Student Body
Master of Theology (Th.M.)
The Master of Theology degree (Th.M.) is an academic graduate degree consisting of thirty credits of course work. The Th.M. program includes 8 three-credit courses or seminars and a six-credit thesis.
So why should you do a Th.M. at Central? We're glad you asked . . .
First, advanced specialization. A Th.M. degree focuses on one major area of study (OT, NT, theology, or Bible exposition). This allows a student to broaden and deepen his studies in a desired area of biblical study.
Second, ministry advancement. Theological education is a tool for serving God. A Th.M. degree provides advanced education for ministry. This is advantageous for a pastor, but may be especially valuable for someone headed to the mission field.
Third, educational advancement. A Th.M. degree is further graduate studies. A student teaching at a Bible college with a Th.M. has a degree beyond the M.Div. degree; he has extensive studies beyond a candidate who has only an M.A. in Bible. A student with a Th.M. degree is a more attractive faculty candidate for Bible colleges. If a student is intending to do doctoral studies, the Th. M. degree will fold into many doctoral programs. For example, a Th. M. degree would fold into the doctoral program at Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Minneapolis or Baptist Bible Seminary in Clark Summit, PA. A Th.M. degree (or its equivalent) would be required for doctoral studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Areas of Study for the Th.M. Student
Old Testament Studies
Major area: 21-24 credits (consisting of: advanced Hebrew grammar, 12-15 credits of OT studies, and a 6-credit thesis)
Outside the major area: 6-9 credits (one Greek exegesis course is required)
New Testament Studies
Major area: 21-24 credits (consisting of: advanced Greek grammar, 12-15 credits of NT studies, and a 6-credit thesis)
Outside the major area: 6-9 credits (one Hebrew exegesis course is required)
Theological Studies
Major area: 21-24 credits (consisting of: 15-18 credits of either historical or systematic theology studies and a 6-credit thesis)
Outside the major area: 6-9 credits (one Hebrew exegesis course and one Greek exegesis course is required)
Bible Exposition
Major area: 24-30 credits (consisting of: at least 9 credits of OT studies including one Hebrew exegesis class, at least 9 credits of NT studies including one Greek exegesis class, and a 6-credit thesis)
Outside the major area: 0-6 credits
Planned 600 Modules 2008-2009
Potential Course Offerings for coming terms:
Fall 2008
316 Reformation Theology Seminar (Windsor)
640 History of Biblical Hebrew Seminar (Keiser).
Spring 2009
Historical Theology Elective
For more information about the Th.M. program call 757-479-3706 or e-mail info@baptistseminary.edu.