The Master of Theological Studies degree's provide for an extensive, advanced education in a specialized area of Christian ministry. Each is a 36 credit hour program which integrates theological education and professional courses. The Master of Theological Studies may serve as the foundation of the Master of Divinity, which is an academic degree, it is a 90 credit hour program. These programs are especially suited for students desiring to continue on towards doctoral preparation.
All of the University Master’s programs are viewed as complete programs. However, transfer of credit may be allowed (up to 6 credits) if course offerings from other institutions are substantially equivalent to the program of Vision and are recognized by C.H.E.A. or a foreign equivalent. There are no modifications of the basic program listed here without specific permission of the University.
Goals
- To provide advanced knowledge and understanding of the Bible and the relationship of scripture and the applied discipline.
- To provide knowledge and skills in effective, professional ministry in the area of specialization.
- To provide academic and professional training equal to programs required for advanced vocational placement.
Available Emphases:
PLEASE NOTE: Some of these emphasis are on a temporary hold as the University is undergoing some changes to the accreditation status. We have left the emphasis listed for your information as they will become available again. There may be some subject changes when the accreditation is finalized. Those emphasis that are not available are marked as "On Hold".
- Theology
- Christian Counseling
- Christian Education
- Leadership
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
Emphasis in THEOLOGY
The twelve courses listed comprise the degree Master of Theological Studies in Theological Studies. Substitutions are subject to the approval of the Academic Dean. Substitution may be made if some of the courses listed below have already been taken (Graduate transcripts of courses must be furnished) from the graduate section of the catalog.
The curriculum, produced by some of the world's top biblical scholars and theologians in cooperation with The Institute of Theological Studies (ITS), serves persons who wish to explore disciplines within Christian theology.
There is a required thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 word thesis. The student may submit their own topic for the thesis that must be relevant to the emphasis chosen.
Objectives of the Program
The M.T.S. is especially suited for persons interested in some aspect of teaching and research or engagement in socio-religious issues. The M.T.S. program may be a bridge to further studies toward a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or doctoral degree. The program is designed to equip men and women for further study, research or teaching.
Goals
The M.T.S. degree program has as its goals that students undertake a rigorous course of academic study that will provide an opportunity to explore foundational issues in Christian theology.
Program of Study
The program focuses on historical, systematic, and biblical theology. Professional ministry issues are not a focus of this program. Nevertheless, the program is designed to provide a theological foundation for ministerial service. The program consists of 12 courses, 3 semester credit hours each, for a total of 36 credit hours.
Leadership Studies
- CE503 Advanced Leadership & Administration
Church History
- CH505 Survey of Church History
CH510 History of the Charismatic Movements
Ministry Studies
- MT504 Evangelism and the Local Church
New Testament
- NT502 The Pastoral Epistles
NT504 The Gospels/Life of Christ
NT508 New Testament Survey: The Epistles and Revelation
Old Testament
- OT505 The Book of Psalms
OT509 The Christian & Old Testament Theology
Philosophical & Systematic Theology
- PT504 Christian Worldview
ST 503 Contemporary Theology
World Missions
- WM501 Introduction to World Missions
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
Emphasis in CHRISTIAN EDUCATION On Hold
The Master of Theological Studies in Christian Education is designed to provide advanced training in Biblical principles of Christian Education. This degree prepares one to do educational tasks in a Christian setting. Among these are teaching, supervising, developing, and implementing Christian education programs. The program has been approved by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) for provisional teacher certification. Check with the ACSI branch in your district to be certain of the acceptability. Students desiring state licensure or certification should check with their state authorities before entering the program to ascertain if it is acceptable in their state. The program may be creditable on school salary scales. For those who are already in a school position, check with the administration of the school regarding acceptability.
Program Goals:
- To provide advanced knowledge of Christian Education practices and techniques.
- To provide knowledge and skills that would allow one to do Christian Education tasks in a Church or school setting.
- To provide adequate knowledge of the laws and ethics of Christian Education.
The twelve courses listed comprise the Master’s degree in Christian Education. Substitutions are subject to the approval of the Academic Dean. Substitution may be made if some of the above courses have already been taken (graduate transcripts of courses must be submitted for evaluation). A Master’s Thesis or Comprehensive Exam based on the course content may be required.
Required Courses:
- CE501 Church Administration and Leadership
CE502 Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Management
CE503 Advanced Leadership and Administration
CE504 Adult Ministries in the Church
CE505 Effective Administrative Leadership
ED500 Philosophy of Christian Education
ED510 Administration of Christian Education
ED600 Primary Christian Education
ED610 Christian Education of Adults
ED620 Secondary Christian Education
ED650 Curriculum Development in Christian Education
ED750 Methods of Teaching from a Biblical Perspective
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
Emphasis in CHRISTIAN COUNSELING On Hold
The twelve courses listed comprise the Master’s degree in Christian Counseling. Changes or substitutions are subject to the approval of the Academic Dean. Substitutions may be made if some of the above courses have already been taken. A Master’s Thesis or Comprehensive Exam based on the course content may be required.
Required Courses:
- CC500 Christian Counseling Theories and Strategies
CE502 Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Management
CC550 Cross-Cultural Christian Counseling
CC570 Human Development from a Christian Perspective
CC660 Personality Theory and Therapy for the Christian Counselor
CC710 Human Sexuality: A Christian Perspective
CC540 Christian Marriage and Family Counseling
CC580 Crisis Counseling from a Christian Perspective
CC520 Group Dynamics for Christian Counselors
CC600 Psychology and Theology
CC640 Substance Abuse Therapy from a Christian Perspective
CC715 Ethics and Law for the Christian Counselor
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
Emphasis in LEADERSHIP On Hold
The Master of Theological Studies in Leadership degree program is a unique combination of interactive residencies (optional, but highly recommended) at the Center for Healthy Leadership in Elkhart, Indiana, and Online Studies. The program is directed by Dr. Malcolm Webber, Dean of the University of Leadership.
The Master of Theological Studies in Leadership degree program consists of 36 credit hours. Each course is 3 credit hours.
It is recommended that the degree program begins with the student completing the 4-day residency portion of LE501 (optional). (Otherwise resident mentorship must be established in locality of the student.) The student will then complete LE501 and LE502. At the same time, he or she will begin LE 511, the Leadership Practicum, which will continue throughout the entire degree program.
After completing LE 501 and 502, the student will continue with the additional courses, completing two at a time, taking approximately 3 months for each set of two courses. After approximately one year, the student will optionally complete a second 4½-day residency as a part of LE 507. The student will take 18-24 months to finish the entire degree program.
Required Courses:
- LE501 Introduction to Leadership and Leaders (Residency 1)
LE502 The Nature of Leadership
LE503 Healthy Leaders
LE504 Effective Leaders
LE505 Spiritual Leadership
LE506 Relational Leadership
LE507 Strategic Leadership (Residency 2)
LE508 Building Leaders
LE509 Organizational Leadership
LE510 Multi-cultural Leadership
LE511 Leadership Practicum
Choose One Elective:
CE501 Church Administration and LeadershipCE502 Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Management
CE503 Advanced Leadership and Administration
CE505 Effective Administrative Leadership







