Master of Theological Studies (MTS)

The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) Program is a flexible two-year academic degree designed to equip graduates for a doctoral level program, teaching positions, or for various forms of specialized ministry. Students will specialize in one of the disciplines of theological scholarship.

In service to the mission of Princeton Theological Seminary, graduates of the Master of Theological Studies program will be able to:

1. Exhibit a critical appreciation and foundational understanding of the classical theological disciplines.
2. Comprehend and communicate core themes and concepts from the area of specialization.
3. Demonstrate research competency including analyzing sources, building bibliographies, constructing arguments, and other skills appropriate to the area of specialization.

The MTS degree requires the completion of 48 credits. The MTS core includes 16 credits and the MTS area of specialization and electives includes 32 credits.

MTS Core Curriculum^[1](16 credits)

OT 2102 Orientation to Old Testament and Exegesis or Advanced Placement^[2] (3 credits)
NT 2102 Orientation to New Testament and Exegesis or Advanced Placement (3 credits)
TH 2102 Doing Christian Theology or Advanced Placement (3 credits)
Course in the History and Ecumenics Department (3 credits)
Course in Education and Formation (EF), Pastoral Care (PC), or Preaching (PR) (3 credits)
MTS Senior Seminar (1 credit) [fall of second year]

[1] MTS students may take OT 2102, NT 2102, TH 2102, a History and Ecumenics Course, and the EF, PC, or PR Course in year one or two.

[2] Advanced Placement – If a student advanced places out of a foundational course in a particular discipline, the student does not need to take a higher-level course in that discipline. The student can take another course in the area of specialization or an elective.

Area of Specialization (18 credits)
Electives or Additional Courses in Area of Specialization (14 credits)

A specialization may be selected from the following areas:

Biblical Studies
History and Ecumenics
Practical Theology
Religion and Society
Theology

Note: MTS students are encouraged but not required to complete a Field Education placement as an elective.

Click below to apply for Princeton Seminary’s MTS degree program. Visit the admissions area of our website for information about important deadlines, scheduling interviews, and more.