Ideal for students who are preparing to pursue doctoral studies in religion or theology or who are looking to focus their degree on a particular area, the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) emphasizes rigorous, personalized study of theology and its subdisciplines guided by the nation's largest theological faculty.Ìý
Funding is available for all students to attend and/or present at academic conferences.Ìý
Tailor your theological study toward your area of interest with six elective courses and an optional thesis.
Prepare for doctoral studies by applying up to 18 credits in ancient or modern languages toward the M.T.S.
Our Theology and Ministry Library holds the largest collection of Catholic literature outside of the Vatican.
Take courses at 10 area schools through the Boston TheologicalÌýInterreligious Consortium.
Students may pursue directed readings with faculty members during the program's second year.
One elective may be used to complete a 30–50 page thesis, under the direction of a faculty advisor.
While not required, you are welcome to participateÌýin all formation opportunities the school offers.
Though the MTS does not have formation requirements, MTS students are welcome to participate in any schoolwide offerings, and also have a range of student- and faculty-led opportunities tailored for their particular hopes and needs. All offerings are optional.Ìý
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Lumen et Vita is CSTM's graduate student journal, run by a team of student editors and guided by a faculty advisor. Lumen et Vita hosts a fall symposium and spring conference each year, during which students present their original research to peers and faculty from both CSTM and other theological schools.
Our diverse community is made up of lay and religious men and women from around the world who represent a range of ages, interests, and experiences. Explore some of their stories.
Typically completed in two years of full-time study, this 48-credit program provides students with a thorough grounding in Scripture, Church history, historical-systematicÂ-practical theology, moral theology, and pastoral studies, as well as specialized study in their area of interest.
Systematic Theology
6 credits
Course Area | Credits |
---|---|
Ecclesiology, Christology, or Fundamental Theology (Choose 1) | 3 |
Specific Interest | 3 |
Biblical Studies
6 credits
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Course Area | Credits |
---|---|
OT Core Narrative (or OT elective) | 3 |
Introduction NT (or NT elective) | 3 |
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Christian Ethics/Moral Theology
6 credits
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Course Area | Credits |
---|---|
General Knowledge* (choose 1 from list) | 3 |
Specific Interest | 3 |
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*General Knowledge in Christian EthicsÌý
TMCE7004 Moral Dimension of the Christian LifeÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
TMCE7034 Critical Ethical IssuesÌý
TMCE7164 Call & Response: Intro to the Moral LifeÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
TMCE8002 Fundamental Moral: Theological Ethics
History of Christianity or Church History
6 credits
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Course Area | Credits |
---|---|
Narrative Survey (I, II, or III) | 3 |
Specific Interest | 3 |
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Pastoral Studies
3 credits
Course No. | Course Name |
---|---|
TMPS7279 | Conflict Resolution and Transformation |
TMPS7054 | Intro to Liturgy |
TMPS8122 | Canon Law of the Sacraments |
TMPS7093 | Intro to Pastoral Care and Counseling |
TMPS7278 | Socio-Spiritual Care |
TMPS7277 | Mitigating Trauma |
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Other courses may fulfill this requirement as well, based on advisor approval.
Practical Theology
3 credits
Course No. | Course Name |
---|---|
TMPT8106 | Spirituality & Justice: 20th Century Writings |
TMPT8022 | Seminar in Practical Theology |
TMST8041 | Theological Anthropology and the BodyÌý |
TMST8105 | Discipleship |
TMPT8132 | Theology, Race, & Critical Race Theory |
TMPT8137 | Public Theology, Politics, and Faith in the United States |
Other courses may fulfill this requirement as well, based on advisor approval.
For students who wish to explore language studies in addition to their program requirements, CSTM will cover up to 6-credits ofÌýlanguageÌýcoursework (at the rate of the student's CSTMÌýscholarship) in addition to the degree requirements (i.e. an M.T.S. student's financial aid would apply to the 48 credits of the M.T.S. degree in addition to 6 credits ofÌýlanguageÌýcoursework). View policy here.
