Overview
The Master of Sacred Theology (STM) program prepares students for doctoral work or enriches pastoral ministry. It is a residential one-year program, tightly integrated with the PhD in Theological Studies program (PhD-TS). The course of study for the STM and PhD-TS Year 1 are identical. STM graduates, if accepted into the PhD-TS program, have already completed the first year of the PhD-TS. The STM program focuses on the learning and use of theological German, research methodology, seminar classes in a variety of theological areas, and a moderate-length research project under the guidance of faculty.
STM / PhD-TS Year 1
The two programs are integrated closely. The STM is a one-year residential program and is the same as the first year of the PhD-TS, which is also residential. Its purpose is to guide students to become competent theological researchers, including extensive use of the German language, which is essential at the STM and PhD-TS level. This one residential year (STM or first year of PhD-TS) includes:
- Intensive Theological German instruction. For ten weeks, with 30 hours of class per week, Theological German class prepares students to read German theological texts of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Students who enter already knowing German may test out of this course.
- Theological German Readings. For one hour a week in the fall, winter, and spring quarters, students will meet with a professor to discuss the theology of significant German theological writings.
- Research Methodology and Pedagogy. In this seminar, students learn advanced techniques for research, writing, and teaching, with a course focus on historiography and Luther studies.
- Four other seminar classes. These seminars are taught by experts at the PhD level and cover a wide range of topics.
- Thesis (Research Methodology Practicum). The thesis, a theological investigation of moderate length (50-75 pages), gives students the opportunity to practice the research skills they have learned under the guidance of faculty.
STM graduates, if accepted into the PhD-TS program, have already completed the first year of this program.
STM Non-Thesis Option
Students without requisite German language ability, or who prefer a wide range of classes without writing a thesis, are offered the STM Non-Thesis Option. This one-year program is unchanged from previous years. Students take a minimum of three PhD-TS seminars along with upgraded MDiv elective classes to enjoy a broad range of ministry-enhancing learning experiences.
STM in Gothenburg, Sweden
The STM program at CTSFW’s international extension site at the Lutheran School of Theology in Gothenburg, Sweden (LSTG), remains unchanged from previous years. For more information, see ffg.se/master/.
For more information about this program, contact Dr. Naomichi Masaki, Director of the STM program (including STM-Gothenburg) at naomichi.masaki@ctsfw.edu or Dr. Daniel Johansson, STM Coordinator at LSTG, at daniel.johansson@ffe.se.
STM Admission Process
To start the admission process, please contact the program director, Dr. Naomichi Masaki (naomichi.masaki@ctsfw.edu). Next, application materials should be requested from and returned to the Graduate Studies Office (graduatestudies@ctsfw.edu). The application will require the following:
- A completed STM application form, including a $35 non-refundable application fee and a current photo.
- Official transcripts of all previous academic work beyond high school.
- Three letters of recommendation are required from individuals who are able to evaluate the applicant’s character, scholarly intent, and ability.
- Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate a working ability in the English language by means of an acceptable TOEFL or DuoLingo English Test score.
When all application materials have been submitted, the Graduate Studies Committee will consider the application. The program director will inform the applicant of the committee’s decision.
STM Admission Requirements
Entry into this degree program requires the Master of Divinity degree or first graduate theological degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale from an accredited seminary of the United States, or an equivalent degree under a different educational system for those who are outside the United States.
Degree Requirements
| Program | Regular STM Program | Non-Thesis Option |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | PhD-TS Seminars, 12 hours of credit; Theological German Readings, 3 hours; Research Methodology, 3 hours | PhD-TS Seminars, 9 hours of credit; upgraded MDiv electives, 18 hours |
| Biblical Language Examination | Greek or Hebrew | Greek or Hebrew |
| Modern Research Language Examination | German (requirement satisfied by passing summer Theological German class), 3 credits | No |
| Written Examinations | No | Major area (3 credits) |
| Thesis | Yes (6 credits) | No |
This program is designed so that the student may finish within twelve months of study.
STM Admission Process
- All prospective graduate students should write to the Office of Graduate Studies requesting an application form to begin the admission process. A $35 non-refundable application fee should accompany the completed application form. Full-time graduate students on campus are subject to the same registration rules that apply to MDiv students.
- The applicant must submit official transcripts of all previous academic work beyond high school.
- Three letters of recommendation are required from individuals who are able to evaluate the applicant’s character, scholarly intent and ability.
- Foreign applicants must also submit acceptable TOEFL scores to demonstrate their ability to work in the English language.
STM Admission Requirements
Entry into this degree program requires the Master of Divinity degree or first graduate theological degree with a 3.0 cumulative G.P.A. on a 4.0 scale from an accredited seminary of the United States, or an equivalent degree under a different educational system for those who are outside the United States.
STM Language Requirements
- A reading knowledge of at least one biblical language is required of all STM students.
- Students who major in Exegetical theology must demonstrate not only a reading but a working knowledge of the biblical language in the area of concentration.
- Students majoring in Exegetical theology must pass the proficiency examination in Hebrew or Greek before enrolling in courses in the area of their biblical concentration.
- A reading knowledge of at least one modern foreign research language is also required of the regular (thesis option) STM students. The foreign language requirements assist students in their class work and in their thesis research. Students majoring in Systematic or Historical theology may substitute Latin for the modern foreign language, if Latin is necessary for thesis work.
- Students may take no more than nine hours of course work before the foreign language and biblical language examinations are passed.
Degree Requirements
| Regular STM Program | Non-Thesis Option | |
| Course Work | 27 hours of credits | 36 hours of credits |
| Biblical Language Examination | Greek or Hebrew | Greek or Hebrew |
| Modern Research Language Examination | Yes | No |
| Written Examinations | Major area | Major area |
| Thesis | Yes (six credits) | No |
This program is designed so that the student may finish within 12 months of study.