Master of Sacred Theology
(STM)

• A $35 non-refundable application fee
• A current photo
• Three letters of recommendation addressing your character, scholarly intent, and ability
• Official transcripts from all postsecondary academic work
• TOEFL or DuoLingo English Test scores (if applicable)

STM/PhD–TS Year 1

The STM program is closely integrated with the PhD–TS program. The STM is a one-year residential program and is the same as the first year of the PhD–TS, which is also residential. Its purpose is to guide students to become competent theological researchers, including extensive use of the German language, which is essential at the STM and PhD–TS level. This one residential year (STM or first year of PhD–TS) includes:

• Intensive Theological German instruction. For ten weeks, with 30 hours of class per week, Theological German class prepares students to read German theological texts of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Students who enter already knowing German may test out of this course.
• Theological German Readings. For one hour a week in the fall, winter, and spring quarters, students will meet with a professor to discuss the theology of significant German theological writings.
• Research Methodology and Pedagogy. In this seminar, students learn advanced techniques for research, writing, and teaching, with a course focus on historiography and Luther studies.
• Four other seminar classes. These seminars are taught by experts at the PhD level and cover a wide range of topics.
• Thesis (Research Methodology Practicum). The thesis, a theological investigation of moderate length (50–75 pages), gives students the opportunity to practice the research skills they have learned under the guidance of faculty.

STM graduates, if accepted into the PhD–TS program, have already completed the first year of this program.

STM Non-Thesis Option

Students without requisite German language ability, or who prefer a wide range of classes without writing a thesis, are offered the STM Non-Thesis Option. Students take a minimum of three PhD–TS seminars along with upgraded MDiv elective classes to enjoy a broad range of ministry-enhancing learning experiences.

THESIS OPTION – 27 HOURS

PhD–TS Seminars – 12 hours

Theological German Readings – 3 hours

Research Methodology – 3 hours

Biblical Language Examination in Greek or Hebrew

German – 3 hours

Thesis – 6 hours

NON-THESIS OPTION – 30 HOURS

PhD–TS Seminars – 9 hours

MDiv Electives – 18 hours

Biblical Language Examination in Greek or Hebrew

Written Examination in Major – 3 hours

A graduate of the STM program

• articulates the nature and function of theology
• formulates, develops, and presents a clear, convincing theological argument
• uses research languages to engage in scholarly research
• makes scholarly contributions to the church
• teaches in ways that are Christ-centered, biblically-based, confessionally Lutheran, and evangelically active
• recognizes that theological study demands a never-ending search for greater understanding
• pursues further graduate study and/or serves the church by teaching the faithful, reaching the lost, and caring for all