Theological Studies - Master of Theological Studies (MTS) (Conrad Grebel University College)

PAS Building

Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology (PAS) Building on Waterloo's South Campus, across from Laurel Creek.

Study the Bible, Christian theology, church history, and the practice of ministry in an interdisciplinary setting with the Master of Theological Studies program, designed for those from a range of academic backgrounds.  

Through a distinctive Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective, you’ll explore current scholarship and examine contemporary issues while interacting with faculty and students from diverse academic disciplines in a small classroom setting. Choose from three study options to fit your needs including thesis, coursework or applied studies where you’ll complete internships to gain hands-on experience.  

You’ll be prepared for vocations of ministry and service, for pastoral ministry, chaplaincy or further study at the PhD level.  

Research areas and degree options

  • Christian Theology

Program overview

Department/School: Theological Studies
Faculty: Conrad Grebel University College
Admit term(s): Fall (September – December), Winter (January - April)
Delivery mode: On-campus (Conrad Grebel University College campus)
Program type: Master's, Professional
Length of program: 24 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis, Coursework, Applied Studies

Application deadlines

  • February 1(for admission in September)
  • September 1(for admission in January of the following year)

Key contacts

Maria Smyrnova at msmyrnov@uwaterloo.ca 
519-888-4567, ext. 42411

Admission limitations

For the 2024 and 2025 admission years, regrettably, due to funding restrictionswe cannot accommodate any new international students. International applicants who may be interested in self-funding their graduate studies need to contact the Program Graduate Coordinator prior to applying to discuss their interest in this program.

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • The minimum academic requirement for admission to the program is a four-year bachelor degree with an overall 75% average, or its equivalent. Applicants who do not meet these requirements but who demonstrate aptitude for such graduate studies may be admitted, on a case-by-case basis, after meeting the requirements of probationary or transitional admission or completing a qualifying program as deemed appropriate by the Admission Committee.
  • Applicants to the Thesis option will be expected to have successfully completed considerable previous undergraduate or graduate study in religion and theology, in areas related to their proposed thesis research. Applicants to the Thesis option whose previous academic study has been in other disciplines may be admitted to the Thesis option as transitional students. Additional requirements will be specified at the time of admission.
  • The Graduate Admissions Committee will consider applications after all the required documents are uploaded. Application material submitted in support of the application will not be returned.
  • An interview may be required

Degree requirements

Application materials

  • Resume
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enroll and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
  • Transcript(s)
    • From each institution through which the student has completed coursework
  • Reference
    • Three references are required, two of these should be from people competent to assess the candidate's academic capacities and potential
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and fees