Programs: Overview
A Guide to Choosing your Degree Program

A guide to help prospective students choose the most appropriate degree 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.

Please note that 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) 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 Emmnanuel College, Knox College, St. Augustine’s Seminary and St. Michael’s College, while the MPS degree is offered by Emmanuel College and the MAMS degree 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 Master of Religion (MRel), offered only by Wycliffe College, provides a more substantial introduction to theological study, together with the opportunity to engage in specialized research. Length: three years (30 courses, including thesis).

Both the MTS and the MRel 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.

Academic Programs / MA in Theology

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).

Advanced Master's Degrees

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).

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.

Professional Doctoral Degrees

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 Degrees

The Doctor of Theology (ThD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are 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. While these programs are identical in content, they differ in fee structure and in the institution granting the degree. Normal maximum length: six years.

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 are submitted to and processed by the Toronto School of Theology’s Student Services 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 15, 2007):

Tuition, financial aid and housing inquiries for all programs should be directed to the college to which you are applying.

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