Master of Theological Studies
The Master of Theological Studies program will prepare you for theological engagement and leadership in a variety of settings – and can also provide a good foundation for further study in Theology. You will develop a solid scholarly grounding in the core theological disciplines, as well as knowledge and skills within a particular practical or academic concentration, including Islamic Studies. Students of all denominations and faith traditions are welcome in this program.
Alumni Stories
In today’s complex world, people who are educated to have a deep understanding of different religious, cultural and social practices will distinguish themselves as Leaders with Heart with a commitment to the betterment of the world. Our MTS graduates have gone on to create significant positive change through in religious leadership, but they have also done so in careers you may not immediately associate with theological education.
See where our Faculty of Theology alumni have found their purpose and consider whether your studies could take you in a similar direction. In the MTS, you can explore a variety of theological disciplines and religious traditions in a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive.
The Quick Facts
- The MTS is a two-year, post-baccalaureate, professional undergraduate degree to prepare you for public leadership or further study.
- The program may be taken full-time or part-time; however, the maximum duration of the degree is four years.
- The degree is granted by Western University and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools; we are pleased to welcome students from any denomination or faith tradition.
- Areas of concentration include Biblical Studies, Islamic Studies, Theology and Ethics, Comparative Religion and Theology, Congregational Ministry, Pastoral Care, and Public Service
- Informed knowledge and interpretive skill in the theological disciplines
- Ability to reflect critically and theologically on religion’s role in public life
- Knowledge and respect for the diverse religious traditions in Canada and the world
- A broadened and enriched understanding of social justice and community transformation
- Ability to collaborate across denominational and religious boundaries
- small, inclusive learning community within one of Canada’s leading Liberal Arts universities
- over 150 years of excellence in theological education
- ability to specialize in an area of concentration, including Islamic Studies
- new program mode includes convenient, two-day timetable and distance learning option
- knowledgeable, supportive faculty who take a personal interest in your learning and development
- excellent research support in Huron’s Library and Learning Services and Writing Services
- generous financial aid available to students who qualify
- access to Western University amenities
- and graduate with a Western degree
You may apply to the MTS if you hold a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university. A limited number of competitive, discretionary admissions may be available for those without a bachelor's degree (contact the Faculty for details). Occasional January part-time admission is possible. (Contact the Faculty for information.)
Deadline for application is May 30 for September entry (enquire at the Faculty of Theology office if that date has passed).
Taking Courses Only (Not the Degree), Letter of Permission, and Special Student:
You may take courses without being in a degree stream in the following ways when you already hold a university degree:
- Special Students already hold a university degree & wish to take individual course(s), for audit or credit, without being in a degree program.
- Letter of Permission students are visiting students from another university.
Deadline for Special Student or Letter of Permission status: August 1 for September starts and December 1 for January starts (Call the Faculty of Theology office, 519.438.7224, ext. 289, directly if this deadline has passed, for further information).
Non-Registered Students:
If you do not already hold a Bachelor's degree, you can contact the Faculty of Theology office regarding the possibility of sitting in on courses in the Faculty. You will not be an official Western/Huron student, no records will be kept, and audit fees will be charged.
General MTS Degree Requirements:
Area I: Biblical Studies--Old Testament, New Testament, and related studies
- Biblical Studies 5110a/b, 5116a/b, and 5120a/b
- One further half-course from Area I, Biblical Studies, including Greek, or Hebrew (Those who began the degree prior to September 2014 may substitute Biblical Studies 5112a/b for 5120a/b)
Area II: Theological Studies--Philosophical Theology, Systematic Theology, Theological Ethics
- Systematic Theology 5103a and Theological Ethics 5203a/b
- One further half-course from Area II, Theological Studies
Area III: Historical Studies--Studies in Church History, History of Christian Thought, and other historical studies of Christianity, the Christian tradition
- Two half-courses from Area III, Historical Studies
Area IV: Public Leadership and Ministry Studies--Studies in the work of the church, in particular conducting liturgy and preaching, and of the various forms of ministry, pastoral care and public leadership
- Pastoral Theology 5213a/b
Area V: Contextual and Formational Studies--Field Education and Community-Based Learning conducted alongside theological reflection on parochial, social, educational, or clinical ministries
- One half-course from Area V, Contextual and Formational Studies
Area VI: Comparative and Cultural Studies--Ecumenical, Interfaith and cross-cultural studies in religion, philosophy, the arts, sociology, and anthropology
- Two half-courses from Area VI, Comparative & Contextual Studies
General Program Electives:
- 7 elective half-courses from any of the 6 areas above.
- (For an area of concentration, replace these 7 General Program Electives with 7 courses listed for your area of concentration in the tab below.)
MTS Concentrations
(Concentration in Islamic Studies follows)
If you wish to complete an MTS with a concentration in:
- Biblical Studies
- Theology and Ethics
- Comparative Religion and Theology
- Congregational Ministry
- Pastoral Advising
- Public Service
complete the MTS General Degree, but replace the 7 courses of the "General Program Electives," with one of the concentrations below.
Biblical Studies Concentration:
- Hebrew 5040a/b or Greek 5103a/b
- 2 further half-courses from Area I (Biblical Studies) including Greek & Hebrew
- 4 electives from any Area
Theology and Ethics Concentration:
- 3 half-courses from Area II (Theological Studies) or Area III (Historical Studies)
- 4 electives from any Area
Comparative Religion and Theology Concentration:
- 4 half-courses from Area II (Theological Studies), Area III (Historical Studies), and Area VI (Comparative & Cultural Studies)
- 3 electives from any Area
Congregational Ministry Concentration:
- Homiletics 5204a/b, Liturgics 5204a/b, Field Education 5310a, Field Education 5110a, and Field Education 5211a
- 1 further half-course from Area IV (Public Leadership & Ministry Studies) or Area V (Contextual and Formational Studies)
- 1 elective from any Area
Pastoral Care Concentration:
- 6 half-courses from Area IV (Public Leadership & Ministry Studies) or Area V (Contextual and Formational Studies), or other master's-level course with permission of the dean
- 1 elective from any Area
Public Service Concentration:
- 6 half-courses from Area IV (Public Leadership & Ministry Studies) or Area V (Contextual and Formational Studies) and Area VI (Comparative & Cultural Studies)
- 1 elective from any Area
Islamic Studies Concentration:
Complete all 20 half-courses (10.0 full courses) in the degree from the areas and electives as indicated below:
Area I: Biblical Studies--Sacred Texts
- Religious Studies 5310a/b or Biblical Studies 5320 a/b
- Biblical Studies 5119a/b
- Arabic 5260a/b or another half-course from Area I, if already reading Arabic at this level
- One additional half-course from Area I
Area II: Theological Studies--Philosophy, Systematical Theology, Theological Ethics
- Theological Ethics 5213a/b or Theological Ethics 5190a/b
- Systematic Theology 5208a/b
- One further half-course from Area II, Theological Studies
Area III: Historical Studies
- Church History 5111a/b
- One additional course from Area III, Historical Studies
Area IV: Public Leadership and Ministry Studies
- Pastoral Theology 5213a/b (taken as one of final courses)
- Pastoral Theology 5231a/b
- One additional course in Area IV, Public Leadership & Ministry
Area V: Contextual and Formational Studies--Field Education and Community-Based Learning conducted alongside theological reflection on parochial, social, educational, or clinical ministries
- One half-course from Area V, Contextual and Formational Studies
Area VI: Comparative and Cultural Studies--Ecumenical, Interfaith and cross-cultural studies in religion, philosophy, the arts, sociology, and anthropology
- Religious Studies 5134a/b
- One additional half-course from Area VI, Comparative & Contextual Studies
Electives for MTS Concentration in Islamic Studies
- 5 elective half-courses from any of the 6 areas.
MTS Application Package (see Application Steps below for instructions)
Special Student/Letter of Permission Student application (see Taking Courses without admission to Degree, see below, for instructions)
MTS Application Steps :
1. Download the MTS application form and complete and send to the Faculty of Theology.
2. References or autobiographic statement are NOT required.
3. Arrange for an original academic transcript of your previous university degree to be mailed to the Faculty of Theology at Huron (if a UWO degree, this is not necessary).
4. Once your file is complete, we will arrange for a convenient admissions interview with the Admissions Committee. (Other arrangements will be made for applicants some distance from London.)
Due Date for Applications for the MTS degree: May 31 of each year. (Call the Faculty of Theology office directly if this deadline has passed, for further information).
International students are advised to apply well in advance in order to give themselves extra time to apply for a student visa.
Special Student or Letter of Permission Application Steps:
- Special Students already hold a university degree & wish to take course(s) for credit, without being in a degree program. Those wishing to audit require permission of the Dean and instructor.
- Letter of Permission students are visiting students from another university.
1. Download the Special Student/Letter of Permission Student Application. Complete and send to the Faculty of Theology by email to srice@uwo.ca
2. Arrange for an original academic transcript of your previous university degree to be sent to Huron (if a UWO degree, this may not be necessary).
3. Visiting/Letter of Permission students arrange to have a Letter of Permission from their university sent to the Faculty of Theology by email to srice@uwo.ca
Due Date for Applications for Special Student or Letter of Permission status: August 1 for September starts and December 1 for January starts (Call the Faculty of Theology office, 519.438.7224, ext. 289) directly if this deadline has passed, for further information.
Non-Registered Student Application Steps:
1. Contact the Faculty of Theology office regarding possibility of sitting in on courses without previously holding a bachelor's degree.
2. Before attending classes you must get permission of instructor, then Dean to audit courses in this way.
3. Download the application form here (pdf). Complete and send to the Faculty of Theology by email to srice@uwo.ca
Auditing Courses
Regardless of method of application, those wishing to audit a course (sit in on course without assignments, tests, marks), must receive permission of both the instructor and the Dean of Theology before attending the class.
Highly motivated students, with a minimum of 12 half-courses completed in the MTS with a minimum average of 78%, may apply to the MA (Theology). Those completing both degrees concurrently will be part-time in one degree, full-time in the other.
Combined MTS-MA students will complete three fewer half-courses (generally elective courses) in the MTS program (for a total of 17). With successful completion, both MDiv and MA degrees are awarded.
Master of Theological Studies Course Timetable
Course Subject |
Course # |
Course Outline |
Day |
Start |
End |
Instructor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arabic | 1070A | Quranic Arabic for Beginners | Th | 3:30 | 6:20 | Kharrat, Y. |
Arabic | 2080B | Intermediate Quranic Arabic | Th | 3:30 | 6:20 | Kharrat, Y. |
