Program Overview

Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)

The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) is a 48-credit program that provides students with a thorough grounding in Scripture, Church history, historical-systematic-practical theology, moral theology, and pastoral studies, as well as specialized study in their area of interest.

At a Glance

• Conference Funding: Funding is available for all students to attend and/or present at academic conferences.
• Customized Degree: Tailor your theological study toward your area of interest with six elective courses and an optional thesis.
• Language Courses: Prepare for doctoral studies by applying up to 18 credits in ancient or modern languages toward the M.T.S.
• Library Resources: Our Theology and Ministry Library holds the largest collection of Catholic literature outside of the Vatican.
• Interreligious Exchange: Take courses at 10 area schools through the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium.
• Faculty Support: Students may pursue directed readings with faculty members during the program's second year.
• Thesis Option: One elective may be used to complete a 3050 page thesis, under the direction of a faculty advisor.
• Formation Opportunities: While not required, you are welcome to participate in all formation opportunities the school offers.

Our Faculty

The faculty at the Clough School of Theology and Ministry are renowned for their expertise in various fields of theology. Some of the faculty members include:

• Angela Kim Harkins: Early Jewish and Christian Texts
• O. Ernesto Valiente: Liberation Theology
• Mary Jo Iozzio: Moral Theology
• Brian Dunkle, S.J.: The Early Church

MTS Formation Opportunities

Though the MTS does not have formation requirements, MTS students are welcome to participate in any schoolwide offerings, and also have a range of student- and faculty-led opportunities tailored for their particular hopes and needs. All offerings are optional.

Academic and Professional

• Conference Paper Writing and Delivery Workshop
• Applying for Ph.D. Programs Workshop
• Navigating careers in academia
• Honest conversations on the state of higher education
• Language Practice Groups

Social and Spiritual

• MTS Retreat
• Service Opportunities
• Weekly Sports Club Meetings
• Monthly Pub Nights
• Semesterly Social Committee Events (Upcoming: MTS Karaoke Night!)

Our Students and Alumni

Our diverse community is made up of lay and religious men and women from around the world who represent a range of ages, interests, and experiences. Some of our students and alumni include:

• Luke Stringfellow: MTS, 2024
• Grace Agolia: M.T.S., 2019
• Yiyi Zhang: M.T.S., 2022
• Colleen Gibson, SSJ: MTS, 2023
• Alexander d'Entremont: MTS, 2024
• Marcus Mescher: M.T.S. '09, Ph.D. '13
• Febrianto Tayoto: MTS., 2024
• Amirah Orozco: M.T.S., 2021
• Genesis Arocho-Lapierre: M.T.S. '18
• Mar眼 Soledad Del Villar Tagle: M.T.S., 2019

Curriculum

The M.T.S. program typically completed in two years of full-time study, provides students with a thorough grounding in Scripture, Church history, historical-systematic-practical theology, moral theology, and pastoral studies, as well as specialized study in their area of interest.

Program of Study

• Systematic Theology: 6 credits
• Biblical Studies: 6 credits
• Christian Ethics/Moral Theology: 6 credits
• History of Christianity or Church History: 6 credits
• Pastoral Studies: 3 credits
• Practical Theology: 3 credits
• Electives and Optional Thesis: Students take six elective courses in their area of interest and have the option to complete a 3050 page research paper as one of their six elective courses.

Language Courses

Students can choose to apply up to 18 credits of study (six courses) in an ancient or modern language toward the M.T.S. degree.

Learning Portfolio

Over the course of studies for the M.T.S. degree, students are encouraged to maintain personal files of assigned and completed work (artifacts) that best represents their mastery of a particular topic.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the M.T.S. degree, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the Bible, its historical contexts, and methods of interpretation.
• Articulate methodologies of moral reasoning in relation to Scripture, tradition, and experience, demonstrated by literacy in a specific area of interest.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Christian tradition, articulated through systematic thought on Christology, ecclesiology, or fundamental theology.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the historical development of the Christian church, its institutions, and its practices and teachings.
• Articulate methodologies of pastoral studies and practical theology and demonstrate a capacity for interdisciplinary and contextual analysis for Christian discipleship.
• Articulate the value of reading and listening to members of traditionally marginalized groups.

Careers

100% of 2023 M.T.S. graduates found placement within six months of graduation. 67% of CSTM graduates who applied to doctoral programs were admitted.

Recent Placements

• Ph.D. Student, Boston College Theology Department
• Ph.D. Student, University of Notre Dame
• Ph.D. Student, Fordham University
• Theology Teacher, Arlington Catholic High School
• Director of Young Adult Mobilization, Catholic Climate Covenant

Application Requirements

• Application Form
• Application Fee: $75
• Standardized Tests: GRE is optional, but preferred.
• English Proficiency Exam: Required for applicants for whom English is not their native language.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, or theological schools attended.
• Recommendations: Three recommendations using the online application system.
• Interview: The admissions office interviews all master's applicants.
• R乶um辯 Upload a resume as part of the application.
• Personal Statement: A three-page personal statement addressing the applicant's academic, professional, and personal development, understanding of theological education and/or ministry, and plans for applying their theological education.