Theological Studies, M.T.S.

The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) program in Saint Louis University's Department of Theological Studies is geared toward students who want to pursue focused scholarship, prepare for future doctoral work or simply exercise their intellectual curiosity.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's M.T.S. program offers an ideal first degree in theology, orienting students to the major fields of theological study, including biblical studies, the history of Christianity, theological ethics and constructive theology.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Resources for theology students at SLU include the more than 37,000 microfilms of the Vatican Film Library, the archives of the Institute of Jesuit Sources and more than 150,0000 volumes of the Divinity Library in the Pius XII Memorial Library, which contains 1.4 million books, journals and other media. The library also provides access to many key research resources, including the Patrologia Latina, Brepolis, Early English Books OnLine, ATLA, Catholic Periodical Index, J-STOR and Index of Christian Art, as well as electronic access to major journals and other indexing tools.

Careers

Graduates of SLU's theology program have gone on to a wide range of careers in academia, educational administration, museums, libraries, archives and nonprofit agencies. SLU's Department of Theological Studies is committed to the professional preparation of every graduate student.

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate major in theology or religious studies is recommended but not required. Applicants with a strong background (at least 18 credits of upper-level coursework) in theology or religious studies will also be considered.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Résumé
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
  • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
  • Practical laboratory work
  • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
  • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
  • Any honors or degrees received.
• WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
• In order to be issued an I-20 for your F-1 visa application, students must submit financial documents. Proof of financial support that must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Application Deadline

Year-round rolling admission, but students wanting to be considered for scholarship funding should apply by Jan. 1.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed by the department’s graduate studies committee.

Tuition 

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award. 

Explore Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the broad outlines of Christian scripture, Christian history and the major theological developments in the tradition, as well as core terms, categories and exempla that frame theological and religious studies.
2. Graduates will be able to articulate and apply the theories and methods that structure the study of theology and religion.
3. Graduates will be able to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, demonstrating clear, coherent and well-developed complexity of thought and analysis.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

For additional questions regarding the M.T.S. program, contact theology@slu.edu or call 314-977-2881 and ask for the M.T.S. program coordinator.