Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School is pleased to announce the addition of a new master’s level-degree program and evening courses for those who want to pursue a degree while working full-time.
Beeson’s Master of Theology (Th.M.) will provide advanced theological study beyond Master of Divinity (M.Div.) studies as further preparation for ministry and/or as preparation for research doctoral (Ph.D.) studies. The goals of the program are to sharpen students’ skills in biblical exegesis, historical theology and/or preaching and pastoral care; to form students further in spiritual maturity; and to help students develop competence in research and writing, preparing some for doctoral work.
“The flexibility of the program should appeal to many people looking to take the next step in theological education,” said Thomas L. Fuller, associate dean of Beeson Divinity School. “Each student will work with a faculty supervisor who will help them develop a plan of study that fits their needs and interests. The Th.M. curriculum is quite ‘customizable’.”
The program requires the successful completion of 30 credit hours, consisting of advanced master’s-level courses and Ph.D. seminars (24 credit hours) and capstone research papers or a thesis (6 credit hours). Students may be given transfer credit for up to six (6) credit hours of advanced master’s level coursework completed in previous graduate theological studies.
Courses and seminars are delivered in a mix of modular and residential formats, depending on a student’s specific program of study. At least two courses, whether regular or guided research, must be “writing courses” in which a student writes major research papers under the guidance of their instructors. Students may satisfy the capstone research requirement either by writing these two papers or by writing a single thesis on a specialized topic under the supervision of a regular member of the Beeson faculty.
Students who later pursue Ph.D. studies at Beeson may be given credit for up to 12 hours of Th.M. coursework completed at Beeson.
“With the addition of our new doctoral program—the Ph.D. in Theology for the Church—we see a lot of value in adding the Th.M. to the slate of programs offered at Beeson,” Fuller said. “It is, on the one hand, a natural extension of who we are and what we do in our existing master’s programs: providing rigorous, robust training for faithful gospel ministry. And, on the other hand, the Th.M. is a very useful and important bridging program for ministry and further studies beyond the M.Div. We are committed to preparing and supporting lifelong learners for excellence in service to Christ’s church. Offering the Th.M. at Beeson is a significant step in fulfilling that commitment.”
Students will be able to apply to the Th.M. program later this spring with the first cohort beginning in spring 2024. Complete the Th.M. interest form to get more information about the program.
In addition to adding a new degree program, Beeson will begin offering evening courses this fall for those who want to work towards a degree but are unable to study in Beeson’s daytime programs. Persons may apply for admission as non-degree-seeking students or as degree-seeking students. However, those applying to the M.Div. program will be required to take several courses offered only in the daytime.
Find more information about Beeson’s degree programs or apply on our website. For those who want to begin evening courses this fall 2023, contact Kyle Young, Beeson's director of admission.