Course Introduction
The Master of Theological Studies program (60 credits) is designed for Christian leaders for specialized ministry or those who desire to deepen their understanding of faith and vocation. Students can choose to focus their study in one of the three specializations offered: (1) spiritual formation, (2) NextGen ministry, and (3) reading and teaching the Bible. This program is designed with a solid biblical framework, strong theological thinking, personal and spiritual formation, ministry skills development integrated with interdisciplinary, case-based, and experiential learning in a community setting. Students in the M.T.S. program will have the opportunity to engage in a practicum experience and design a capstone project. The Regular M.T.S. program can be completed with a 2-year full-time residency on the main campus.
The Immerse hybrid M.T.S. program (60 credits) offers a flexible alternative for applicants who wish to stay with their current profession and pursue study part-time, students who live outside the Greater Vancouver area or outside Canada who are unable to move to Vancouver for 2 years to complete the regular M.T.S. program residency. The Immerse hybrid M.T.S. program requires 2 intensive residencies (10-14 days) in Vancouver connected to the annual student retreat with the rest of the program requirements to be completed online. The design of the Immerse hybrid M.T.S. program is rooted in the context of the students’ faith and community where they live and serve. Students must secure an experienced ministry leader who will commit to be their mentor through the program. The mentor must agree to attend CCST Vancouver’s mentor’s training.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the M.T.S. program, students shall:
- Deepen their love for God and their neighbours;
- Gain a deeper understanding of their faith and vocation;
- Develop a solid understanding of the Christian heritage, including understanding of scripture, thetheological traditions and history of the global church;
- Cultivate sustainable practices for personal and spiritual formation; and
- Develop a solid foundation in both the theory and practice in their area of specialization.
Program Requirements
- Biblical Interpretation: Theories and Practice (3)
- Thinking Theologically for Ministry 1 (3)
- Theological Investigation 1&2 (6)
- Church History Insights for Today 1&2 (6)
- Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey of the Old
- Testament and New Testament (6)
- OT Book Study (3)
- NT Book Study (3)
- Spiritual Formation: Theology & Praxis (3)
Spiritual Formation Track
- NextGen Formation (3)
- 2 electives in SF (6)
- Christian Leadership (3)
NextGen Ministry Track
- NextGen NextGen Formation (3)
- NextGen 2 electives in NextGen Ministry (6)
- Christian Leadership (3)
Reading and Teaching the Bible Track
- OT/NT Book Study (3)
- Biblical languages (6)
- Christian Education (3)
- *Thinking Theologically for Ministry 2 (3)
- Mission of the Church (3)
- Christian Faith and Culture (3)
- Contextual Ministry Experience (3)
- Capstone Project (3)
Remarks
Students enrolled in the Immerse hybrid M.T.S. program must travel to Vancouver two times for in-person intensive learning sessions and student retreats (each lasting 10-14 days). Other course requirements can be completed online, with the option to take up to 4 courses in person.
Admission Requirement
To be considered for admission, applicants must: Complete the application form, submit all related documents and a $55 application fee (International application fee: $165).
Applicants must have completed a degree equivalent to a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) from a Bible college or university religious studies department, or have completed a Master of Arts in Christian Studies (M.A.C.S.) or a Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) from another theological seminary.
- A score of 46 for TOEFL IBT, or 5.5 for IELTS (Academic) is required for masters program applicants who have NOT studied full time for 3 years in a postsecondary institution, where English is the language of instruction and examination, located in an English speaking country. Only test scores dating no more than two years are valid.Test results must be submitted directly from the TOEFL Office or directly from the IELTS Office. (TOEFL DI code:C781)
- Masters program applicants who do not meet the above English requirement are required to take 2 Theological English courses (6 credits) on top of their applied program.
- Applicants with English proficiency test scores below 31 on the TOEFL IBT or 4.0 on the IELTS (Academic) will not be admitted.
Example: When a master program applicant decides to meet the admission requirements using the IELTS (Academic) assessment, the following three scenarios may arise:
Scenario 1:
If the applicant's IELTS (Academic) overall score is below 4.0 - admission will not be granted.
Scenario 2:
If the applicant's IELTS (Academic) overall score is between 4.0 - 5.0 - they must take two additional Theological English classes (6 credits) beyond the program requirements upon admission.
Scenario 3:
If the applicant's IELTS (Academic) overall score is 5.5 or above - there is no need to take Theological English classes.
Other Accepted English Assessment
- Proof of a Grade 12 C+ in English from a Canadian high school or equivalent academic qualifications (Our school follows the “BCCAT English as an Additional Language (EAL) Committee English for Academic Purposes Courses Equivalency/Transfer Grid” https://www.bccat.ca/pubs/Resources/EAPTransferGrid2022.pdf).
- Pass grade in Hong Kong A Level examination or level 2 in HKDSE examination.
- Submit the following documents:
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Testimony – an article about the applicant's personal faith journey with Jesus and vocational call.
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References
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3 reference letters (1 pastoral reference + 1 academic + 1 character reference)
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Married applicants must have a letter of support from their spouse.
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- Advanced Master of Divinity Program, MDiv applicants are required to complete a biblical knowledge assessment test.
- D.Min., M.Div., Advanced Master of Divinity Program, M.T.S, and Advanced Diploma in Practical Theology applicants are required to have an admission interview after submitting all the required documents.
- Baptized (Year)
