Master of Theology

The master of theology degree program provides for continuing study through the discipline of academic excellence. It aims to develop in the student an informed, critical approach to a chosen field of study through graduate courses, mastery of languages, and a thesis.

The current areas of degree concentration are:

1. Bible (either Old or New Testament)
2. History of Christianity
3. Systematic Theology
4. Missions and World Religions
5. Islamic Studies
6. Pastoral Theology and Ministry
   (A composite degree involving courses in religious education, homiletics, pastoral counseling, youth and family, and church and society)
7. Pastoral Care: Clinical Pastoral Theology

Learn more about the Master of Theology degree at Luther Seminary. Several short topics are listed on this page (below).  Here are links to additional important topics:

If you do not find the information you are looking for on these web pages, contact:

Paul Lokken, Associate Dean–Graduate Theological Education; 651-641-3234; gte@luthersem.edu or
Katie Dahl, Associate Director & Program Coordinator, Graduate Theological Education, 651-641-3203; gte@luthersem.edu

Graduation requirements include courses in the area of study and elective courses, language examinations, and a thesis. Graduation requirements for each student are stated in the catalog published in the year of the student’s enrollment in the degree program.

1. Resident M.Th. students, while completing course work and writing the thesis proposal and thesis, will normally be considered full-time students for two years. After the second year, students seeking certification of full or part-time student status must do so in advance by petition, clearly justifying the request in writing. Status of part-time M.Th. students will be reported in the same way as M.Div. or M.A. students.

2. The student is admitted to candidacy for the M.Th. degree after the thesis proposal has been approved by the Graduate Committee. The M.Th. candidacy fee is due at this time.

Students in the master of theology degree program are charged a continuation fee of $165.00 per semester after two years of full-time study or completion of 6 courses. Failure to pay the continuation fee, without a request for leave of absence, terminates status as a student at Luther Seminary.

Students in the M.Th. program are required to complete the program within five years of the beginning of the first semester of study following admission. Written consent of the thesis adviser and permission of the Graduate Committee are required to continue beyond this limit.

In order to remain in good academic standing, a student must receive a grade of B or better for work for which credit is given and satisfactorily complete all other requirements of the program as determined by the Graduate Committee. Unless otherwise noted, academic policies and procedures apply also to the M.Th. degree.

A student in good standing may petition the Graduate Committee for a leave of absence. If the leave is granted, the student may resume study at any time during the period of leave without reapplying for admission. Leaves are not normally granted for more than one year.

Attendance at commencement is expected. Graduating students not intending to attend are to notify the Office of Graduate Theological Education and the Office of the Registrar in writing by May 1.

Graduates of accredited theological seminaries may apply for post-master of divinity/post master of arts special student status. This status permits the student to enroll in courses for graduate credit without being in a degree program.

If the student is later admitted to a degree program, courses taken while a post-master of divinity special student may be applied to that program by petition to the Graduate Committee.

No more than three courses taken while a special student may be applied toward the master of theology or doctor of philosophy degree programs.