Choosing a Program

The member institutions of the Toronto School of Theology offer a dozen different degree programs at the master’s and doctoral level, which may cause some initial bewilderment. Full information on each of the programs can be found by following the links, but here is a quick overview to help direct your explorations.

TST’s programs can be categorized in two different ways. One is by level of study: Basic Degree programs require no previous theological study, while Advanced Degree programs require that students already have a first degree in theology at the master’s level. (The MA is an exception; see further below.) The other is by the nature of the program: some programs provide training for professional ministry of one kind or another; others are directed more towards academic inquiry and research.

If not indicated otherwise, each of the seven member schools offers the degree, except St. Augustine’s Seminary offers only basic degree programs.

Basic Master's Degree Programs

Professional Programs / Basic Degree

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) provides a basic professional preparation for ministry, including ordained ministry. Length: a minimum of three years (30 courses), with a requirement of at least two semesters of full-time study.

The Master of Religious Education (MRE), Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS), Master of Sacred Music (MSMus) and Master of Arts in Ministry and Spirituality (MAMS) offer training for specialized areas of ministry. Length: two years (20 courses). The MRE is offered by Emmanuel College, Knox College, St. Augustine’s Seminary and St. Michael’s College, while the MPS and MSMus degrees are offered by Emmanuel College and the MAMS degree is offered by Regis College.

The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) because of its flexibility, can also be used as training for specialized areas of ministry, though this is not its primary focus. Length: two years (20 courses, including summative exercise).

Academic Programs / Basic Degree

The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) provides a general introduction to theological study, together with the opportunity to specialize in a particular area. Length: two years (20 courses, including summative exercise).

The MTS and can be used as preparation for doctoral studies. The MDiv can be used in this way as well, as long as a student has taken enough courses in the proposed area of study and (normally) has done a thesis.

Advanced Master's Degree Programs

Academic Programs / Advanced Degree

The Master of Theology (ThM) is intended for advanced and specialized theological study beyond the basic degree level.  Option I (six courses plus thesis) can serve as preparation for some forms of teaching or for doctoral study. Option II (eight courses plus extended essay), which does not qualify a student for doctoral study, provides opportunities for the scholarly enhancement of the practice of ministry or disciplined reflection on a specialized function in ministry. Normal maximum length: six years.

The Master of Arts in Theology (MA) requires no previous theological studies and thus is similar in some respects to a basic degree. But since it moves students quickly to the point where they are able to participate in advanced degree seminars, it is considered an advanced degree. The MA provides excellent preparation for doctoral studies, though students should note that tuition costs are higher in the second year than for basic degree programs. Length: two years (twelve courses, seven of which are at the advanced degree level, plus thesis).

Professional Programs / Advanced Degree

The Master of Theology (Option II) (ThM II) can be used as an opportunity for disciplined reflection on a specialized function in ministry. Length: one year (eight courses plus extended essay).

Professional Doctoral Degree Program

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) is designed to assist students in gaining advanced expertise in the general practice of ministry as well as advanced skill in specialized area of research particular to their ministry. Normal maximum length: five years.

Academic Doctoral Degree Program

The Doctor of Theology (ThD) program is intended primarily to equip persons for vocations of  teaching and research in theological schools, colleges and universities, or for the scholarly enhancement of ministerial practice. Normal maximum length: six years.

TST is currently pursuing a conjoint PhD degree with the University of Toronto. Information about admission requirements and procedures will likely be available by Fall 2013. Once the details are known about the admission process, applicants are welcome to apply to the program. Please check the TST website for updates in Fall 2013.

Who Do I Contact for More Information?

For more information about any of our basic degree programs, you are advised to contact one of our member colleges directly. Contact information can be found here.

Applications to our advanced degree programs (MA, ThM, ThD and PhD) are submitted to and processed by the Toronto School of Theology’s Advanced Degree Office (E-mail: tstadv.degree @ utoronto.ca ). Students applying to an advanced degree program select a college and department on their application. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Advanced Degree Director of their college of application prior to the application deadline (January 7, 2013).

Thank you for visiting our website. To inquire further about the information on this page, or to report an error, please contact Diane Henson, Manager of Academic Services and Registrar.