Arabic | 5260B | Readings From The Qur'an | Tu | 9:30 | 12:20 | Kharrat, Y. |
Bib Studies | 5110A | Intro to Bible as Scripture | M | 7:00 | 9:20 | Meyer, N. |
Bib Studies | 5116B | The New Testament Writings | M | 12:30 | 3:00 | Meyer, N. |
Bib Studies | 5119A | Qur'an, Sunnah & Hadith | M | 7:00 | 9:20 | Mattson, I. |
Bib Studies | 5120B | Intro to the Hebrew Bible | M | 7:00 | 9:20 | Lemos, T. |
Bib Studies | 5222B | Prophetic Literature | M | 8:30 | 11:00 | Lemos, T. |
Bib Studies | 5224B | Studies in the Gospels | Tu | 9:30 | 12:00 | Meyer, N. |
Church Hist | 5104A | Early Church to Late Middle Ages | M | 12:30 | 3:00 | McClatchie, S. |
Church Hist | 5106B | Late Mid Ages to Modern Period | M | 8:30 | 11:00 | Acres, W. |
Church Hist | 5111A | Christian-Muslim Relations | M | 12:30 | 3:00 | Mattson, I. |
Church Hist | 5223A | Christian Tradition in Canada | M | 3:30 | 6:00 | Acres, W. |
Church Music | 5223A | Liturgical Music | Tu | 9:30 | 12:00 | Lupton, W. / McClatchie, S. |
Field Educ | 5110A | Intro to Ministry | Tu | 7:00 | 9:00 | Smith, G. |
Field Educ | 5211A | Parish/Community Practicum | TBA | |||
Field Educ | 5212B | Parish/Community Practicum | TBA | |||
Field Educ | 5313B | Parish/Community Practicum | TBA | |||
Greek | 5130A | Intro to Greek Grammar |
M Tu |
3:30 | 6:00 | Meyer, N. |
Greek | 5104B | Con't of Greek Grammar and New Testament Readings |
M Tu |
3:30 | 6:00 | Meyer, N. |
Greek | 5223A | Readings in New Testament | Tu | 7:00 | 9:20 | Meyer, N. |
Homiletics | 5204A | Theol & Practice Preaching | M | 12:30 | 3:00 | Townshend, T. |
Homiletics | 5305B | Continuation of Homiletics | M | 7:00 | 9:20 | Crittenden, J. |
Liturgics | 5204B | Liturgical Theology | M | 8:30 | 11:00 | Larson-Miller, L. |
Liturgics | 5223B | Special Topics in Liturgics | Tu | 7:00 | 9:20 | Larson-Miller, L. |
Liturgics | 5301B | Liturgical Leadership | M | 3:30 | 6:00 | Larson-Miller, L. |
Past Theol | 5213B | Integrative Seminar | M | 3:30 | 6:00 | TBA |
Past Theol | 5230A | Congregational Develop & Leadership | Tu | 3:30 | 6:00 | Morrison, B. |
Past Theol | 5231A | Pastoral Care & Counselling | Tu | 7:00 | 9:00 | Morrison, B. |
Past Theol | 5313B | MDiv Integration & Formation Seminar | TBA | |||
Past Theol | 5332B | Family of Origin Seminar | Tu | 7:00 | 9:20 | Morrison, B. |
Rel Educ | 5203B | Intro to Christian Education | Tu | 3:30 | 6:00 | Morrison, B. |
Rel Stud | 5134A | Freedom of Religion and Accommodation in Canada | M | 8:30 | 11:00 | Fahmy, M. |
Rel Stud | 5202B | Spirituality of Muslim Women | M | 7:00 | 9:20 | Mattson, I. |
Rel Stud | 5223B | Special Topics Course | M | 12:30 | 3:00 | TBA |
Syst Theol | 5130A | Intro to Systematic Theology | M | 8:30 | 11:00 | TBA |
Syst Theol | 5201B | Contextual Theology | M | 12:30 | 3:00 | TBA |
Syst Theol | 5206B | Christ, Salvation, & Trinity | Tu | 3:30 | 6:00 | TBA |
Syst Theol | 5234A | Special Topics Course | M | 3:30 | 6:00 | Badcock, G. |
Theol Ethics | 5203B | Theological Ethics | Tu | 7:00 | 9:20 | Gruning, H. |
Islamic Studies and Related Course Outlines
Master of Theological Studies 2019-2020 Course Timetable
For detailed course and program information, click here.
2018-19 MDiv/MTS Fall/Winter Course Timetable
Room #s available at student.uwo.ca under "your Weekly Schedule"
"a" and "f" courses are in first (fall) term; "b" and "g" in second (winter)
"Calendar/catalogue description is found by clicking "Course #."
Interested in taking a course below, without being in MDiv or MTS degree stream?
Contact the Faculty of Theology, srice@uwo.ca.
