The Master of Theology (Th.M.) is an advanced degree that offers students who already possess an M.Div., M.A., or M.T.S. the opportunity to create their own customized program of advanced study in either theology or ministerial practice.
This 24-credit program typically takes one year, but can be completed part-time as well.
Choose either the advanced theological study track or the ministerial practice track, crafting a customized program around your interests.
Choose an area of concentration within theology or ministry and develop your own program of study in collaboration with a faculty advisor.
Our Th.M. has two tracks: Advanced Theological Study and Ministerial Practice.
Tailor your academic program around your theological interests, working closely with a faculty advisor. Complete your choice of an academic thesis or intensive Biblical language preparation.
Develop an advanced understanding and pastoral competence in a particular form of ministry through a combination of coursework and professional ministry practica.
100%
of 2021 Th.M. graduates secured placement within six months of graduation.
Spring 2025: November 1, 2024
Fall 2025 Priority Scholarship Deadline: January 15, 2025. Applications are still accepted after this date as space allows.
Summer 2025: Rolling Admissions
The application to CSTM 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.:
Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.
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 or who are Pell Grant-eligible, and current CSTM 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 cstmapply@dos5.net. 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 CSTM.
Mailing Addresses
For applicants using the U.S. Postal Service:
Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
For applicants using FedEx or UPS:
Boston College Clough 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.
At least two recommender should be familiar with the applicant’s academic background and potential. For applicants who have been out of school for a significant amount of time, recommenders should be familiar with the applicant's professional competence.
Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons, or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. This is in addition to the other three recommendations. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.
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.
A writing sample must be uploaded as part of the application. The sample should be an academic paper of around 10 pages.
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: