Master of Theology (ThM)

The Master of Theology (ThM) degree program is the most advanced academic program offered at Western Seminary. Unlike many other seminaries, our ThM degree is not a four-year degree, but a more specialized academic program. The flexibility of the ThM also provides excellent preparation for future doctoral studies.

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What Sets Our Master of Theology Training Apart?

• Half of our ThM graduates serve in pastoral roles, while the other half enter teaching roles, thanks to an emphasis on applying research to ministry practice.
• Learn from high-caliber professors—writers and lecturers—who are respected in their fields of study. Professors provide mentorship, guiding ThM students personally through the thesis process from rough draft to final publication.
• Blend elective courses with your choice of seminars in theology, New Testament, Old Testament, historical theology, biblical literature, and pastoral theology.
• Our program utilizes a flexible design, which means that ThM students can complete their training with just 4-5 trips to our Portland campus.

The ThM is designed to cultivate excellent Christian scholarship in service to the Church. Our program will equip students well to take the next step towards a PhD. It will also serve Christ’s disciples who do not have that aspiration but still want to engage in the unique discipleship that the program offers.

Todd Miles, PhD
Director, Master of Theology Program

See a list of courses

Focus Your Theological Studies

Increase the relevance of your training by tailoring it to your ministry context. Focus your studies and research in the following areas:

• Systematic Theology
• Historical Theology
• Pastoral Theology
• Old Testament
• New Testament

Admission Requirements

• A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, as well as a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• A completed application for admission and all admissions materials
• A Master of Divinity degree or academic master's degree from a regionally accredited institution that includes the following credits:
  • Biblical Studies - 10 credits
  • Hermeneutics - 2 credits
  • Church History - 4 credits
  • Greek - 6 credits
  • Hebrew - 6 credits
  • Systematic Theology - 12 credits

If you do not meet one of these requirements, contact an Admissions Counselor to explore alternative ThM admission options.