Talbot Master of Theology
T albot M aster of T heology Director: Rob Price, Ph.D. Mission and Learning Outcomes The Master of Theology curriculum is a challenging post- graduate degree program designed to equip students with specialized academic knowledge and advanced professional skills in one of the theological disciplines. The program is of special interest to students who aspire to teach—whether in the church, a Bible college or seminary, an extension center, or in a cross-cultural setting. This is in accord with both A.T.S. (Association of Theological Schools) and A.A.B.C. (American Association of Bible Colleges) which consider the Th.M. degree the minimum educational credential for teaching biblical and theological subjects at accredited seminaries and Bible schools. The program also provides an excellent preparation for those who anticipate further study at the Ph.D. and Th.D. level. Qualified students aspiring to excellence and leadership in many areas of ministry and service for Christ find the Th.M. program personally enriching and academically stimulating. The mission of the Master of Theology program is to equip students with specialized academic knowledge and advanced professional skills in one of the theological disciplines in order to advance the cause of Christ in theological higher education and the Christian community. As a result of this program, the student will: A. Research and Scholarship 1. Understand what constitutes, and be able to formulate, a productive research question. 2. Be committed to the value of, and competently conduct, advanced theological research and writing. B. Discipline Competence 1. Appreciate the importance of, and be able to use the biblical languages in advanced theological research. 2. Demonstrate a basic level of expertise in discipline-specific primary source literature, as well as a commitment to its use in scholarly research. 3. Attain a survey knowledge of the historical development of the student’s discipline, especially focusing on significant individuals and contributions of the modern era. C. Teaching Knowledge and Skills 1. Understand and apply the major theories of learning and the essential components of effective teaching and assessment. 2. Demonstrate a commitment to, and ability to carry out, sound pedagogical practices for teaching in formal and non-formal educational settings.
3. Demonstrate ability and be committed to relating acquired academic expertise to a multicultural and postmodern context. Admission Requirements The student must present an accredited Bachelor of Arts or Master of Divinity degree or educationally equivalent M.A. Specifically, they must have maintained at least a 3.25 average in their Divinity program and have completed at least 9 semester hours of Greek beyond beginning Greek and 9 semester hours of Hebrew. Applicants deficient in the biblical languages may take the prerequisite credits at Talbot while taking other Th.M. courses, but such deficiencies must be made up before more than 16 credits in other subjects may be taken. Divinity degrees presented from non-accredited seminaries and theological schools are individually evaluated. Deficiencies discerned in such cases may be made up by coursework at Talbot or other specified accredited institutions. Students must also have the personal qualifications necessary for a minister of Christ, including promise of future usefulness. They must be spiritually qualified by providing evidence of a born-again experience and a consistent Christian manner of life. Note : The minimumTOEFL score for admission to the Th.M. program is a total of 600 paper/250 computer/100 internet. Application Procedure All applicants are required to submit a personal statement of one to two double–spaced typewritten pages expressing their career goals and personal objectives in seeking the Th.M. degree. Graduates of other seminaries must file a full application with the Office of Graduate Admissions. Master of Divinity students currently enrolled at Talbot may file for admission by submitting a written request to the Graduate Committee in care of the Office of Graduate Admissions. This request should indicate any changes in marital status or doctrinal convictions since enrollment in the Master of Divinity degree. In addition, applicants should signify their intention to abide by the Standards of Conduct of Biola University. Talbot Master of Divinity students who have completed 80 or more credits, and whose current cumulative GPA is 3.25 or above may be granted a concurrent enrollment option but may not enroll in Th.M. courses until a maximum of 8 credits remain in their M.Div. program. Since the first academic responsibility is to complete the M.Div., all M.Div. requirements must be completed within two semesters after concurrent enrollment has begun. (See Concurrent Enrollment Option). Interested seniors should contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for detailed information. Applicants who have graduated fromTalbot with a Master of Divinity degree may file for admission according to the following guidelines: Less than two years since graduation fromTalbot: • Re-admit Application • Personal Statement
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