Over the course of studies for the M.T.S. degree, students are encouraged to maintainpersonal files of assigned and completed work (artifacts) that best represents their masteryof a particular topic. In the semester prior to their last semester of study, students will compile a Learning Portfolio of artifacts from their personal files that consists of two parts:
In total, the Portfolio contains six documents. During their final semester of studies, each M.T.S. degree candidate will meet with a facultymember for a 30-minute Closing Conversation. In advance of this conversation, the faculty member will review the Learning Portfolio in light of the Student Learning Outcomes of the M.T.S. Program.
100%
of 2022 M.T.S. graduates found placement within six months of graduation.
80%
of CSTM graduates who applied to doctoral programs were admitted.
2024 Graduating Student Questionnaire (72% response rate)
Spring 2025:ÌýNovember 1, 2024
Fall 2025 Priority Scholarship Deadline:ÌýJanuary 15, 2025. Applications are still accepted after this date as space allows.
Summer 2025: Rolling Admissions
Please note you can submit your application form once it is completed; you do not need to wait for all of your supplemental materials to arrive. We are able to schedule your interview once we have received your submitted applicationÌý
On the application form, applicants will have the opportunity to indicate interest in being paired with an CSTM alum from their program of interest to learn more about CSTM and provide support during the discernment process.
Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.
A non-refundable fee of $75 is required for every degree and non-degree application submitted. Ìý
Please note: The application fee cannot be refunded for any reason. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you should not pay the fee when you submit the application form. Fee waivers are granted to the following applicants: Jesuits, veterans, applicants currently completing a year of service or who are Pell Grant-eligible, and current CSTM students. Email the admissions office at stmadm@bc.edu to request a waiver.
The GRE is optional, but preferred. We especially recommend applicants submit scores if 1) they feel their undergraduate transcript is not indicative of their capacity for success in graduate studies, OR 2) they do not have a strong background in the humanities. We review all applications holistically. Applicants who choose not to submit GRE scores will not be penalized in the admissions process.
Applicants who do send GRE scores should have them sent directly fromÌý. Our GRE code is 2508.
English Proficiency Exam
All applicants for whom English is not their native language must also provide TOEFL or IELTS test score results. Read more about special instructions for international applicants here. This webpage will also indicate under with criteria a waiver may be granted. Waivers must be approved in writing by the admissions office.
We require transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, or theological schools that you have attended. Each transcript should contain a list of all coursework taken, grades/marks received, and, if applicable, degree granted and date of degree confirmation. If your college or university will send official transcripts electronically, they can be emailed to stmadm@bc.edu.Ìý Otherwise, transcripts must be mailed and be contained in a sealed, signed envelope. If the official transcript is not English, a translation should be provided with the official document. Please alert us if your transcript will be arriving with a different name than the one you are using on your application (e.g. your maiden name).ÌýPlease note that a transcript is only considered official if received directly from the institution issuing it.
Please note that your application may be reviewed with unofficial copies of your transcripts. If you send unofficial copies, know that if admitted, you must sent official copies before you begin coursework. In addition, if you are currently finishing a degree, you must send a final, official version of the transcript upon graduating, and before beginning coursework at CSTM.
Mailing Addresses
For applicants using the U.S. Postal Service:
Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
For applicants using FedEx or UPS:
Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
9 Lake Street
Brighton, MA 02135-3841
M.T.S. applicants are required to submit three recommendations using the online application system.Ìý
At least two recommenders should be familiar with the applicant’s academic background and potential. For applicants who have been out of school for a significant amount of time, recommenders should be familiar with the applicant's professional competence.
Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons, or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. This is in addition to the other three recommendations. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.
Please be sure that your recommenders are aware of the application deadlines and online process, and choose them carefully to ensure that they can write on your behalf in a timely manner.
The admissions office interviews all master's applicants. All interviews take place remotely.
The resume must be uploaded as part of the application.Ìý It is helpful if you highlight relevant ministry, service, research, teaching, and leadership positions you have held.
The personal statement must be uploaded as part of the application.Ìý The personal statement should be three pages in length, double-spaced.
Your statement should address the following:
Please note that MTS students can submit an optional writing sample as part of their application.