OVIEDO, Fla. — Reformed Theological Seminary is pleased to announce a new Master of Theology degree program will launch at RTS Orlando in January 2025, pending ATS approval. The Master of Theology (ThM) provides advanced academic preparation (beyond the MDiv) in theology and biblical studies, equipping pastors with deeper resources for preaching and pastoral ministry and forming scholars to excel in further theological research (such as PhD study).
The program may be completed either as a residential student in Orlando, or using a hybrid model with a combination of synchronous online courses and travel to Orlando for intensive courses.
“I am delighted that Reformed Theological Seminary is going to offer the Master of Theology degree,” said Dr. Ligon Duncan, RTS Chancellor. “RTS’ faculty is widely regarded—one of the largest seminary faculties in the world—and people tell me all the time that they would love to do a ThM with our professors. Ultimately, the ThM program will further RTS’ mission by providing students with advanced academic training to equip them both for further study in top Ph.D. programs, and for teaching in churches, colleges, and seminaries.”
Dr. Robert Cara, Provost and Chief Academic Officer of RTS, said, “RTS’ ThM is a great opportunity for those who desire serious academic study beyond the MDiv with professors who are confessionally Reformed.”
ThM Program Structure
Full-time students may complete the program in 12 months by enrolling in courses in each of the four terms. Non-residential or part-time students may take the program via intensives in the winter and summer terms and remote live courses in the fall and spring. Two concentrations are available for the ThM: biblical studies and theology. Students who elect not to complete a six-credit hour thesis may take up to two directed studies in their concentration.
Though the program will be administered by the Orlando campus, several courses will be taught by RTS faculty members from other campuses as well as the occasional guest lecturer in addition to Orlando faculty. Dr. Michael Allen, J.D. Trimble Professor of Systematic Theology and Academic Dean at RTS Orlando, will serve as program director.
“By providing supervision in advanced research from leading thinkers across the RTS faculty, the ThM program will help ensure that we’re investing in the theological leaders of the next generation,” Dr. Allen said. “We want to equip them to lead in congregations and schools and to leverage the best riches of the Christian tradition for present theological renewal.”
Admission to the ThM Program
Program prerequisites include an MDiv or equivalent, with at least three semesters each of Greek and Hebrew, as well as a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25.
To learn more about the ThM program, visit rts.edu/degree/thm.