Program Overview

Theological Studies - Master of Theological Studies (MTS)

The Master of Theological Studies program is designed for those from a range of academic backgrounds, offering an interdisciplinary setting to study the Bible, Christian theology, church history, and the practice of ministry. Through a distinctive Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective, students explore current scholarship and examine contemporary issues while interacting with faculty and students from diverse academic disciplines in a small classroom setting.

Program Overview

• Department/School: Theological Studies
• Faculty: Conrad Grebel University College
• Admit term(s): Fall (September – December), Winter (January - April)
• Delivery mode: On-campus (Conrad Grebel University College campus)
• Program type: Master's, Professional
• Length of program: 24 months (full-time)
• Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
• Study option(s): Thesis, Coursework, Applied Studies

Research Areas and Degree Options

• Christian Theology

Application Deadlines

• March 1 (for admission in September)
• September 1 (for admission in January of the following year)

Admission Requirements

• For applicants whose previous degree was completed in Canada, a 75% overall standing in the last two years, or equivalent, in a four-year Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent is the minimum requirement for admission to the program.
• Due to the variable nature of international credentials, for applicants whose previous degree was completed outside of Canada, a 75% overall standing in a four-year Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent is the minimum requirement for admission.
• Alternative admission requirements:
  • MTS may grant alternative admission to a limited number of students who do not meet the regular academic admission requirements of a four-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
  • The admissions committee will be guided by the following alternative admission standards:
    • Applicants with a three-year Bachelor’s degree in theology or religious studies with a 75% average (or its equivalent) may be eligible for non-standard entry directly into the MTS program.
    • MTS may grant admission to mature students who do not meet the regular academic admission requirements but who show aptitude for graduate study, and have significant field experience in a church or faith-based social service agency.
• Probationary admission may be granted for a specified time to confirm an applicant's ability to succeed in the program. Probationary students must attain an overall average of 75% in their courses to remain in the program.
• Applicants who do not meet standard admission requirements may be asked to complete a specified qualifying program of undergraduate courses. This will help prepare them for their proposed program of studies. They will have to achieve an average of 75% in their qualifying program, after which they can apply to enter the MTS program.

Degree Requirements

• Review the degree requirements on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree.
• Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository to see recent submissions from Conrad Grebel University College Theological graduate students.

Application Materials

• Resume
• Supplementary information form (SIF)
  • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field.
• Transcript(s)
  • From each institution through which the student has completed coursework
• References
  • Three references are required, two of these should be from people competent to assess the candidate's academic capacities and potential
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
  • TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and Fees

• Visit the graduate program tuition page to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program.
• Review living costs and housing.

Funding

• Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students.

Admission Limitations

For the 2026 and 2027 admission years, regrettably, due to funding restrictions, we cannot accommodate any new international students. International applicants who may be interested in self-funding their graduate studies need to contact the Program Graduate Coordinator prior to applying to discuss their interest in this program.