Master of Theology (ThM)

Master of Theology (ThM)

The Master of Theology (ThM) is a degree program that is open for students with a previous theological degree (MDiv or MAT) and is conducted in English. ETSC’s ThM program focuses on Bible and theology in the context of Egypt and the Middle East. The program is intended to deepen students’ academic qualifications for teaching, further studies, and scholarly research.

This year (2024), we invite people to apply for one of the following two specialization tracks: New Testament and Systematic Theology, which will start in Fall 2024. Each track has its own entrance requirements (see below). The ThM is equivalent to one year of full-time studies (36 credits) but is usually completed in 2–3 years of part-time study: students take classes during two academic years and write their ThM thesis alongside the classes in the second year or in a third year.

During the last few years, fall and spring classes were offered partly on ETSC’s campus in Cairo (approximately every other week) and partly through live online sessions, usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays (mornings and occasionally evenings). In 2024–2025 we may continue this schedule, but if there are applicants who live outside Egypt, we may experiment with offering the program fully through live online sessions. (In 2025–2026 there may be some changes in how the program is delivered.)

In January courses are taught as short intensives that follow a different schedule and that usually can be taken fully online.

Tuition fee is LE2000/credit. The application includes a scholarship application. The scholarship is offered based on need.

Please, contact Dr. Willem J. de Wit at [email protected] if you have any questions about the above or if you would like to receive further information about the ThM program.

Admission Requirements:

1. A Bachelor’s degree (in any field of study) and a Master’s degree in theology (Master of Arts in Theology [MAT] or Master of Divinity [MDiv] or equivalent).

– For admission to the New Testament specialization, MAT graduates should hold a MAT-B (MAT with a specialization in Biblical Studies) or have at least completed the following MAT specialization courses: (a) Greek 1, (b) Greek 2, (c) New Testament Exegesis, (d) either Biblical Theology or Theology of Paul, and (e) a final paper (in any area). Knowledge of Hebrew is recommended but not required for the New Testament specialization.

– For admission to the Systematic Theology specialization, MAT graduates should hold a MAT-T (MAT with a specialization in Theology and Church History) or have at least completed three out of the following four MAT specialization courses: Reformed Theology and History; Philosophy of Religion; Arab Christianity; and Ethics; and have written a final paper (in any area). Knowledge of Greek is recommended but not required for the Systematic Theology specialization.

2. An official English test score is required of all applicants whose mother tongue is not English. The score must be submitted before September 1. The following four options are acceptable:

– A score of at least 100 on the Duolingo English test. This may be the most affordable option. For information, see: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/test_takers. Make sure to choose the option that Duolingo sends your test score directly to the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo.

– A score of at least 500 on the TOEFL ITP test as administered by AMIDEAST. For information, see: https://www.amideast.org/egypt/take-a-test.

– A score of at least 62 on the TOEFL iBT test as administered by an official ETS test center such as AMIDEAST.

– A score of at least 5.5 on the IELTS Academic test. In Egypt, this test is administered by the British Council. For information, see: https://www.britishcouncil.org.eg/en/exam/ielts/dates-fees-locations.

3. An English-language writing sample (about 1000 words) that expresses the applicant’s best academic skills in theological education. This writing sample will normally be a revised section of a final paper for a MAT of MDiv course taken in the area the applicant wishes to study.

4. Having 2 online academic recommendations completed by 2 Bible/theology professors who taught the applicant and therefore can assess her/his academic level. The deadline for submitting these recommendations is June 30. It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up on this process to make sure the recommendation form is submitted in time.

5. Completing the online application in time (deadline: June 30). A note for international applicants: please, make your intention to apply known to Dr. Willem J. de Wit ([email protected]) as soon as possible. Depending on your situation, we may have to make special preparations which we will not be able to do if we only hear from you shortly before the official application deadline of June 30.

A general advice for current MAT students who want to do ThM studies later on: while ThM entrance requirements may vary slightly over time, choose MAT-B if you want to open the door for ThM studies in the area of biblical studies in the future and choose MAT-T if you want to open the door for ThM studies in the area of theology and church history in the future, and consider including Greek 1 and 2 as electives in your MAT-T.