MASTER OF SACRED THEOLOGY (S.T.M.)

MASTER OF SACRED THEOLOGY (S.T.M.)

PURPOSE OF THE DEGREE

The purpose of this degree is to provide greater mastery of one area or discipline of theological study than is normally provided at the M.Div. level. This program may serve a variety of aims: leading to further graduate study; preparation for some forms of teaching; the scholarly enhancement of ministerial practice; disciplined reflection on a specialized function in ministry or academic writing, and especially to relate the core messages of our faith with the contemporary cultural, social, economic and political environment. It is envisioned that this is a suitable program for someone with a M. Div. degree, or equivalent, to take as part of a sabbatical study program.

PRIMARY GOALS OF THE PROGRAM

The primary goals for this program include the development of an advanced understanding of a focused area or discipline in the context of general theological study, capacity to use research methods and resources in the discipline, the ability to formulate productive questions and to relate this focused area to the social and cultural context of the learner.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

Admission to this program requires an M.Div. degree from an accredited heological
seminary or college, or equivalent. Or, a person with an M.A. degree in theology (or equivalent) and another academic Master degree can apply for S.T. M., likewise a person with an M.A. degree in theology followed by a Grad.Dip. in theology.

ii.

Applicants must demonstrate their competence in basic theological disciplines by passing written examinations of 4 hours duration.

AREA OF CONCENTRATION

Concentrations are offered in the following areas:

(1)

OLD TESTAMENT

(2)

NEW TESTAMENT

(3)

CHURCH HISTORY AND HISTORICAL THEOLOGY (including Luther Studies)

(4)

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

(5)

PASTORAL THEOLOGY AND COUNSELING

(6)

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

(7)

SPIRITUALITY AND WORSHIP

(8)

MISSION AND CULTURE

(9)

THEOLOGICAL LIBRARY STUDIES

COURSES REQUIRED

A S.T.M. applicant is expected to declare an area of concentration at the time of application. LTS will form an advisory committee that consists of two faculty members and will develop an individually tailored program for the learner according to her/his background and perspective.

ii.

This program consists of five courses (two of them in the related area of concentration) and one independent study under faculty supervision. To encourage an appropriate level of academic engagement, when classes are taken with other master level students, S.T.M. learners are expected to take on extra reading or project assignments. There will be four credits for each course and a total of 24 credits can be acquired from the course work and the independent study.

iii.

This program requires a comprehensive examination covering all the courses that the learner has taken. The comprehensive examination is designed to cover the full range of a student’s study program, giving each student the challenge and opportunity to show whether they have met the educational objectives to this program. If on their first attempt a student has not adequately met the high academic standards of this program, he or she will be given further opportunities to retake a comprehensive examination according to the following arrangements.

‧	Within three months of the first failure, a second examination may be taken free of charge. If a second attempt is made after three months, but before six months have elapsed, a fee of the equivalent of one credit hour will be charged. If no second examination is taken within six months of the first failed attempt, the student is subject to dismissal from the program.
‧	If the second attempt results in failure, the student may have one final chance to take a comprehensive examination within 6 months of the second attempt, and a fee equivalent to one credit hour will be charged. If the third attempt results in failure, or if a third examination is not attempted within 6 months, the student will be dismissed from the program.
‧	6 credits will be given for the successful completion of the examination.

iv.

Unless specifically agreed by the advisor for sufficient reasons, a S.T.M. student should not take courses at the first- or second-year level.

A total of 30 credits is required for graduation.

ADVANCED STUDIES PROGRAM COLLOQUIUM

This program requires participation in the Advanced Studies Program Colloquium that is held monthly. An attendance record of 80% is required. The colloquium provides a setting in which students and faculty participate in academic presentations, responses, and discussion on current issues or work in progress. The purpose of this colloquium is to promote collegiality, academic endeavor, and intellectual growth for learners in the S.T.M., M.Th., and Th.D. program at LTS.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

Persons enrolled in this program must have sufficient English knowledge for study at the graduate level.

ii.

For a learner who takes an emphasis in the area of Biblical studies, 9 credits of Greek (for an emphasis in N.T.) or 9 credits of Hebrew (for an emphasis in O.T.) are required if the learner has not already taken them.

If the learner is planning on further graduate study, the development of appropriate language proficiency may be of special importance.

Learners need to notify the advisors of any prerequisite deficiencies prior to registration for the first semester of study. S/he can take the biblical languages at LTS, but without credit.

CREDIT HOURS

Learners cannot take more than 16 credits in each semester or more than 4 credits in each J Term.

DURATION

This program requires one year of full-time study or its equivalent. All learners are required to complete the degree within 4 years.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

In order to earn the S.T.M. degree, a learner must have completed all the LTS requirements for a S.T.M. with a 2.50 grade-point average or above.

FURTHER STUDY

If learners wish to pursue a teaching position in certain theological schools requiring the M.Th. degree from the South East Asia Graduate School of Theology (SEAGST), all the S.T.M. credits can be transferred to the M.Th. degree, and then only an M.Th. thesis will be required. Either the S.T.M. or the M.Th. degree can be a basis for further study at the doctoral level.

LOCATION

Even though this program is undertaken chiefly through courses offered on our main campus where a sufficient number of learners exist to provide a peer community for mutual criticism and stimulus, courses can be taken also in the cooperating Institutes in order to widen the horizon of the learners.