Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M

MASTER OF SACRED THEOLOGY (S.T.M.)

PURPOSE

The purpose of studying for the degree of Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) is to acquire a special competence in some field of theological learning and to gain skill in effectively using the tools and presenting the results of theological research. The S.T.M. is appropriate for clergy who hold a M.Div. and seek to do further work. It is more general than the Ph.D. Program. After successfully completing 12 hours of course work and demonstrating competency in a modern foreign research language, the S.T.M. student may submit an application to the Advanced Studies Committee to roll up to the Ph.D. Program.

GOALS

This program strives to achieve an advanced understanding of a focused area or discipline in the context of general theological study, capacity to use research methods and resources in the discipline, and the ability to formulate productive questions.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. The student exhibits a significant capacity for critical and analytical theological inquiry; 2. The student exhibits substantial skill in the application of responsible methods of scholarly research; 3. The student exhibits the considerable ability to articulate the results of scholarly research in ways beneficial to the people of God; and 4. The student exhibits an increasing, commendable sense of responsibility for faithfully retaining and transmitting the heritage of truth that has been entrusted to the church.

BASIC PROGRAM SEQUENCE

All students must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours of credit with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Each student must declare a major from Exegetical, Systematic, Historical or Practical Theology. The student may not fail more than two courses. If the major is Exegetical Theology, the student must earn at least two semester hours of credit in Old Testament and two semester hours of credit in New Testament. S.T.M. students should seek graduate advising through the program director. Language proficiency must be demonstrated as described in the Academic Policies & Procedures section of this catalog.

Students pursuing the S.T.M. can choose to take their courses in the reduced residency format of study. The reduced residency option allows students to complete their course requirements through a combination of online course work and on-campus intensives. The on-campus intensives occur two times annually (January and June) for two weeks of intensive course work.

Reduced residency courses have a Part A and a Part B, which correspond to the preparation time and the on-campus intensive time, respectively. For example, in the Fall Semester, Part A will start in August and end in December; Part B consists of the on-campus, two-week intensive in January and any post-intensive work, ending with the conclusion of the Winterim. A similar schedule follows with the start of the Spring Semester and ends with the conclusion of the Summer Term.

With the exception of S.T.M. students pursuing an Exegetical Major, the reduced residency format of study is available to students in all other majors.

Each student will complete the S.T.M. using either the examination option or the thesis option. The description of the two options is below.

EXAMINATION OR THESIS ROUTE

Each student will complete the S.T.M. using either the examination option or the thesis option, subject to departmental approval.

For the Practical Theology Major, the student shall choose and in part be tested in one of the following subject areas: pastoral theology, pastoral care and counseling, Christian education, preaching, worship or world missions.

A total of six credits in religion or theology may be transferred from another accredited graduate school with the approval of the program director. Also, a student may earn two semester credits through independent study.

S.T.M. COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS

Students must pass a written comprehensive examination that tests their knowledge and understanding in their major area. Comprehensive exams may be taken at any time but are normally taken during the last semester of course work or after all course work has been completed.

A request to take an examination must be arranged with the Director of the Graduate School at least two weeks in advance of the intended examination date. Special arrangements for off-campus testing, with appropriate supervision, can be made upon approval of the program director.

In order to participate in Commencement, the examination must be taken and passed by April 1. Any student who twice fails a comprehensive exam will not be allowed to continue in the program.

S.T.M. THESES

The student may register for the thesis at any time, but it is generally advisable to register for the thesis during or (no later than) immediately after the semester in which the last course work has been taken (Summer not included).

The work of the thesis proceeds according to the guidelines specified by the Graduate School. The thesis may be submitted at any time, but the student is subject to deadlines for participation in Commencement.

REGISTRATION FOR EXAMS AND THESES

Registration for the S.T.M. thesis or exam shall be valid for one calendar year (two semesters, as well as the Winterim and Summer Terms). When a student’s original registration period expires, the student will be enrolled in extension and a Program Continuation Fee will be assessed each semester until the thesis or examination, as applicable, has been completed, as certified by the Director of the Graduate School.

DUAL CREDIT

With the guidance and approval of the Director of the S.T.M. Program, students in Concordia Seminary’s M.Div. Program may seek dual credit toward both the M.Div. and S.T.M. Students in the dual credit program may take up to six hours of approved courses (M.Div. elective courses) that may be upgraded to the S.T.M. Program. They may not take 900-level courses while still M.Div. students. After receiving the M.Div., the rest of their courses in the S.T.M. Program will be at the 900-level.

RESIDENTIAL ENROLLMENT STATUS

S.T.M. students will be at full-time status at four semester hours. Half-time status is therefore two hours. To make good progress toward their degree, however, students will be advised to take on additional courses, study or preparation. This may include:

1. Take three, two-semester hour courses (six semester hours), or 2. Take two, two-semester hour courses (four semester hours) plus one of the following: a. Language preparation/language course b. Writing lab c. Preliminary reading/research for exam/ thesis d. Preparation component for an intensive seminar taking place in the next term

The Winterim and Summer Terms are not required terms; students may choose to not register for courses during these optional terms.

REDUCED RESIDENCY ENROLLMENT STATUS

S.T.M. students following the reduced residency program of study will be at full-time status in the Winterim and Summer Terms when enrolled in two, two-semester hour courses.

ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Academic Policies & Procedures section of this catalog contains important information that applies to all Concordia Seminary students. If the information for this program is more specific than the general policies, the more specific policy shall prevail.

Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) Credit Distribution

Major Free electives Comprehensive exam in major or thesis Language requirement: German before completion of 12 credits

Total for Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) 12

12

0

24

credit hours

All courses of the S.T.M. are taken at the 900 level (two credits each).

After completion of 12 hours of 900-level courses, students may apply to the Ph.D. Program (roll-up).

Master of Sacred Theology with Dual Credit Option (M.Div./S.T.M.) Credit Distribution

Major 12 Free electives 12* Comprehensive exam in major or thesis Language requirement: German before completion of M.Div. course work

0

Total for Master of Sacred Theology with Dual Credit Option (M.Div./S.T.M.)

24

credit hours

*Students in the dual credit program may take up to six hours of approved courses (required or not for the M.Div. Program) that may be upgraded to the S.T.M. Program. They may not take 900-level courses while still M.Div. students. The rest of their courses in the S.T.M. Program will be at the 900 level.