Graduate degree programs at the Toronto School of Theology (TST) include two doctoral programs (PhD and DMin) and two master's programs (MA and ThM). The Doctor of Ministry is distinct from the other programs because of its professional nature, so it has a distinct application process and admissions requirements. Find out more about the DMin application process here.
Below are minimum requirements for admission to the graduate degree programs (MA, ThM, PhD and DMin). It should be noted that meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission to any TST program. In-depth information about admissions requirements can be found in the program handbooks. The summary below is neither exhaustive nor authoritative.
Candidates' applications will be considered by the Admissions Committee of the Graduate Studies Council, which will take into consideration:
Candidates may request reconsideration of a decision by TST to refuse admission as per the relevant program handbook.
For all graduate degree programs, an applicant whose first language is other than English must provide evidence of the ability to comprehend, speak and write English at the graduate level. One of the following will constitute prima facie evidence of such ability:
For admission to the ThM and PhD programs, applicants must provide evidence of language competency and in some cases proficiency. Skill in research languages may be demonstrated in the following ways:
For admission to the MA program, an applicant is normally required to have a Bachelor’s degree in Theology or a major or specialist in Theology or Religious Studies, or equivalent, from a recognized degree granting institution, with at least B+ (3.3/4.0 CGPA) standing (or equivalent). Alternatively, an applicant may present a second-entry degree in Theological Studies, such as the Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Master of Theological Studies (MTS), representing at least two years of full-time studies or equivalent past the undergraduate bachelor’s, with a minimum of a B+ (3.3/4.0 CGPA) standing (or equivalent).
Typically, there are no language requirements for admission into the program, unless the primary sources for the proposed area of study are in a language or languages other than English (as in biblical studies). In such cases, applicants may be required to provide evidence of competence in at least one language other than English.
A baccalaureate degree, normally in Arts, from a recognized college or university (or the applicant must provide evidence of having completed equivalent studies under a different educational system); and a Master of Divinity degree or an academic master's degree in theological studies providing equivalent theological background (e.g., Master of Theological Studies, Master of Religion, Master of Arts in Theology of at least two years' duration), with at least a high second-class standing (i.e., B+, CGPA 3.3/4.0) from a recognized institution. All theological schools fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools are deemed to be recognized institutions.
An applicant proposing to specialize in the history of Christianity must show evidence from her or his previous degree programs of adequate preparation in historical studies. See the ThM Handbook for more information.
Language Requirements
An applicant is required to have an appropriate master’s degree in theology from an accredited institution, with at least A- (3.7/4.0 GPA) standing, or equivalent. The following are recognized academic master's degrees: Master of Arts, Master of Religion, Master of Theology, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Divinity. If a student’s program included a research component (research paper, thesis), a grade of at least A- (3.7/4.0 GPA), or equivalent, also is required for this work. Students must also possess a baccalaureate degree or equivalent. All theological schools fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada are deemed to be recognized institutions. Students from educational systems outside North America must give evidence of equivalent standing. The TST reserves the right to determine whether or not credentials of other degree-granting institutions meet the standards for its admissions programs. (See the Conjoint Degree Handbook, General Regulations, §A3.1 Procedures for Application.)
Students applying to the program are required to provide evidence of reading competence in one ancient or modern language necessary for their research. (Competence is normally demonstrated by the satisfactory completion of a two-semester course at the university level within the last four years.) Additional language preparation is required for admission in cases where the primary sources for the proposed area of study are in a language other than English. In such cases, applicants may be required to provide evidence of competence in more than one language and/or reading proficiency in one language. (Proficiency in a language is a higher level of reading ability, consistent with that which is normally acquired by the satisfactory completion of a four-semester course at the university level within the last four years.) Applicants proposing to focus their research in Biblical Studies, for example, are required to demonstrate proficiency in the language of their primary focus (Greek or Hebrew), and competence in either the other biblical language or a modern research language.
Once admitted, all PhD students may need to give current evidence of their facility in their research language(s) by taking a TST Language Exam or by passing a TST Language Course (prior to registration in September). TST students who have fulfilled language requirements in TST’s other degree programs may be exempted from further examination in these languages by the Admissions Committee.