Master of Theology – Virginia Christian University

Program Objectives

The Master of Theology degree (Th.M.) is designed to provide advanced research and enrichment opportunities for those who have completed the Master of Divinity program (M.Div). Its purpose is to train and prepare teachers for Christian colleges (schools), as well as to provide enhanced capabilities for the pastoral ministry. The Master of Theology program offers a two to three-year curriculum for students who completed a recognized three-year M.Div program in graduate theological studies, particularly students preparing for a variety of responsible positions within various Christian leadership positions.

Program Outcomes

This Degree is a Master of Theology degree program in Biblical, Theological, and Practical studies. While affirming the mission and general goals of Virginia Christian University, this degree program also aims:

(1) To explore theological and exegetical issues in biblical texts.

(2) To develop advanced methods and disciplines of critical thinking, research, and writing in preparation for doctoral study.

(3) To continue the student’s education through systematic biblical, theological, and practical study while he/she serves in the ministry.

(4) To integrate the norms, functions, and contextual dimensions ministry into a meaningful, workable, and effective whole.

Program for Admission

The followings are required of master’s-level applicants seeking admission to Virginia Christian University:

(1) Completion of an application form for the program for which an applicant seek admission.

(2) Submission of a $300.00 nonrefundable application fee.

(3) Submission of official college transcripts from accredited institutions reflecting a 2.5 grade point average for full admission. provisional Admission may be granted for students with less than 2.5 GPA.

(4) Submission of two letters of recommendation evaluating your character and potential to engage in ministry.

Graduation Requirements

The Master of Theology degree will be awarded upon meeting the following requirements:

(1) Completion of the prescribed curriculum with at least a 2.0 GPA.

(2) Completion of a thesis of at least 20,000 words in the area of specialty (at least 80 pages of letter size), if students elect the thesis option.

(3) Demonstration of spiritual fitness for the Christian ministry by the student’s attitude toward biblical studies, active participation in local churches and personal conduct and deportment with the student body, as well as Christian public, which commends the gospel.

(4) Agreement with the doctrinal position of VACU.

(5) Reception of faculty approval of a proposed thesis topic, if pursuing the thesis option.

Students shall decide if they will pursue the thesis option or not by the eighth week of the semester in which they take thirtieth credit-hour in aggregation in the program. Students are to be approved for candidacy during the semester in which they are taking thirtierth credit-hour in aggregation in the program. Students in the Th.M program who do not satisfy the candidature requirements are not allowed to continue course work in the program. The candidature requirements are to maintain at least GPA 2.0 or above in the program and submit prospectus of his/her thesis if pursing the thesis option.

(6) For graduation, a minimum of 36 semester hours of residence work must be completed. This includes six semester hours of credit needed for a dissertation with thesis option. At least 18 semester hours shall be in the student’s major field with three credits of research methodology, and at least nine hours other than the student’s major field. A thesis shall consis of 80 pages of letter size papers.

(7) Students who want to take a regular (non-thesis) option shall take at least 6 semester hours of guided work instead of thesis writing of six hours.

Language Requirements

Students for Master of Theology Degree are expected to be competent in both Greek and Hebrew exegesis. Any deficiencies in language must be made up in addition to completion of the prescribed Th.M curriculum.

Fields of Concentrations

Students may select one of the three areas of specialty as shown below:
(1) Biblical Theology (OT or NT Literature and Exegesis)
(2) Reformed Systematic Theology
(3) Practical Theology in Christian Counseling

Graduation Thesis

Eighteen semester hours (18 credits) of major field with three credits of research methodology, nine elective semester hours (9 credits) of study, and the thesis in case of a thesis option or extra guided research courses of six semester hours (6 credits) in a regular option must be completed as described in the following curriculum for Th.M degree.

As a consummation of biblical understanding, research, exposition, and application to ministry, a student is required to complete a thesis of at least 20,000 words (80 pages of letter size paper) in case of the thesis option. The special regulations governing the thesis are set forth in the ThM Handbook. The thesis must be written in the student’s area of specialty.