Islamic Studies and Related Course Outlines
Course |
Course # |
Course
|
Description |
Day |
Start |
End |
Instructor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arabic | 1070A | 2018-19 | Quranic Arabic for beginners (avail to MDiv/MTS too) | Th | 3:30 | 6:20 | Kharrat, Y. |
Arabic | 5260B | 2018-19 | Readings for the Qur'an. MTS/MDiv students should register for this number; bachelor's students register for Arabic 3260b |
Th | 4:30 | 7:20 | Kharrat, Y. |
Bib Studies | 5110A | 2018-19 | Intro to Bible as Scripture | Tu | 11:30 | 2:20 | TBA |
Bib Studies | 5120B | 2018-19 | Intro to the Hebrew Bible |
W F |
9:30 9:30 |
10:20 11:20 |
Lemos, T. |
Bib Studies | 5116B | 2018-19 | New Testament Writings | Tu | 11:30 | 2:20 | Meyer, N. |
Bib Studies | 5205B | 2018-19 | Major Pauline Epistles | F | 11:30 | 2:20 | Meyer, N. |
Church Hist | 5104A | 2018-19 | Early Church to Late Middle Ages | Th | 9:30 | 12:30 | McClatchie, S. |
Church Hist | 5106B | 2018-19 | Late Mid Ages to Modern Period | Th | 9:30 | 12:20 | McClatchie, S. |
Church Hist | 5111B | 2018-19 | Christian-Muslim Relations | M | 14:30 | 17:20 | Mattson, I. |
Church Hist | 5223A | 2018-19 | Christian Tradition in Canada | W | 8:30 | 11:20 | Acres, W. |
Church Hist | 5350A | 2018-19 | Eastern & Orthodox Church History | M | 2:30 | 5:20 | Larson-Miller, L. |
Church Music | 5223B | 2018-19 | Liturgical Music (if you have dif signing up for this course, just email srice@uwo.ca) |
Tu Th |
12:30 12:30 |
2:20 1:20 |
Lupton, W. & McClatchie, S. |
Field Educ | 5110A | 2018-19 | Intro to Ministry | M | 9:30 | 12:20 | Smith, G & Silcox, JA |
Field Educ | 5211A | 2018-19 | Parish/Community Practicum | Tu | 9:30 | 11:20 | Smith, G. |
Field Educ | 5212B | 2018-19 | Parish/Community Practicum | Tu | 9:30 | 11:20 | Smith, G. |
Field Educ | 5313B | 2018-19 | 3rd-yr Placement I.S. | contact G. Smith | |||
Greek | 5103A | 2018-19 | Intro to Greek Grammar |
Tu F |
4:30 1:30 |
6:20 3:20 |
TBA |
Greek | 5104B | 2018-19 | Con't of Grk Grammar and NT Readings | TU/F | 2:30 | 4:20 | TBA |
Hebrew | 5040A | 2018-19 | Intro to Biblical Hebrew |
TU F |
2:30 11:30 |
4:20 1:20 |
TBA |
Hebrew | 5041B | 2018-19 | Intro to Bib Hebrew, part 2 |
Tu/F |
2:30 | 4:20 | Meyer, N. |
Homiletics | 5204A | 2018-19 | Theol & Practice Preaching | M | 9:30 | 12:20 | Townshend, T. |
Homiletics | 5305B | 2018-19 | Continuation of Homiletics | F | 9:30 | 12:20 | Crittenden, J. |
Liturgics | 5204A | 2018-19 | Liturgical Theology | Th | 2:30 | 5:20 | Larson-Miller, L |
Liturgics | 5301B | 2018-19 | Liturgical Leadership | W | 2:30 | 5:20 | Larson-Miller, L |
Liturgics | 5302B | 2018-19 | Christian Initiation (New! see description below timetable |
Tu | 6:30 | 9:20 | Larson-Miller, L. |
Past Theol | 5213B | 2018-19 | Integrative Seminar (MTS only) Registered students should contract instructor to arrange convenient class time | Marks, D. | |||
Past Theol | 5230A | 2018-19 | Congregational Develop & Leadership | Tu | 2:30 | 5:20 | Morrison, B. |
Past Theol | 5231A | 2018-19 | Pastoral Care & Counselling | Tu | 5:30 | 8:20 | Morrison, B. |
Past Theol | 5313A/B | 2018-19 | MDiv Integration & Formation Seminar (see G. Smith for details) | Smith, G. | |||
Past Theol | 5333B | 2018-19 | Grief, Crisis & Pastoral Care | Tu | 5:30 | 8:20 | Morrison, B. |
