Master of Theology
Beeson Divinity School’s Th.M. provides advanced theological study beyond Master of Divinity (M.Div.) studies as further preparation for ministry and/or as preparation for research doctoral (Ph.D.) studies.
Is This Program for Me?
This degree is designed for those who desire more advanced study for ministry or more preparation for a research doctoral degree. It is for those students who want to sharpen their skills in biblical exegesis, historical theology, and/or preaching and pastoral care; to grow in spiritual maturity; and to develop competence in research and writing, preparing some for doctoral work.
Why Earn Your Th.M. at Beeson?
As with Beeson’s M.Div. and Ph.D. programs, the emphasis in the Th.M. is on theology in the service of the church and the kingdom of God.
Students are not required to specialize in one field of study. The program is flexible, allowing some students to use it to prepare for doctoral research and allowing others to enhance their learning and skills in a variety of subjects related to the service of the Lord and his church. Each student will be assisted in developing their program of study by a member of the Beeson faculty.
Program Design
The program requires the successful completion of 30 credit hours, consisting of advanced master’s-level courses and Ph.D. seminars (24 credit hours) and capstone research papers or a thesis (6 credit hours). Students may be given transfer credit for up to six (6) credit hours of advanced master’s level coursework completed in previous graduate theological studies.
Courses and seminars are delivered in a mix of modular and residential formats, depending on a student’s specific program of study. At least two courses, whether regular or guided research, must be “writing courses” in which a student writes major research papers under the guidance of their instructors. Students may satisfy the capstone research requirement either by writing these two papers or by writing a single thesis on a specialized topic under the supervision of a regular member of the Beeson faculty.
