Master of Theological Studies

Program Code: D-TS-MTS
Degree Designation: Master of Theological Studies
Department: Divinity School
Website: divinity.duke.edu/academics/mts

Program Summary

This two-year (four semesters) general academic degree is designed to provide an introduction to the theological disciplines as:

1. foundation for a graduate research degree (PhD);

2. preparation for lay religious careers;

3. grounding for teaching, research, or practice in another field (e.g., history, psychology, music);

4. enhancement of institutional leadership roles; or

5. personal enrichment.

There are two curricular tracks available to students. MTS Core is for those considering a wide variety of applications for their degree (including further academic study, lay ministry, deacon’s orders, nonprofit work, and secondary teaching) and who are seeking an all-around theological education in Church History, Biblical Studies, and Theology. MTS Focus, which allows greater curricular flexibility and requires the naming of a concentration, is for students who have extensive, prior theological preparation in their undergraduate coursework and who intend to apply for further academic study after completion of the MTS. Students matriculate into either MTS Core or MTS Focus or can request to enter the Focus program no later than the third semester of study. Students pursuing a dual degree with the MTS are eligible for the MTS Focus with permission.

Through study and engagement within this program, students will be able to:

• Read and exegete Scripture and the great texts of the Christian tradition for the purpose of preaching and teaching the gospel with clarity, power, and reverence.

• Think theologically and critically about the doctrines and practices of the church and about the world in which the church finds itself, in ways that are both faithful historically to the tradition and responsive to the challenges of our time.

• Improve skills related to research, critical thinking, and theological argumentation.