would be taken first under Basic Ministerial Studies.)
Electives
Six term hours in elective Meadows School of the Arts music courses that relate to the professional goals of church music ministry (chosen in consultation with the adviser).
Six term hours in electives in church music and worship to be selected from the list below :
Three term hours in CM 8330 Church Music Colloquium I|
CM 8108 Cantoring in Worship
CM 8107 The Youth Choir and the Church
CM 8106 Handbells and Worship
CM 8102, 8103, 8104 Introduction in Conducting
CM 8024, 8124 Music Ministry with Children
CM 8399 Directed Studies in Church Music
WO 83XX Additional elective in Worship
Additional courses appear in the curriculum, though not in the current catalog :
CM 7005 The Hymn: Word and Music
CM 7316 Music and the Arts in the Church
CM 8210, 8310 Hispanic American Hymnody
CM 8250, 8350 Music Ministry in the Black Church Experience