Study the Bible, Christian theology, church history, and the practice of ministry in an interdisciplinary and ecumenical setting with a distinctive Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective. Explore current scholarship and examine contemporary issues. Interact with faculty and students from diverse academic disciplines in a small classroom setting. Test ideas. Develop skill and self-understanding in internships. Experience the support and expertise of faculty and fellow students.
What is the Master of Theological Studies?
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) is a two-year degree offered conjointly by the University of Waterloo and Conrad Grebel University College. It is open to persons from a range of academic backgrounds and is designed for those who may be exploring vocations of ministry and service, those preparing for pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, or further graduate studies, and those seeking personal enrichment.
Why MTS at Grebel?
We strive to create a stimulating learning environment where people from many different backgrounds and beliefs can learn from each other. The perspectives that students bring because of their race, class, age, sex, gender, ability, culture and origins (and other dimensions of identity that live within us) all contribute to the rich theological dialogue we seek to foster. Because the oppression of Indigenous peoples and the racism we see in society today have a long history in the Christian tradition, we are committed to examining issues of power, privilege and abuse in our program. Similarly, since the church has long discriminated against LGBTQ+ people, it is important for us to claim as a theological practice the public, intentional and explicit welcoming of people with diverse genders and sexual orientations. We strive to create leaders who will advocate for justice and inclusion of all God’s people in the church and our world. This is difficult soulful and communal work to which we are committed.
Our program allows for frequent interaction with faculty, access to extensive library resources, study and social spaces, and opportunities for participation in a wide range of activities. Theological Studies students are able to enrich their experience by taking courses in other programs at UWaterloo and at nearby universities and theological schools.
MTS students may choose from three program options: coursework, applied studies, or thesis. These options enable students to tailor their degree to their specific interests and vocations.
Plus, all full-time Canadian/permanent resident MTS students are eligible for full-time tuition scholarships.
News
Brown Bag Lunch with Prof. Allan Rudy-Froese
In February 2025, Prof. Allan Rudy-Froese met with MTS students to tell them about his intensive spring Preaching course, in particular, what techniques make you a good preacher, how to prepare for a public speaking, and what structure a successful sermon should have. See the photo from the event!
PIE Day Event Reflection
On March 12, MTS students marked PIE Day early by taking in the current exhibit on the 4th floor gallery. The exhibit, "Daughters, mothers, granddaughters, and other sexual outlaws", provided material for reflection and insight into the lived experience of cultural, intergenerational struggles in advancing sexual health and reproductive rights in countries such as El Salvador, Bangladesh, and the Phillipines.
Devin Hogg, the organizer and facilitator of the MTS event, shared: "We were moved by the heartrending stories of intergenerational struggles where girls were mothers at 14 and grandmothers in their early thirties. We were heartened by the work being done to resist systems of oppression in solidarity with others. We were reminded of the power of photography, and the potential of images to contribute to social change. If you have some time, we recommend checking out the exhibit this week since it is on until Thursday, March 20."
Bridging Indigenous and Mennonite Histories
On Friday, September 6, as part of graduate orientation week, students in Conrad Grebel University College's Master of Theological Studies (MTS) and Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) programs took a field trip to Brubacher House museum and the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) at the University of Waterloo. The goal of the outing was “for graduate students to situate themselves historically and geographically, and to reflect on how the histories of colonization have shaped our current location and studies,” explained Reina Neufeldt, Chair of Peace and Conflict Studies.
Events
Convocation Celebration 2025
Celebrate the convocation of Grebel's class of 2025.
Embracing Aging as Culmination - Annual Spirituality & Aging Seminar
Spirituality and aging expert Carol Orsborn (PhD) speaks to a new generation coming into age with honesty, passion and grace. Inspired by reflections on her own life and the wisdom of elders from a wide spectrum of eras and traditions, she shows us the way to grow courageously into a new season of life, in the midst of a society that undervalues age.