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Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Theological Studies provides excellent flexibility and depth of studies according to your interests. Focusing on the disciplines of Scripture, Biblical languages, history and theology, students often choose this degree to experience personal theological development. Since the curriculum restricts the amount of specific coursework in pastoral skills, more room is available for greater engagements in the classic disciplines. The degree can also be used as a foundation to broaden your theological and historical knowledge of the Christian tradition for further academic studies. 

Our Master of Theological Studies is very flexible — you'll be able to customize 21 hours of your training. Start by choosing a concentration in Scripture, Old Testament, New Testament or theology and history. Select the format that's most convenient for you with the option of online studies or hybrid classes at our location in Nashville, Tennessee.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

  • Application with $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Three letters of recommendation: one from a college or university administrator or professor, one from a professional supervisor/employer and one from a church leader or minister
  • Official transcripts emailed to gradadmissions@lipscomb.edu or mailed to Graduate Admissions (One University Park Dr., Nashville, TN 37204)
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Undergraduate or graduate GPA of at least 2.75
  • 750-1,000-word essay discussing the applicant's religious heritage, career goals and how Hazelip School of Theology might contribute to the achievement of those pursuits

Graduate credit hours may be transferred from another ATS-accredited institution. A maximum of 12 hours will be counted toward the M.A.C.M., a maximum of 21 hours towards the M.T.S., and a maximum of 48 hours for the M.Div. degree. The director or appropriate faculty member of the graduate program will evaluate the course(s) being proposed for transfer and make a determination of suitability. No course with a grade below a “B” will be considered for transfer. No more than half of a student’s hours from a completed degree may be transferred. For transfer credit questions from non-ATS accredited institutions, please contact the director of the Hazelip School of Theology for more information.

International Students

International students are required to be proficient in written and oral English before enrolling. A score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of approximately 570 on the paper-based test, or 80 on the iBT, or an IELTS exam with an overall band score of 6.5 is the minimum accepted for admittance. For more information, see International Students admissions policy.

Admissions Policy

Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Aid

At Lipscomb University, we strive to make education affordable. Tuition is currently $540* per credit hour, however, all students in the Hazelip School of Theology receive a 25% discount, which brings the cost per credit hour to $405 per credit hour. We also provide various financial aid programs to assist you in affording your tuition.

 

*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.

Types of Aid

Flexible Schedule

Our courses are offered at a variety of convenient locations around Nashville or online, at times designed to work with your busy schedule. Our hybrid class model allows you the best of going to school as a working professional.

Networking

Both our deeply connected faculty and our experiential learning opportunities offer myriad ways for you to form relationships with leaders in the industry. These connections will serve and support you throughout your career.

Nashville, TN

A big city. An even bigger opportunity. We consider Nashville, Tennessee, an extension of our classroom, and as a leading city in many industries, that means you’ll gain experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else.

Our Faculty

  • Frank Guertin headshot

    Frank Guertin

    Assistant Dean and Associate Professor

    Frank Guertin is Assistant Dean for the Hazelip School of Theology at Lipscomb University and Assistant Professor of Theology. Guertin completed his bachelor's degree at Ohio Valley University and his...

    Meet Frank Guertin
  • Lee Camp headshot

    Lee Camp

    Professor

    Lee is an Alabamian by birth. He met his wife Laura at Lipscomb as an undergrad (BA in Computer Science), and then did seminary at Abilene Christian University (MA and...

    Meet Lee Camp
  • Phillip Camp headshot

    Phillip Camp

    Professor

    Phillip Camp teaches Old Testament and Hebrew courses. He is the author of "Finding Your Way: A Guide to Seminary Life and Beyond" (Cascade, 2009) and "Living as the Community...

    Meet Phillip Camp
  • John Mark Hicks headshot

    John Mark Hicks

    Adjunct Faculty

    John Mark Hicks has taught full time in higher education among Churches of Christ since 1982 and is currently Professor of Theology at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. He has...

    Meet John Mark Hicks
  • Kris Miller headshot

    Kris Miller

    Assistant Professor

    Kris Miller joined the faculty of the College of Bible and Ministry in 2015, serving as assistant professor of theology and director of Lipscomb's Institute for Christian Spirituality. He has...

    Meet Kris Miller

Career Paths

Clergy

Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members.

Postsecondary Teachers

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and technical subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.

Directors, religious activities and education

Plan, direct, or coordinate programs designed to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling and guidance relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.