Master of Sacred Theology

Application to the Master of Sacred Theology program [PDF]

The Master of Sacred Theology (STM) Degree is a post-MDiv professional degree which enables students to specialize in one area or discipline of theological study.

Admission Requirements
MDiv Degree or its equivalent with at least a grade point average of 3.25 (B) from a recognized theological seminary.  Applicants may be required to demonstrate proficiency in a language appropriate to their chosen area of study.  Applicants may be required to complete additional qualifying work at the discretion of the Faculty. MA (T), MA SDMP are considered an MDiv equivalent.

Program Requirements
The STM candidates must complete 30 credit hours of course work and fulfill credit requirements for their chosen area of specialization.

Advanced Standing
In some cases advanced standing may be granted for appropriate graduate level credits as reviewed with the Faculty of Theology Director of Studies. No advanced standing upon admission will be given for courses applied to a previous degree.

Residency Requirements
The program requires the equivalent ofone yearof full time study (30 credit hours).  A minimum of 18 credit hours must be taken at the Masters level at the University of Winnipeg, Faculty of Theology (residency requirement). The remaining 12 credit hours may be completed at either the University of Winnipeg, Faculty of Theology, or one or more of the Cooperative partners.

GPA Requirements
In order to maintain good student standing, and to graduate with a Master of Sacred Theology a student must have a degree GPA of 3.25 (B). Students dropping below  this GPA should meet with the Director of Studies before further registration.

Length of Degree
The degree may be completed on a part-time basis.  Candidates normally complete the work for this degree within a five  year period (including thesis), which may be extended through written permission from the Theology Faculty Council.

Areas of Specialization and Credit Requirements
1) Biblical Studies
·    Biblical Studies electives (9 hours)
·    Theology and Church History electives (6 hours)
·    Any other elective (3 hours)
·    Thesis Seminar (3 hours)and Thesis Writing (9 hours)

3) Applied Theology, Pastoral Care and Counselling, and Spiritual Direction
·    Applied Theology or Pastoral Care and Counselling electives (12 hours)
·    Theology and Church History (3 hours)
·    Biblical Studies Electives (3 hours)
·    Thesis Seminar (3) and Thesis Writing (9)
An  Advanced Unit of Supervised Pastoral Education (12 hours), or Prairie Jubilee (12 hours) or Shekinah (12 hours), may replace the courses in the area of concentration (12 hours).


2) Historical and Contemporary Theology
·    Theology and Church History electives (9 hours)
·    Biblical Studies electives (6 hours)
·    Any other elective (3 hours)
·    Thesis Seminar (3 hours) and Thesis Writing (9 hours)

4) Intercultural Ministry (United Church of Canada)
·    Intercultural Ministry (12 hours)—Intercultural Ministry; United Church History
     and Theology; United Church Polity; Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue
·    Theology and Church History elective (3 hours)
·    Biblical Studies elective (3 hours)
·    Thesis Seminar (3 hours) and Thesis Writing (9 hours)