The Master of Theological Studies [M.T.S.] degree provides a basic understanding of theological disciplines for general educational purposes. The M.T.S. offers a survey knowledge of the various theological disciplines, while requiring focus and depth in one specific area.

Overall Goal: The purpose of the M.T.S. is to provide a basic understanding of theological disciplines for general educational purposes or for future graduate study. Students of the M.T.S. degree should be introduced to the Church’s rich intellectual tradition.

Program Outcomes

By completing a broad range of academic theology courses which provide both foundational and advanced theological knowledge, students of the M.T.S. degree prepare themselves to serve the Church’s scholarly and educational mission. They should be enabled to analyze more surely and discern more confidently between current intellectual fashions or party identities in the contemporary life of the Church and the deeper shape and substance of Catholic faith and tradition.

Through consultation with the Academic Advisor, students select a particular area of theological focus within which to conduct in-depth research through course work, the writing of a thesis or the completion of a summative exercise, depending on the year of matriculation. This experience should help students develop the academic skills necessary to present original scholarly research in their chosen area of concentration.

Students completing the M.T.S. degree should demonstrate foundational knowledge of the Catholic theological tradition, especially its official teaching, with a capacity for research in one theological discipline.
Students completing the M.T.S. should demonstrate an ability to critically engage the Catholic intellectual tradition with various contemporary theological trends and cultural contexts.
Students completing the M.T.S. degree should demonstrate how their knowledge and outlook has changed as a result of having completed the degree.

Admission Requirements

A university undergraduate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, with adequate standing (normally at least B- standing in their final year).
Complete academic application and official transcripts from all post- secondary education [as noted in the Academic Admissions section].

Non-Traditional Applicants for the Master of Theological Studies [M.T.S.]

In truly exceptional circumstances a non-traditional applicant will be considered for admission into the M.T.S. degree program at St. Augustine’s Seminary of Toronto and will be eligible to apply if:

Formal Post-secondary studies, diploma or one year of university;
At least 10 University courses or half of the required credits for a first-entry undergraduate degree;
Please note: the criteria for admitting students in this category to the M.T.S. is outlined by our accrediting body, A.T.S., and requires approval of a B.A. Equivalency by the Toronto School of Theology Admissions and Procedures Committee.

Thesis and Summative Project

The Master of Theological Studies degree program will require all students beginning studies in September 2012 and afterwards to complete either a two-credit thesis or a one-credit summative project in consultation with the Director. Please refer to the M.T.S. Thesis and Summative Guidelines.

For those students matriculating before September 2012, there are twenty required courses for the Master of Theological Studies degree.

Core Courses (14)

Biblical:

Introduction to Old Testament
Introduction to New Testament

Systematic Theology [Theological]:

Foundations of Theology
The Christian God / Mystery of the Trinity
Theological Anthropology
Christology
Ecclesiology
Sacraments

Moral Theology/Ethics [Theological]:

Moral Theology
Human Sexuality and Marriage

Historical:

Church History
Core Elective: choose three from the four options below
1. Christianity and World Religions
2. Ecumenism
3. Social Justice
4. Spirituality and the Catholic Educator or Spirituality of Work: Faith Life in Your Profession or an approved alternative

In-Depth Courses (3)

Three courses must be taken in one chosen area, in consultation with the Academic Advisor.

Moral Theology
Systematic Theology
Biblical Theology
Pastoral Theology
Church History

Free Electives (3)

May be taken in any area of theology or may continue in the chosen in-depth study area.

For students matriculating in September 2012 and afterwards, eighteen or nineteen courses are required for the Master of Theological Studies degree together with a Thesis or a Summative Project.

Core Courses (14)

Biblical:

Introduction to Old Testament
Introduction to New Testament

Systematic Theology [Theological]:

Foundations of Theology
The Christian God / Mystery of the Trinity
Theological Anthropology
Christology
Ecclesiology
Sacraments

Moral Theology/Ethics [Theological]:

Moral Theology
Human Sexuality and Marriage

Historical:

Church History
Core Elective: choose three from the four options below
1. Christianity and World Religions
2. Ecumenism
3. Social Justice
4. Spirituality and the Catholic Educator or Spirituality of Work: Faith Life in Your Profession or an approved alternative

Thesis or Summative Project (3)

M.T.S. Thesis - 2 credits / Summative Project - 1 credit

Thesis Option: The thesis must be chosen in consultation with the Academic Dean and one additional course must be taken in the same area as the Thesis.
Summative Project Option: The Summative project must be chosen in consultation with the Academic Dean and two additional courses must be taken in the same area as the Summative Project.
Optional areas: Moral Theology, Systematic Theology, Biblical Theology, Pastoral Theology OR Church History

Free Electives (3)

May be taken in any area of theology or may continue in the area chosen for in-depth study.

Please see the St. Augustine's Policies & Procedures Page and Student Handbook.