A student who has finished all course work prior to completion of the thesis must register and pay for six semester hours of thesis credit. For each academic semester in which the student has finished all the course work, but does not register for the thesis, a thesis extension fee will be charged.

Curriculum of Master of Theology

The following curriculum leads to the Master of Theology degree for those who have completed the M.Div program. The students may take upper level M.Div. courses of maximum 12 hours out of 18 hours of concentrations and maximum 6 hours out of 9 hours of electives with the approval by their supervisor or Th.M. Director. Some doctoral level courses may be allowed to Th.M. students with the approval by their supervisor or Th.M. Director provided that the courses taken will not be counted for doctoral programs. Major study of Master of Theology requires satisfactory completion of the following.

1,Common Requirement (3 credits)
RM 700. Research Methodology (3 credits)
2, Major Field: Biblical Theology
Old Testament Exegesis and Interpretation
Students may select other courses of their major field for the Th.M courses besides the following.
Common Requisite: RM 700. Research Methodology (3 credits)
OT 700. Worship in Ancient Israel (3 credits)
OT 701. Christ in the Old Testament (3 credits)
OT 703. Bible and Archeology (3 credits)
OT 704. Old Testament Wisdom (3 credits)
OT 706. OT Textual Criticism (3 credits)
OT 710. Old Testament Theology (3 credits)
OT 711. Christ in the Old Testament (3 credits)
Major Field Courses…………………………………. 18 Credits
Elective Courses………………………………………. 9 Credits
Thesis, or Regular Courses ………………………. 6 Credits
Total:36 credits
b) New Testament Exegesis and Interpretation
Students may select other courses of their major field for the Th.M course besides the following.
Common Requisite: RM 700. Research Methodology (3 credits)
NT 700. New Testament Theology (3 credits)
NT 701. New Testament History (3 credits)
NT 704. Miracles of Christ (3 credits)
NT 705. The Pauline Theology (3 credits)
NT 706. Biblical Hermeneutics (3 credits)
NT 710. The Kingdom of God (3 credits)
NT 720. Theology of the Fourth Gospel (3 credits)
Major Field Courses……………………………… 18 Credits
Elective Courses…………………………………….. 9 Credits
Thesis, or Regular Courses…………………….. 6 Credits
Total:36 Credits
(2) Major Field: Reformed Systematic Theology…. 18 credits
Students may select other courses of their major field for the Th.M course besides the following.
Common Requisite: RM 700. Research Methodology (3 credits)
TH 704. Work of the Holy Spirit (3 credits)
TH 705. Trinitarianism (3 credits)
TH 711. Church and Sacraments (3 credits)
TH 731. Theodicy (3 credits)
TH 732. History of Doctrine (3 credits)
TH 735. Christology (3 credits)
TH 736. Pneumatology (3 credits)
TH 737. Anthropology (3 credits)
Major Field Courses…………………………………………. 18 Credits
Elective Courses………………………………………………… 9 Credits
Thesis, or Regular Courses………………………………… 6 Credits
Total: 36 Credits
(3) Major Field: Practical Theology in Christian Counseling …. 18 credits
Students may select other courses of their major field for the Th.M course besides the following.
Common Requisite: RM 700. Research Methodology (3 credits)
BC 710. Typical Problems in Christian Counseling (3 credits)
BC 714. Methods of Biblical Change (3 credits)
BC 715. Pastoral Counseling (3 credits)
BC 725. Critical Issues in Counseling (3 credits)
BC 730. Abnormal psychology and Counseling (3 credits)
BC 731. Theology and Counseling (3 credits)
Major Field Courses…………………………………………. 18 Credits
Elective Courses………………………………………………… 9 Credits
Thesis, or Regular Courses………………………………… 6 Credits
Total: 36 Credits