The Master of Theology (MTh) is a two-year, post-graduate research, residential program. The MTh program aims primarily to prepare those who have a call for an academic ministry, particularly to serve as teachers in theological colleges of Asia.
Second, it will serve those who seek to advance their knowledge and critical abilities to serve as pastors and leaders in the church and serve as leaders in management and executive roles of para-church organisations. Third, it will serve to prepare those who seek to undertake highly advanced research at doctoral level.
This program will reflect the evangelical and reformed commitments and character of PTS, including such truths as the inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures. PTS is committed to teaching from a Reformed and Presbyterian perspective, as stated in the Westminster Standards. However, students from all evangelical traditions are welcomed in this program, and agreement with the Westminster Standards is not a requirement for graduation. Since MTh is primarily a teaching-oriented degree, and the candidates will be in a position n to influence a large number of future pastors and leaders of the church, affirmation to an evangelical statement of faith will be necessary for a candidate before admission.
Currently, MTh is offered in the field of Mission, Old Testament, and New Testament.
Courses will be offered in module formats. The total requirement of 36 credits will be offered in four semesters.
A Bachelor of Divinity (BD) degree from the Senate of Serampore Colleges (SSC) or Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA) may be made equivalent to an MDiv (ATA) by passing the following examinations (set at MDiv level) with a minimum B+ grade: i) Exegesis and Biblical Theology; ii) Classical Systematic Theology, and iii) Mission and Evangelism. Those unable to secure the required grade may be admitted to a one-year Pre-MTh bridge course. The Faculty reserves the right to prescribe specific courses to be studied either through regular courses or through a directed independent study program. Students must pass Pre-MTh courses with an average B+ grade.
Unaccredited MDiv (or those whose accreditation is from an unrecognised body) with a B+ may be made equivalent by a one-year Pre-MTh bridge course ordinarily at the level of III MDiv., (provided the MDiv degree obtained is of 3 year duration and the candidates were eligible for entrance into an MDiv program). The Faculty reserves the right to prescribe specific courses to be studied. Students must pass Pre-MTh courses with an average B+ grade.
Applicants with a B grade, ATA-accredited MDiv degree may be made eligible for admission by passing qualifying examinations with a B+ grade (in each subject) set at final MDiv level in the following subjects – English, Biblical Studies, Theology, and Christian Ministry. These examinations must be taken before 1 May at centres approved by PTS.
Eligibility requirements must be met before a candidate can be considered for admission into MTh. Those admitted for compensatory or for bridge programs will be considered as Pre-MTh, and are not to be considered as admitted to MTh. Failure to meet eligibility standards at the end of Pre-MTh will automatically result in the student’s discontinuation at PTS.