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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 university administrator or professor (we do accept an additional professional or ministry recommendation in lieu of academic recommendations), one from a professional supervisor/employer and one from a church leader or minister
  • Official transcripts emailed to gradadmissions [at] lipscomb.edu (gradadmissions[at]lipscomb[dot]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

Priority deadline for Spring 2025 is November 1, 2024.  Priority deadline for Fall 2025 is July 1, 2025.

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

Courses

Courses

Our Master of Theological Studies degree can be completed 100% online to provide the access and flexibility to complete your graduate studies. Most online courses will be asynchronous. However, our biblical languages courses are synchronous, online to ensure the utmost interaction with the ancient languages.

If you do choose to engage with any in-person courses, they have two modalities. Some courses meet over weekend intensives (Friday-Saturday) approximately 2-3 weekends a semester. Alternatively, classes gather for a 2-day intensive with occasional, synchronous, online meetings throughout the semester.

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. Additional scholarship may be awarded to students who submit applications before each term's priority deadline. Lipscomb also offers interest-free monthly payment plans depending on the length of each semester.

 

*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
  • Alden Bass headshot

    Alden Bass

    Professor

    Alden Bass specializes in the history and theology of early Christianity. His research focuses on preaching and biblical interpretation in North Africa, the birthplace of Tertullian, Cyprian, and Augustine. Originally...

    Meet Alden Bass
  • 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
  • George Goldman headshot

    George Goldman

    Professor

    George teaches courses in New Testament, Greek, and Faith & Culture. He received his B.A. and M.A. from Lipscomb University (1988, 1991), his M.Div. from Harding University Graduate School of...

    Meet George Goldman
  • John Mark Hicks headshot

    John Mark Hicks

    Part-Time 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
  • Josh Strahan headshot

    Josh Strahan

    Professor

    Josh teaches courses in Biblical Interpretation and the New Testament. He received his bachelor's degree in Bible from Lipscomb University in 2004, his Master of Divinity degree from Abilene Christian...

    Meet Josh Strahan
  • Paavo Tucker headshot

    Paavo Tucker

    Adjunct Faculty

    Paavo was born in Nashville, and grew up in Finland as a missionary kid before moving to the United States to go to college at Freed-Hardeman University. He attained his...

    Meet Paavo Tucker
  • Lauren White headshot

    Lauren White

    Assistant Professor

    Lauren Smelser White has served as Assistant Professor of Theology at Lipscomb since 2018 and teaches various undergraduate and graduate courses in Bible and systematic, historical, and contextual theology. She...

    Meet Lauren White
  • Mike Williams headshot

    Mike Williams

    Professor

    Mike graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor's degree in 1986. He graduated from Abilene Christian University with a M. Div. in 1991. He holds the doctorate in...

    Meet Mike Williams

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.