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The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program is a two-year, interdisciplinary degree. All classes are held at Conrad Grebel's campus in Waterloo, Ontario. Students may choose to study full-time or part-time. Full-time students take 3+ courses in the fall and winter terms and 2+ courses in the spring term.
Degree options
Students in MTS will complete the program via one of the three options:
1. Coursework option
This provides students with a broad understanding of theological disciplines. It consists of coursework and a final research paper. It is the most flexible option and is often the best option for students entering from another discipline or for those completing the program for personal enrichment. Students may begin in this option and decide to move to one of the other two options after they have completed several courses.
Coursework structure
Students who choose the coursework option must complete 16 courses in total (0.5 credits each; 8.0 credits in total) and maintain a 75% average.
4 required core courses:
- TS 600 Thinking Theologically
- TS 610 Studying the Old Testament
- TS 611 Studying the New Testament
- TS 640 Mennonite Tradition in Historical Context
Plus:
- 12 additional TS or other approved graduate courses
- Masters Research Seminar
- Academic Integrity Milestone Requirement
2. Applied Studies option
This option integrates academic study and practical internships. It is for students involved in or preparing for the practice of ministry. "Ministry" is broadly understood to include pastoral roles in congregations, chaplaincy in hospitals, prisons, or elder care facilities, or social service work in varied settings. This option involves coursework, internships, and a capstone integrative project.
Applied Studies structure
Students who choose the applied studies option must complete 16 courses in total (0.5 credits each; 8.0 credits in total) and maintain a 75% average.
8 required core courses:
- TS 600 Thinking Theologically
- TS 610 Studying the Old Testament
- TS 611 Studying the New Testament
- TS 640 Mennonite Tradition in Historical Context
- TS 677 Church and Ministry
- TS 678 Supervised Experience in Ministry I
- TS 679 Supervised Experience in Ministry II
- TS 783 Theology and Practice of Leadership (previoulsy Integration Seminar)
Plus:
- 8 additional TS or other approved graduate courses
- Masters Research Seminar
- Academic Integrity Milestone Requirement
3. Thesis option
This is the most focused of the options and is often taken by students preparing for advanced graduate studies in Theology, Biblical studies, or History of Christianity, or by those who already have a strong undergraduate background in theological studies. It involves coursework and research and culminates in a thesis.
Thesis structure
Students who choose the thesis option must complete 8 courses in total (0.5 credits each; 4.0 credits in total), maintain a 75% average, and complete a thesis.
4 required core courses:
- TS 600 – Thinking Theologically
- TS 610 – Studying the Old Testament
- TS 611 – Studying the New Testament
- TS 640 – Mennonite Tradition in Historical Context
Plus:
- 4 additional TS or other approved graduate courses
- Master's Thesis Proposal
- Master's Thesis (4.0 credits)
- Master's Thesis Submission
- Academic Integrity Milestone Requirement
Courses
For a full listing of all TS courses, please see Course Descriptions.
To see the courses that are currently being offered, please see Course Offerings.
To view sample syllabi from select TS courses, please see Sample Syllabi.
Sample program sequences
To get an idea of what your MTS degree might look like, check out these sample program sequences.
Cooperation with other schools
MTS students may take a limited number of courses outside of the MTS program, such as in Grebel’s Master of Peace and Conflict Studies program and courses in other graduate programs at the University of Waterloo. Agreements are in place for students to take courses at the Toronto School of Theology, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS), Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), and Martin Luther University College. It is possible to take courses at other institutions as well. For more information, please contact the TS department. For information on procedures for students interested in completing an MTS degree at Grebel/University of Waterloo, and then proceeding to complete a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree at AMBS or CMU, please see Cooperative MTS-MDiv Sequential Degree Arrangements.
Student Handbook
For more information on each option and the required courses, please see our TS Student Handbook.
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