

An ideal degree for students wishing to prepare for doctoral studies in religion or theology or for teaching theology in a high school, the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) program enables rigorous studies in the various subdisciplines of theology. The degree program is highly flexible: half the coursework consists of core requirements aimed at general theological literacy and basic competence (in the subfields of biblical studies, systematics, moral theology, and history of Christianity); the remaining half consists of electives that allow students to specialize in a particular area of interest. Our Theology and Ministry Library, home to the largest collection of Catholic literature outside the Vatican, is a tremendous resource to students during their studies.
In addition to taking courses at the School of Theology and Ministry, M.T.S. students may take coursework through the prestigious Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium.
Given the focus of the M.T.S. on forming students as scholars and teachers, funding is available to support those who wish to attend and/or present at academic conferences. Learn more.
While the M.T.S. program doesn't require spiritual and pastoral formation programs and activities, you are welcome and encouraged to participate in the retreats, days of reflection, faith-sharing, and prayer groups the school offers.
96% of 2019 M.T.S. graduates found placement within six months of graduation.
"Distinct from religious studies, theology is a confessional discipline—we practice what we teach. While theologians certainly strive for the objectivity that the academy demands, it is nevertheless true that when we write or teach, we are communicating a reality about God that draws from our deeply held convictions of faith and informs those same convictions in our readers, students, or audiences.”
MTS – 2019-2020 and forward
At the end of the MTS program, students will be able to
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the Bible, its historical contexts and methods of interpretation;
B. Articulate methodologies of moral reasoning in relation to Scripture, Tradition, and experience,
demonstrated by literacy in a specific area of interest;
C. Demonstrate knowledge of Christian tradition, articulated in systematic thought on Christology,
ecclesiology, or fundamental theology;
D. Demonstrate critical knowledge of the historical development of the Christian church, its institutions, practices and teachings; and
E. Articulate methodologies of pastoral studies and practical theology, and demonstrate a capacity for interdisciplinary and contextual analysis for Christian discipleship.
MTS - prior to 2019-2020
At the end of the MTS program, students will be able to
A. understand and explain the central doctrines of the Christian faith;
B. engage in moral reasoning and appreciate normative claims of Christianity;
C. use Scripture in an informed and hermeneutically responsible way;
D. put the trajectory of Christian social and institutional history in dialogue with theological reflection on the present; and
E. apply critical thinking to focused areas of research and study.
Connect with STM to learn more about the M.T.S. application process.
This 48-credit program is typically completed in two years of full-time study. Part-time study is an option as well.
Students may pursue directed readings with faculty members during the program’s second year.
Faculty Expertise | Faculty Publications
Up to nine credits in ancient or modern languages can be applied to the degree.
A Final Reflection paper is a requirement for all M.T.S. students.
One elective may be used to write a 30–50 page thesis.
Scholarships and on-campus assistantships are available. | Financial Aid
Please note you can submit your application form once it is completed; you do not need to wait for all of your supplemental materials to arrive. We are able to schedule your interview once we have received your submitted application form, resume, and personal statement.
Additional requirements for international applicants
Additional requirements for religious applicants
A non-refundable fee of $75 is required for every degree and non-degree application submitted.
Please note: The application fee cannot be refunded for any reason. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you should not pay the fee when you submit the application form. Fee waivers are granted to the following applicants: Jesuits, veterans, applicants currently completing a year of service, and current STM students. Email the admissions office at stmadm@bc.edu to request a waiver.
GRE scores
The GRE is optional but preferred for spring 2021, summer 2021, and fall 2021 applications. We review all applications holistically. Applicants who choose not to submit GRE scores will not be penalized in the admissions process.
Applicants who do send GRE scores should have them sent directly from ETS. Our GRE code is 2508.
The GRE is waived for applicants who have completed a previous graduate degree.
TOEFL scores
All applicants for whom English is not their native language must also provide TOEFL or IELTS test score results. An acceptable TOEFL score is 85 or above on the internet-based test. When taking the exam, include STM’s institutional code – 3971 – so that your scores may be sent directly to the school.
Read more about special instructions for international applicants here.
To request a TOEFL waiver, you must email stmadm@bc.edu.
One copy of each transcript is required from all colleges, universities, seminaries, or theological schools that you have attended. Each transcript should contain a list of all coursework taken, grades/marks received, and, if applicable, degree granted and date of degree confirmation. If your college or university will send official transcripts electronically, they can be emailed to stmadm@bc.edu. Otherwise, transcripts must be mailed and be contained in a sealed, signed envelope. If the official transcript is not English, a translation should be provided with the official document. Please alert us if your transcript will be arriving with a different name than the one you are using on your application (e.g. your maiden name).
Mailing Addresses
For applicants using the U.S. Postal Service:
Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
For applicants using FedEx or UPS, please use this address:
Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
9 Lake Street
Brighton, MA 02135-3841
M.T.S. applicants are required to submit three recommendations using the online application system.
Each recommender should be familiar with the applicant’s academic competence. For applicants who have been out of school for a significant amount of time, recommenders should be familiar with the applicant's professional competence. Please be sure that your recommenders are aware of the application deadlines and online process, and choose them carefully to ensure that they can write on your behalf in a timely manner.
The admissions office interviews all applicants to the MTS program. All interviews take place remotely. International applicants are asked to submit a video essay on their application instead of a live interview.
The resume must be uploaded as part of the application. It is helpful if you highlight relevant ministry, service, research, teaching, and leadership positions you have held.
The personal statement must be uploaded as part of the application. The personal statement should be three pages in length, double-spaced.
Your statement should address the following:
Please note that MTS students can submit an optional writing sample as part of their application.