The MTS with a concentration in Church History is traditionally pursued by those planning further graduate studies in the field of church history. Church history is the study of the formation of Christian identity and ecclesial life in the light of the apostolic witness of the New Testament and the shaping influences of twenty centuries of history. It embraces both the story of the Christian faith as it has taken root in diverse historical and cultural settings and the actual development of the corporate life of the Church in both its particular and global manifestations. Thus, Church History is by nature a contextual and ecumenical theological discipline, with the constructive task of critically evaluating the church’s ongoing quest to embody Jesus Christ in the world through its community, ministry, theology, worship and sacraments, and spirituality and ethics.

The MTS with a concentration in Christian Theology is traditionally pursued by those planning further graduate studies in the field of Christian theology. The Area of Christian Theology is most concerned with contemporary Christian theology as a discipline that attends to all aspects of Christian life under the triune God. The area draws upon the rich theological resources of the Christian tradition across cultures to respond to life’s persistent questions and spiritual conditions in ways that aspire to salvation, hope, and justice in the world. All disciplines of human understanding may be brought to bear on its questions.

The MTS with a concentration in Historical Theology is traditionally pursued by those planning further graduate studies in historical theology at accredited institutions. Electives for this concentration can be Christian Theology or Church History courses. The Areas of Christian Theology and Church History are dedicated to the study of theology as central to Christian tradition while deeply engaging its historical and cultural contexts and implications for contemporary Christian life.

The MTS with a concentration in the New Testament is traditionally pursued by those planning further graduate studies in the field. The New Testament area offers advanced study of the New Testament writings, their language, social-historical background, literary features, and theology. Courses in this area give attention to the Judaic and Graeco-Roman matrix of these writings, their religious teachings within their original contexts, and their theological unity and variety as part of the theological studies degree.

Exegesis of the text provides a foundation for the larger task of theological interpretation of the New Testament as sacred scripture. Courses emphasize the importance of understanding and appreciating the use of these documents throughout the church’s history and reading them afresh as Spirit-filled writings that continue to shape the Christian life corporately and individually.

The MTS with a concentration in Old Testament is traditionally pursued by those planning further graduate studies in the field of Old Testament. The Old Testament area offers advanced study of the books of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, including their text and language, social-historical background, literary character, and theology. The Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal books, Dead Sea Scrolls, and other important Jewish writings of the Second Temple period are also studied. Courses give attention to the ancient Near Eastern and later Hellenistic settings of the biblical books, their religious ideas and teachings within their original contexts, and their theological significance for the Christian faith.

Exegesis is emphasized as the foundation for the larger task of theological interpretation of the Hebrew Bible as Christian sacred scripture. Accordingly, courses in Hebrew language and exegesis are central, and courses in Aramaic, Ugaritic, and Akkadian are offered cyclically to complement the Old Testament area’s curriculum.

Yes, the Master of Theological Studies program at Emmanuel offers the flexibility to specialize in areas that align with your interests and goals. Students can focus on Biblical Studies, Christian Theology, Church History, Historical Theology, New Testament, or Old Testament. This customization allows you to tailor your academic journey each semester, ensuring you gain the expertise needed for your intended path, whether academic, professional, or personal. The program’s design ensures that students receive a well-rounded theological education that equips them for various roles while specialization is available.

Emmanuel’s Master of Theological Studies program is structured to accommodate different schedules and commitments, making it accessible for those holding a bachelor’s degree. The program offers full-time and part-time options, ensuring that working professionals and students balancing personal responsibilities can achieve their academic goals. This flexibility allows students to progress at their own pace while benefiting from Emmanuel’s supportive learning environment, small class sizes, and personal faculty mentorship. The format is in-person, fostering collaboration and deeper engagement with faculty and peers.

Students in the Master of Theological Studies program can access exceptional resources to support their academic and spiritual development. These include mentorship from experienced faculty, theological research opportunities at Emmanuel Christian Seminary, and access to Emmanuel’s extensive library. The program also benefits from small class sizes that encourage personalized guidance and collaboration. Beyond academics, Emmanuel offers a vibrant campus life with opportunities for community involvement, spiritual growth, and networking, ensuring students feel supported throughout their journey.

Graduates of the Master of Theological Studies program are prepared for impactful careers in various fields. Some options include becoming a nonprofit administrator managing faith-based organizations, an ethics consultant advising on moral issues in corporate or healthcare settings, or a public policy analyst shaping decisions with a theological perspective. Other paths include working as an educator in humanities or religious studies, serving as a community development specialist creating programs to address social needs, or contributing as a writer focused on theology and culture. The program’s interdisciplinary approach ensures that graduates are equipped for diverse roles requiring critical thinking and ethical reasoning.

The Master of Theological Studies program provides a strong foundation for advanced academic pursuits. With rigorous coursework in areas like Biblical Studies and Theology, students develop essential research and analytical skills. The program encourages engagement with theological scholarship and critical discussions, fostering intellectual depth and scholarly confidence. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue doctoral programs or contribute to academic discourse in theology and related fields. Emmanuel’s emphasis on academic rigor and spiritual growth ensures students are equipped for valuable academic contributions in their divinity school journey.

We offer a variety of financial aid opportunities for Master of Theological Studies students. These include scholarships, grants, and loans tailored to support graduate education in a two-year MTS degree program. Prospective students are encouraged to connect with Milligan’s financial aid office for personalized guidance on the application process and available options. The university is committed to making high-quality theological education accessible and works closely with students to address their financial needs. More information on enrollment can also be found our Scholarships webpage.