Overview

This degree equips students who might be interested in preparing for doctoral studies, life of ministry, non-profit work, or simply personal enrichment. The Master degree is completed over a period of two years. Each academic year has 3 terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Students can only take a maximum of 2 courses per term. This 36 credit hour degree is divided into 18 credits of core courses, 9 credits of elective courses, and 9 credit hour thesis.

The Master of Theological Studies program from Agora University is designed to offer a general introduction to Oriental Orthodox theology through the introductory graduate level study of church history, dogmatics, scripture, patristics, spirituality and liturgics. In addition to three semesters of academic study, students are afforded the opportunity to write a master thesis in a specialized area of study.

Outcomes:

The MTS Program outcomes are intended to prepare students to:

Recall a basic knowledge and matters important to the history, culture, and theology of early and Eastern Christianity.
Explain ideas and concepts pertinent to Orthodox Christian history, culture, and theology.
Utilize research methods and theoretical frameworks rooted in Eastern Christian wisdom for engaging contemporary challenges in society.
Think theologically and critically about the Orthodox Christian tradition both historically and within contemporary church and society.
Construct and defend a position rooted in Orthodox Christian thought.
Produce new and original work articulating a holistic understanding of Orthodox Christian religious heritage.

Accreditation

Agora University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) in the United States. DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Church, Culture, and Tradition

Healing and the Word

Anthropology of Asceticism

An Orthodox Approach to Theology and the Arts

The Christian Doctrine of God and Diversity

From Cult to Culture

Audience

The MTS is designed for a wide range of learners, including students preparing for doctoral studies, ministry, non-profit work, religious education, community service, or personal enrichment. It is suitable for clergy, church servants, educators, adult learners, and students seeking deeper study of Orthodox theology.

Lecturers

Holy Transfiguration College faculty include distinguished theologians, clergy, and scholars in Orthodox Christian theology, scripture, patristics, church history, liturgy, spirituality, and Eastern Christianity, including Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury; Sebastian Brock; and Norman Russell.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-05-15 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Application & Registration January 15 – August 15

Start Dates:

Fall Term: September 1 - Dec 15

Spring Term: January 15 - May 15
Summer Term: May 15 - Aug 15

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

Online

Fully structured
Only feedback on assignments and exams, Continuous support with feedback on request, Proactive tutoring and support
Individual work/assignments (with online group discussions), Online group works/assignments

Campus Location

Burke, United States

Disciplines

History Theology and Religious Studies Christian Studies View 389 other Masters in Theology and Religious Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation. Students must also pass all required courses and complete the required thesis. A grade of F carries zero credit and does not contribute toward graduation requirements. Graduation also requires clearance of all academic and financial obligations.

English requirements

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Each applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of registration.

Each applicant must submit their undergraduate degree transcript and diploma in the English Language. Non-English language Transcripts must be translated and submitted for evaluation by the World Education Services (WES). Average GPA of 3.0 in USA and the equivalent of 85% or a “B” worldwide.

Evidence of passing English language proficiency requirements

Submit two professional or academic letters of recommendation.

Complete Admission application and financial declaration forms.

All applicants must submit a 2000-word writing sample.

All applicants must submit a Government issued Photo ID.

All applicants must submit a passport sized photograph (in JPEG format, recent color photo, plain/white background, bright, centered/front view of full face, eyes open and visible and cropped from just above the top of the head to the collarbone

Submit an updated Resume/CV

Work experience

Professional work experience is not formally required. The MTS is open to students pursuing theological study for ministry, doctoral preparation, non-profit work, religious education, community service, or personal enrichment. Relevant ministry, service, or academic experience may support the application review.

Technological requirements

Students should have access to:

Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB memory, 256GB hard drive
15.6” HD display, wireless adapter, webcam, and microphone
Reliable high-speed internet and email access
Windows or Mac operating system
Updated browser, PDF reader, and word processor such as Microsoft Word

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

3996 USD / year

≈ 3996 USD / year
Out-of-State

3996 USD / year

≈ 3996 USD / year

Additional Details

• Tuition: USD 222.22/credit

• Fees: USD 50 app; USD 100 tech/year; USD 100 library/year; USD 50 grad

• Total: USD 8,499.92

Funding

Eligible Holy Transfiguration College students may apply for tuition assistance and scholarships, including need-based aid through TAP and merit-based support through the Bishop Epiphanius Scholarship. Awards are subject to eligibility, funding availability, and program rules. Learn more: https://htc.agora.edu/scholarships/

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Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Theological Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Audience

Lecturers

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Work experience

Technological requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Additional Details

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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