Master of Sacred Theology

Our STM program is not accepting new applicants for the 2025-2026 academic year. We are evaluating our academic offerings as part of our reaccreditation self-study with the Association of Theological Schools. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please feel free to contact the admissions office with any questions.

The Master of Sacred Theology is a one-year program of advanced study beyond the Master of Divinity (or its equivalent.). It’s designed for students who wish to study a theological topic with an advanced focus. Emphasis is placed on cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural approaches to biblical, ethical, and theological studies. The Master of Sacred Theology program is ideal if you’re seeking additional academic preparation prior to pursuing a PhD program. It’s also perfect for Master of Divinity graduates and pastors on sabbatical who would benefit from one year of advanced academic study in an area of theological interest. You can also choose to complete a concentration in the STM Program (see below).

CTS offers the accredited STM degree completely online, on campus, or a hybrid of both. This first-of-its-kind degree program allows you to take all courses online, regardless of your location. Learn more about our online degrees here.

 

Concentrations:

1. CHAPLAINCY STUDIES: Today, ministry is being engaged in public spaces far beyond the walls of churches. Chaplains are rooted and accountable to their religious tradition, but they serve people and communities who may have different religious backgrounds or have no religious affiliation. Various contexts, including hospital, military, prison, campus, and hospice, need highly trained chaplains who can faithfully serve the spiritual needs of all of God’s children. Chicago Theological Seminary’s unique course offerings, faculty expertise, and interreligious engagement support students’ vocational discernment and equip them for professional success. All students must complete the required course, Introduction to Chaplaincy Studies and 3 additional electives in the area of Chaplaincy Studies.

2. LGBTQ STUDIES: The program concentration in LGBTQ studies is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons, including professionals in fields other than ministry, who wish to explore LGBTQ issues within a theological framework. To qualify for the LGBTQ Concentration, a minimum of 4 elective courses in the area of LGBTQ Studies must be taken.

3. INTERRELIGIOUS ENGAGEMENT: This concentration is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons who wish to explore issues in Interreligious Engagement and the study of diverse religious traditions. Students who choose to concentrate in Interreligious Engagement may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS or via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries. All students must complete the required course, Introduction to Interreligious Engagement and 3 additional electives in the area of Interreligious Engagement.

4. STUDY OF BLACK FAITH & LIFE: This concentration is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons, including professionals in fields other than ministry, who wish to explore issues in the study of Black Faith and Life within a theological framework. Students who choose to concentrate in the Study of Black Faith & Life may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS or via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries. All students must complete the required Introduction to the Study of Black Faith & Life and 3 electives in the area of Study of Black Faith & Life.

5. MUSLIM STUDIES: This concentration is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons who wish to deeply explore the field of Muslim Studies. Students who choose to concentrate in Muslim Studies may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS, through Bayan, via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries, or via pre-approved courses at other graduate institutions. All students must complete the required Introduction to Muslim Studies and 3 electives in the area of Muslim Studies.

 

Program Goals & Learning Outcomes:

PROGRAM GOALS

  • STM graduates will have acquired advanced knowledge of and capacity to interpret and communicate a specific aspect of one or more theological/ethical and religious traditions.
  • STM graduates will be able to think critically about theological/ethical and religious traditions.
  • STM graduates will be able to complete graduate level academic research in religious studies.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Students will apply advanced knowledge of religious traditions appropriately in scholarly research.
  • Students will demonstrate ability to construct and develop a substantial and sophisticated scholarly argument in religious studies.
  • Students will demonstrate ability to think and write critically about religious traditions.
  • Students will demonstrate ability to integrate the study of religion, theology and ethics with at least one of the following:
  1. the study of the humanities or social sciences or
  2. significant contemporary social or political issues or
  3. practical engagement with a local congregation or community organization.
  • Students will demonstrate in-depth scholarly knowledge in a specific area relating to religious studies.