Rel Educ | 5203B | 2018-19 | Intro to Christian Education | Tu | 2:30 | 5:20 | Morrison, B. |
Rel Stud | 2130 | 2018-19 | Living Religions of the World (avail to Master's students if instructor agrees. = 2 half courses) | Th | 6:30 | 9:30 | Acres, W. |
Rel Stud | 2297A | 2018-19 | Faith in Sound, Stone & Paint (MDiv/MTS may take toward degree if instructor agrees) |
W F |
9:30 9:30 |
11:20 10:20 |
McClatchie, S. |
Rel Stud | 2300A | 2018-19 | Religion & Psychoanalysis | W | 6:30 | 9:20 | TBA |
Rel Stud | 3030G | 2018-19 | Angry God: The Bible & War (MDiv/MTS may take toward degree, if instructor agrees) | Tu | 2:30 | 5:20 | Lemos, T. |
Rel Stud | 3333F | 2018-19 | Theology, Science & Society (MDiv/MTS make take toward degree if instruct agrees) |
M W |
2:30 3:30 |
3:20 5:20 |
Marks, D |
Rel Stud | 3450G | 2018-19 | Judaism & the Holocaust (MDiv/MTS may take toward degree, if instructor agrees) | W | 3:30 | 6:20 | Marks, D. |
Rel Stud | 5134A | 2018-19 | Freedom of Religion and Accommodation in Canada | Th | 6:30 | 9:20 | TBA |
Rel Stud | 5202B | 2018-19 | Spirituality of Muslim Women |
Tu Th |
2:30 2:30 |
4:20 3:20 |
Mattson, I. |
SPE | 5101A/B | 2018-19 | Supervised Pastoral Educ (for those who want credit along with CPE unit) see Faculty of Theol office for details | ||||
Syst Theol | 5103A | 2018-19 | Intro to Systematic Theology |
M W |
3:30 2:30 |
5:20 3:20 |
Badcock, G. |
Syst Theol | 5222B | 2018-19 | Theology of Karl Barth |
M W |
10:30 9:30 |
11:20 11:20 |
Badcock, G. |
Syst Theol |
5226B | 2018-19 | Christian Theol in the 20th Century |
M Th |
3:30 2:30 |
5:20 3:20 |
Badcock, G. |
Theol Ethics | 5203B | 2018-19 | Theological Ethics | Th | 2:30 | 5:20 | Gruning, H. |
Theological Studies | 3333F | 2018-19 | Theology, Science & Society (MDiv/MTS may take toward degree with instructor perm.) |
M W |
2:30 3:30 |
3:20 5:20 |
Marks, D. |
Interested in other opportunities in Theology at Huron?
Professors
Huron's Theology professors have found their purpose within our university where they have continuous opportunities to inspire students to find theirs. Regardless of whether or not students are set on pursuing career paths that include religious or theological vocations, you will find the professors within this department to be extremely open-minded, supportive and knowledgable.
Meet the educators who are going to help you better understand how religions shape the most influential aspects of humanity, so you can Lead with Heart, compassion and conviction - no matter where your calling takes you.
Master of Theological Studies Careers
Half of the recent graduates from our MTS program have gone on to further studies. However, over the years, many others have focused on pursuing careers that reflect their belief systems, knowledge and strong skill sets they refined during the attainment of their degree. The career options outlined below are just a few of the vocations that demand exceptional critical and creative thinking, the affinity for building meaningful relationships, and the cultural and social sensitivity necessary to navigate successfully within our global community.
- Teaching
- Community & Public Service
- Advocacy & Social Justice
- Business
- Foreign Service
- Ministry
- Journalism
- Law
- Government/Politics