Master of Sacred Theology
The Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M) degree is intended for students whose interests lie in pursuing an advanced theological degree with an emphasis on academic study. Areas of concentration within the S.T.M. include biblical studies, theological studies, mission and evangelism, pastoral leadership and practice, and Christian spirituality. A special focus on church leadership and administration is possible under the pastoral leadership and practice concentration by combining Trinity coursework with selected courses in the Capital University School of Management’s Master of Business Administration program. The STM may be completed in a single year of full-time study or over several years as a part-time student. The degree’s capstone is a written thesis.
What can you do with a degree in this academic area?
- Teaching
- Doctoral Studies
- Professional Ministry Development
Student to Faculty Ratio
Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University Founded
of the Required Courses May be Taken Online
Sample Classes
- Advanced Bible Electives
- Advanced Theology Electives
- Advanced History Electives
- Independent Study Courses
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Both full-time and part-time students have the option of completing up to half of their degree as remote learners participating in hybrid classrooms. This is a popular option for part-time students with full-time employment who have time enough to take an early afternoon class, but not enough time to drive across the city, take the class, and drive back to work. It is also a popular option for students who commute to campus one or two days a week in some semesters but cannot commute for each day of class. Commuters often take advantage of the opportunity to take week-long intensive courses during the semester, as well as May-term classes and summer courses, which usually take place over one or two weeks.
The S.T.M. degree program requires 25 hours of coursework, with 19 earned in S.T.M seminars, upper-level M.Div. courses, independent study, and advanced research; six hours in thesis research and writing; and a candidacy exam based on the student’s S.T.M coursework.
Biblical Studies
- 12 credit hours in upper-level courses in the Biblical Literature division
- Must have Hebrew and Greek competencies
Mission and Evangelism
- 12 Credit Hours in upper-level courses in the Ministry division
- Must have one modern language competency
Pastoral Leadership and Practice
- 12 Credit Hours in upper-level courses in the Ministry division
- Must have one modern language competency
Theological Studies
- 12 Credit Hours in upper-level courses in the History-Theology-Society division
- Must have one modern language competency
Most Master of Sacred Theology (MST) students receive full-tuition scholarships. To be considered for a scholarship, complete an application for admission, complete the Trinity Financial Aid application, and turn in the FAFSA.
Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University is accredited by The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), an organization of seminaries and other graduate schools of theology. Founded in 1918, the ATS has more than 270 member institutions and works to promote the improvement and enhancement of theological schools to the benefit of communities of faith and the broader public.
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