Revised Master of Theology (ThM) Degree Offers Streamlined Path for Advanced Study
Covenant Seminary is pleased to announce that its Master of Theology (ThM) degree program has recently been revised from 30 credit hours to 24 credit hours to make the program more streamlined without sacrificing quality or depth. Students who wish to strengthen their theological research and writing skills under the supervision of expert scholars now have an option that is more focused in terms of content and more manageable in terms of time—the degree can be completed in as few as 15 months (2 summers with a year of study in between).
The revised 24-hour ThM is designed to help recent MDiv graduates as well as pastors, chaplains, missionaries, teachers, and others with an MDiv or equivalent degree prepare for further academic study, such as a PhD, or simply to deepen their exegetical and research skills for use in a ministry setting. Students may pursue the ThM either in residence at Covenant’s St. Louis campus or via a modular plan comprised of advisor-guided research, independent studies, and several week-long intensive courses on campus. The degree is not available through online study.
The ThM offers two degree tracks:
The ThM in Exegetical Theology is designed to help students sharpen the exegetical skills they obtained in a previous degree, develop advanced research skills, and potentially test a calling to further academic study. This track requires a written thesis in exegesis, biblical theology, hermeneutics, or biblical languages.
The ThM in Biblical and Pastoral Theology focuses on integrating applied theology, biblical theology, and other theological disciplines to the research of an issue in pastoral theology or practice from a biblical perspective. This track culminates in a contextualized writing project unique to the student’s own ministry setting.
Dr. Robbie Griggs, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Director of the ThM Program at Covenant Seminary, noted, “God has always graciously blessed his church with pastor-teachers and other scholars to help his people better understand his Word and his ways. As a stepping-stone along that path, the ThM provides additional focused training for those the Lord has gifted for this task. We are excited about this revised iteration of the degree and believe the recent changes will make it an even more helpful tool for those who lead and teach God’s people.”
The revised ThM is available beginning with the fall 2025 academic year. For more details on the program requirements, course overviews, and other information, visit our ThM webpage or contact our Admissions team.
