Master of Science in Theology

Overview

The title “Master of Science in Theology” derives from Thomas Aquinas’s understanding of theology as the “queen of the sciences.” Thus, all bodies of knowledge and pursuits of truth consummate and are coherently held together by theology. Theology includes various sub-disciplines of theological inquiry: including biblical studies, Christian faith and heritage, missions, and pastoral ministry. At APNTS, we use a Wesleyan theological framework while pursuing these sub-disciplines.

Students pursuing this degree should have outstanding academic gifts, and they must have completed prior theological training. The M.S.T. program is divided into two different categories: academic and professional. The two research-oriented academic tracks (Biblical Studies and Church and History) prepare graduates for teaching in a specific discipline at undergraduate Bible and theological colleges. Students from the M.S.T. program have gone on to successfully complete doctoral programs in other academic institutions. The third track (Pastoral Ministry) prepares students for leadership on the local, national, and denominational levels. The M.S.T. degree does not prepare a person for ordination, unlike the Master of Divinity, which is a professional degree.

The Master of Science in Theology is recognized by the Philippine’s Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and is accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA) and the Association for Theological Education in Southeast Asia (ATESEA).

Program Outcomes

In addition to the overall mission and objectives of the seminary, the Master of Science in Theology degree program is designed to help students:

• Develop their knowledge of Scripture, heritage of faith, or doctrine; reflect on Christian faith from within a Wesleyan theological perspective; and apply these insights to the task of training students in an undergraduate setting, within a local church, or a district or national level.
• Specialize in a particular sphere of Christian academics: biblical theology, Christian faith and heritage, or pastoral ministry. Students concentrate on a particular aspect of theology that forms a foundation for their work of developing leaders for the Church in Asia, the Pacific, or around the world.

For those who pursue a thesis track within the Master of Science in Theology program:

• Acquire the skills of rigorous academic research by writing a thesis that follows scientific
  principles; enhance their ability to think critically; and deepen their capacity to think theologically about the faith from within their own particular contexts.

For students who pursue the pastoral track within the Master of Science in Theology program:

• Gain skills in mentoring, managing, facilitating, and leading enabling them to become key leaders within their churches and denominations. The pastoral ministry tract equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools.

Course Delivery Method

Courses are offered through both full semester and modular schedules. Selected courses are offered as summer intensives. Practicum requirements are accomplished off-campus through partnership with churches, parachurches, and other organizations.

Admission Requirements

A completed application through the admissions office must be submitted including relevant transcripts, reference letters, financial and personal information. All students must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a 2.0 GPA average or higher. Once a student applies with all transcripts, reference letters, and completed application, the admissions office and M.S.T. program director review all documents submitted and may ask for an interview.

Two concentration tracts within the Master of Science in Theology program are oriented towards research (Biblical Studies and Christian Faith and History), while the third tract (Pastoral Ministry) is a vocational degree. Applicants to these various concentration tracts must fulfill these specific qualifications.

• Students applying to one of the research concentrations must hold a first degree in theology or religious studies from an accredited institution. To be accepted into the program, they must have graduated with honors (or with a grade point average of no less than B+).
• Students applying to t h e M.S.T. in Pastoral Ministry program must have earned a Master of Divinity degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution.

In addition, applicants must provide proof of their level of English proficiency.

• The M.S.T. in Pastoral Ministry requires an English score of no less than 510 (as measured
  by the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language, or its equivalent).
• The research tracts require an English score of no less than 550.

Up to 24 units (40% of the curriculum) may be transferred/credited from previous transcripts to the program.

Graduation Requirements

Students need to complete 60 units to complete the M.S.T. degree with a minimum 2.0 grade point average. The program must be completed within six academic school years after first enrolling in the program. A year of absence may be applied through the program director, which is not included in the 6 years statute of limitations. Students enrolled in one of the research tracts must successfully defend their thesis to graduate from the program. Those taking the Pastoral Ministry tract graduate when they have successfully completed the courses, including Capstone Project. Passing a Comprehensive Examination is required for all tracks and successful submission of an article to a peer-reviewed journal is required for all research tracks.

Degree Specializations

The Biblical Studies concentration enables graduates to teach either Old Testament or New Testament studies at the undergraduate level. Students further hone their exegetical skills in biblical languages, while deepening their understanding of biblical theology in a specific testament. Students give additional attention to mastering a particular biblical language (either Hebrew or Greek) according to the program major they choose. Students engage in practical Bible instruction and reflect on their experiences. They learn to conduct and defend their own academic research by preparing a thesis according to proper research methodology. Graduates acquire research skills that equip them for further doctoral studies.

The Christian Faith and History concentration enables a graduate to teach church history and theology at the undergraduate level. Students expand their knowledge and understanding of God’s gracious activities and human responses throughout history. This program emphasizes the Christian heritage from a Wesleyan holiness theological tradition. Students engage in practical historical instruction and reflect on their experiences. They learn to conduct and defend their own original academic research by preparing a thesis according to proper research methodology. Graduates acquire research skills that equip them for further doctoral studies.

The Pastoral Ministry program focuses on the practice of ministry. This program is project- oriented, rather than research-oriented. It is intended for 1) those who are already engaged in pastoral ministry, 2) those aiming to be better equipped in pastoral ministry, and 3) church leaders who believe in the importance of continuing education. Students gain additional training in practical ministries in the local church, along with planning and leadership. The program also encourages students to practice ministry and reflect on what they have accomplished both from practical and theoretical perspectives.

Course Offerings

The Master of Science in Theology is a 60-unit degree academic program. The curriculum is divided amongIntroductory Courses (18 units), Core Courses (12 units), Regulated Cognates (9 units), Thesis (6 units), and Specialization Courses (15 units). The Pastoral Ministry track does not require thesis, but are required to finish 21 units of Specialization Courses. Each class below is 3 units, unless otherwise specified.