Master of Theology
Program Overview
The Master of Theology (ThM) is an advanced, post‑graduate degree designed for those seeking focused theological specialization and preparation for doctoral‑level study. Building upon the foundation of the Master of Divinity or an equivalent degree, the ThM provides space for sustained research, disciplined scholarship, and deeper mastery within a defined area of theological study.
At Heritage, the ThM serves students who are preparing for academic research, doctoral studies, or advanced teaching and scholarly work in service of the Church. The program emphasizes careful engagement with primary sources, advanced research methodologies, and theological clarity within the tradition of the Church.
The 30‑credit‑hour ThM is completed over two academic years and is structured around modular, one‑week seminars, offered on campus or online. This format allows students to pursue advanced theological study while remaining engaged in ministry, teaching, or vocational responsibilities.
Areas of Concentration
Students pursue one of the following areas of concentration:
- Biblical Studies
- Historical & Theological Studies
(The ThM is primarily an academic and research‑oriented degree and is not designed as a professional ministry credential.)
Program Objectives
Over the course of the Master of Theology, you will:
- Develop advanced expertise within a focused area of theological specialization.
- Plan and carry out sustained scholarly research in conversation with the wider field of theological study.
- Engage critically with primary and secondary sources using appropriate scholarly tools and methods.
- Demonstrate advanced competence in theological analysis and argumentation.
- Communicate research findings clearly and effectively through academic writing.
- Situate specialized research within the broader context of biblical, historical, and theological inquiry.
Program Outcomes
Further education:
- Prepare for doctoral‑level study, including PhD or ThD programs.
- Develop the research skills and academic foundation required for advanced theological scholarship.
Career pathways:
- Serve in teaching roles within colleges, seminaries, or theological institutions
- Serve as a researcher, writer, or contributor to scholarly theological work
- Serve the Church through advanced theological study that supports teaching, leadership, and doctrinal clarity
"We live in a day of the quick sound-bite that supposedly goes to the heart of the matter. But reality is complex. In the ThM program, we take the time to dig deep into the complexity of God's work in the world and within history and above all, in the person of Jesus Christ. It is ideal for the person who desires a richer and fuller faith."
Dr. Michael HaykinProfessor of Church History
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the ThM must hold a Master of Divinity or equivalent degree with a minimum AGPA of 3.50. Applicants who hold a Master of Theological Studies degree and who have completed some biblical language studies will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The application will include an online or in person interview with the program director, three letters of reference (one pastoral and two academic), and an essay of the applicant’s academic work written within the last 10 years.
Applicants for the Biblical Studies track will be required to write a proficiency exam for Hebrew and Greek. Applicants for Historical & Theological Studies track will be required to write a proficiency exam for Greek. Applicants desiring to pursue a Church History Studies track will be required to write a proficiency exam for Greek and may also require some Latin.
International Students
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR 2026-2027:
Heritage College & Seminary has been informed that due to the cap on international study permits that has been instituted by the Government of Canada, study permits will not be granted to international students applying to Heritage College for the 2026-2027 academic year. Students may study from their home country via distance learning (synchronous or asynchronous online).
This information will be reassessed and updated for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Students from the United States of America
Applicants from the U.S.A. must meet the general admissions standards as explained above. Also, American students must have a valid study permit, which can be obtained at a port of entry or at the nearest Canadian Consulate. A student will need an acceptance letter and evidence of sufficient funds/financial support to obtain a study permit. This permit must be presented prior to enrollment. Proof of English language proficiency is not required for American citizens. Applicants should complete the International Student Application. After acceptance, applicants from the U.S.A. must apply for a study permit. To obtain more information on Canadian Immigration policies and procedures, see the Canadian government website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html.
Students from All Other Countries
Students are advised to apply at least nine months before their planned enrollment date to allow time for processing, acquiring permits and visas, etc. Students are admitted on the basis of graduation from a recognized college, university, or Bible/theological school. Applicants are responsible to provide documentation that verifies the level of their post-secondary training.
Transcripts: Official transcripts must be sent from all schools previously attended. Transcripts that are not written in English must be translated and notarized by an official translating company and sent directly to Heritage. International applicants must also provide a credential evaluation report from World Educational Services (WES) Canada. Applicants must request a “WES ICAP Course-by-Course Evaluation Report” and choose Heritage College & Seminary as the recipient.
English Language Requirements: Proof of English Language proficiency is normally required from all international students with the exception of citizens from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and countries of the West Indies (except Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Martinique, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, and St. Lucia).
Heritage accepts the following language proficiency tests:
1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Students must achieve a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL iBT, and a minimum score of 20 on each of the four sections. Tests can be booked at https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/. Heritage’s institutional code is: 1498.
2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Students must achieve a minimum overall band score of 6.0 (6.0 in each band) on the IELTS Academic. Tests can be booked at https://www.ielts.org/for-test-takers/book-a-test.
3. The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- Students must achieve a minimum level of 7 on the CELPIP-General. Tests can be booked at https://www.celpip.ca/.
Study Permit and Visa: International students must obtain a valid study permit, and in some cases a visa, to study in Canada. To obtain a permit and, if necessary, a visa, international students must apply through Canadian Immigration officials in their home country or online at Immigration Canada’s official website. Students cannot begin their studies until the necessary immigration documents have been approved. To obtain more information on Canadian Immigration policies and procedures, see the Canadian government’s official website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigrationrefugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html.
It is strongly recommended that all applicants have a local support network (welcoming church, local agency, relatives, or other significant persons). This will contribute to the strength of an application.
International students are only accepted for fall term registration. Students will not be enrolled in studies unless the funds required for the first term of studies have been paid (tuition, emergency health insurance for one year, and if applicable, residence costs).
For step-by-step instructions for International Students, see the International Students page.
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