Master of Theology
Institutional Values
The ThM program at Robert E. Cooley Theological Seminary reflects the following core values:
- A high view of Scripture’s authority, ensuring biblical fidelity in all academic pursuits.
- An evangelical theological perspective, affirming the Gospel’s centrality and the Holy Spirit’s transformative power.
- A commitment to the Great Commission, training leaders to serve in diverse global contexts.
- A resolve to provide excellent and affordable theological education, particularly in regions affected by political violence and economic oppression.
Introduction
The Master of Theology (ThM) at Robert E. Cooley Theological Seminary is an advanced academic program designed for individuals who have completed a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or an equivalent graduate theological degree. This program provides students with the opportunity to deepen their theological expertise in a specific discipline and prepare for doctoral studies or advanced ministry leadership.
The ThM requires a minimum of 24 credit hours, with coursework focused on advanced theological research, biblical exegesis, and historical and contemporary theological thought. The program culminates in a thesis, demonstrating the student’s ability to conduct independent and scholarly research.
Program Description
The ThM program consists of 24 credit hours, distributed across the following areas:
I. Starting Well (3 Credit Hours)
Theological Research and Writing Seminar (3 credit hours)
I. Core Theological Studies (9 Credit Hours)
These courses provide advanced theological engagement, equipping students for in-depth research and analysis.
- Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics (3 credit hours)
- Contemporary Theological Issues (3 credit hours)
- Research Methods in Theology (3 credit hours)
II. Specialization (9 Credit Hours)
Students choose one of the following tracks based on their area of interest:
Students choose one of the following tracks based on their area of interest:
A. Biblical Studies Track
- Advanced Old Testament Exegesis (3 credit hours)
- Advanced New Testament Exegesis (3 credit hours)
- Theological Themes in the Biblical Narrative (3 credit hours)
B. Systematic Theology Track
- Doctrine of God and Christology (3 credit hours)
- Pneumatology and Ecclesiology (3 credit hours)
- Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology (3 credit hours)
C. Historical Theology Track
- Early Church Fathers and Patristic Theology (3 credit hours)
- Medieval and Reformation Theology (3 credit hours)
- History of Evangelical Thought (3 credit hours)
D. Practical Theology Track
- Pastoral Theology and Spiritual Formation (3 credit hours)
- Theology and Ethics in Ministry (3 credit hours)
- Cultural Engagement and Missional Leadership (3 credit hours)
IV. Thesis Requirement (3 Credit Hours)
- ThM Thesis (Original Research Project) (3 credit hours)
Language Proficiency Requirement
If applicable to the student’s field of study, language proficiency in biblical languages (Hebrew/Greek) or research languages (Spanish/Latin/German/ French) may be required for advanced exegesis and theological research.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the ThM program will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of theological and biblical disciplines.
- Engage in independent scholarly research and contribute to academic discourse.
- Apply critical theological reflection to contemporary ministry and academic contexts.
- Prepare for doctoral studies (PhD, ThD) or high-level teaching and leadership roles in the church and academy.
Conclusion
The ThM at Robert E. Cooley Theological Seminary is designed for academically oriented students seeking to deepen their theological expertise and prepare for future doctoral work or advanced ministry leadership. With a strong commitment to Scripture, theology, and global engagement, this program equips leaders to serve the church and theological academy with excellence.
Educational Philosophy
The vision and mission statements of the seminary, both focused on spiritual formation and pastoral ministry, drive our educational philosophy. Our focus is to prepare God’s people for the service of Jesus Christ. The seminary achieves this goal with a two–pronged strategy: Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE) and Mentored Teamwork.
CBTE complements the broad heading of Outcome-Based Education (OBE). The OBE movement began in the 1970s and grew out of a desire to build educational programs that equipped students practically and pragmatically to achieve measurable learning outcomes described in the degree program. This was an important development in the history of educational design for it signaled the birth of an entire area of research and study focused on assessing the outcomes of learning. Rather than if learning occurred by default through courses, CBTE requires the professor and student to think critically about what the educational program is attempting to accomplish. CBTE has the potential to develop a form of education that values the role of relationships and mentoring, both with God and with each other, which accomplishes true ministry training. At its core, CBTE is a philosophy of education that invites participants to re-evaluate current assumptions about learning and to embrace the development of learners as a truly organic, spirit-filled process of discipleship.
Mentored teamwork is one of the most important CBTE principles. RECTS requires each learner to be embedded in a mentor team comprised of the student, a faculty mentor, a vocational mentor, and a personal mentor. Mentor teams are a key component of the educational experience at RECTS. Each mentor team shapes and evaluates the learner’s experience in their educational journey of discipleship. Mentoring teamwork requires a collaborative commitment to mission and ministry where each member of the team is engaged in a journey of discipleship while learning together.
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