Programs
Advanced Level Master's Degrees Overview

The ThM degree is granted conjointly by the University of Toronto and the TST member school in which the student is registered. Specialized ThM degrees are available in Pastoral Counselling and in Jewish Studies.

The MA degree is granted by the University of St. Michael's College. As well as the MA in Theology, TST offers an MA in Theology and Jewish Studies.

Master of Theology (ThM)

This program is designed to deepen students' knowledge of theology and further their preparation for doctoral study or pastoral ministry. To accomplish this, two options for the ThM program are offered:

• Option I: a program of six advanced level semester courses with a thesis of at least 12,500 words. The course of studies consists of four courses in an area of major interest and one course in each of two other areas (ancillary, if possible, to the thesis). This option should be selected by students who wish to prepare for doctoral studies.
• Option II: a program of eight semester courses with an extended major paper. Six courses are to be selected in the area of major interest, two in areas of minor interest. At least four of the courses must be at the advanced; up to four may by 3000-level courses with the provision that no 3000-level course can be taken where a 6000-level course is available. The major paper, resulting from one of the courses, is to be of 8000 words. Note: this ThM degree is a "terminal degree" and does not provide the basis for entry into the TST doctoral program of studies.

Course work in the ThM program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. The minimum time required to complete the program is one year, the maximum allowed is six years. The ThM is offered through the Biblical, Historical, Pastoral, or Theological Departments of TST.

The ThM in Jewish Studies is designed to provide students with a strong background in Jewish studies leading to doctoral studies. A year of study in Israel must be taken as a full-time student and the program requires the writing of a thesis. This program uses the resources of the Ratisbonne Centre. The Ratisbonne Centre, established by the Fathers of Sion, is located in the new city of Jerusalem and is under the direction of the Institut Catholique de Paris and enjoys close collaboration with Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

The ThM in Pastoral Counselling (an Option II ThM) is designed for people who want to practice a specialized ministry or who want to serve as a parish minister with specialized counselling skills. This program will normally graduate students who simultaneously have satisfied the requirements for the TST ThM and the CAPPE prerequisites for proceeding to certification as a Specialist PCE and involves two years of full-time study or its equivalent, including an extended essay during the second year.

Master of Arts in Theology (MA)

This program is designed to foster graduate-level competence in several basic areas of theological study, and to provide the opportunity for more advanced work in areas of particular interest to the student. It prepares the student for admission to a doctoral program. An M.A. student may complete the degree program entirely on a part-time basis. The minimum time required to complete the program is two years, the maximum allowed is six years. The program consists of twelve courses.  A thesis of at least 12,500 words is also required.

The MA is offered through the Biblical, Historical, or Theological Departments of TST. The MA in Theology and Jewish Studies is designed to foster graduate level competence in both Christian and Jewish theology.

• Go here to find out more about admissions to Advanced Master's Degree programs