Courses
The normal course of study involves the following:
- Courses in the area or discipline of study (12 credit hours)
- Courses in theological fields outside the area of study (6)
- Either: ThM thesis preparation and writing OR one additional course and preparation of a project; and an oral examination on the thesis or project (6)
All work for any course undertaken as a part of the ThM program must be completed within one month of the end of the term in which the student registered for the course.
In addition to the language(s) required for admission, each candidate must demonstrate a sufficient mastery of any other ancient or modern language required for the thesis topic before the thesis is undertaken. Note: Additional credit hours may be required for language requirements in certain disciplines depending on the student’s background and interests. It is recommended that a student studying full-time take no more than 9 credit hours per term. All work for the Master of Theology degree must be completed within five (5) calendar years from date of admission.
General Areas of Study
Currently, studies for the ThM may be undertaken in:
- Hebrew Scriptures
- New Testament
- Hermeneutics
- Homiletics and Biblical Interpretation
- History
- Theology
- Missional Theology
ThM Thesis or Project
If the thesis option for the ThM program is chosen by the student, this requires that the student successfully complete a thesis demonstrating scholarly competence, including the formulation of a research topic or question relevant to the field of study, critical understanding of primary and secondary sources in the field, demonstration of appropriate research methods, and the ability to make a sustained and critical scholarly contribution to the field. The ThM thesis should be 22,500 – 30,000 words (90 – 120 pages). The ThM project option will likewise show scholarly competence in a more delimited area of study in a paper of 11250 – 12500 words (45 – 50 pages). The project may include alternate media (performance, video, etc.) in addition to a paper of 7500 –8750 words (30 – 35 pages).
Cross-Registration of courses
Many of the advanced seminars at Regent can be taken for VST credit. With the exception of Summer and on-line courses at Regent College (available only as transfer courses, if approved), VST students register and pay for the courses at VST rates and must acquire a cross-registration form from the Registrar’s office to be signed by the Registrar at Regent. For course listings see their website (www.regent-college.edu). Certain courses in the Classical, Near Eastern and Religious Studies department at UBC may also be available for transfer in your VST program. In all cases, the VST Registrar will confirm eligible courses for transfer.