

Ministry and theological work is highly dynamic. Some students, after completing a first-level master's degree in theology, find that they need to return to school for further theological study. The Master of Theology (Th.M.) is an advanced degree that allows students, who already posses an M.Div. or another first-level master's degree (e.g. M.A. or M.T.S.), the opportunity to return to studies and look into specific issues more deeply or to continue developing certain ministerial competencies. The Th.M. is designed to be highly flexible to meet the unique needs of each student.
It is especially suited to students seeking pre-doctoral studies, Jesuits and other candidates for ordination in their fourth year of theological studies, as well as those with ministerial experience who wish to further their theological education. Th.M. graduates come from various backgrounds and go on to use their experience in a diverse array of professions. Graduates take their Th.M. education and serve as teachers, administrators, medical doctors, advocates for refugees and human rights, and ecumenical ministers, as well as in numerous other capacities.
100% of 2021 Th.M. graduates secured placement within six months of graduation.
Many students pursue the Th.M. in preparation for doctoral work. In the last two years,
Th.M. graduates have secured admission to doctoral programs at Boston College, Durham University, University of Edinburgh,
St. Louis University, and the University of Toronto. | Career Development
The Th.M. has two tracks: Advanced Theological Study
and Ministerial Practice.
Both options require six academic courses. This 24-credit program is usually taken over the course of one year,
but can be completed part-time in up to two years.
Students tailor their academic program to their educational goals. Students work closely with their faculty advisor to plan a cohesive program, choosing a thesis or intensive Biblical language preparation.
Students develop an advanced understanding and pastoral competence in a particular form of ministry, through a combination of course work and professional ministry practica.
The application to STM must be completed online.
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.
Admission Prerequisites for the Th.M.:
Additional Requirements:
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. We do not waive the application fee for other reasons.
GRE scores
GRE scores are not required for Th.M. applicants.
English Proficiency Exam
All applicants for whom English is not their native language must also provide TOEFL or IELTS test score results. Read more about special instructions for international applicants here. This webpage will also indicate under with criteria a waiver may be granted. Waivers must be approved in writing by the admissions office.
We require transcripts 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). Please note that a transcript is only considered official if received directly from the institution issuing it.
Please note that your application may be reviewed with unofficial copies of your transcripts, though we prefer official copies at the time of application. If you send unofficial copies, please note that if admitted, you must sent official copies before you begin coursework. In addition, if you are currently finishing a degree, you must send a final, official version of the transcript upon graduating, and before beginning coursework at STM.
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:
Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
9 Lake Street
Brighton, MA 02135-3841
Th.M. 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 may contact applicants to set up an online interview.
The resume must be uploaded as part of the application. It is helpful if you highlight relevant ministry, service, research, teaching and/or 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: