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A worship service: Explore the Master of Theology - Practical Theology program offered by Regent University.

Th.M. – Practical Theology

Advance in Theological Research

Do you have a desire to help others better understand scripture and grow spiritually? Here’s your opportunity to advance in theological research while learning how to present theology in a ministry context that’s relevant to everyday concerns. Regent’s Master of Theology – Practical Theology provides a fuller mastery of the practical application of theological truth than what is normally provided at the master of divinity level. You’ll receive specialized training and intensive theological research and methodology required for greater impact and advancement in church or marketplace ministry, teaching at the university level, or entry into a doctoral program.

Online
24
January 8, 2024
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ENHANCE YOUR EXPERTISE

Strengthen your professional competence and become a spiritually-informed leader.

EXPAND YOUR CAREER PATH

Take your career path to the next level with exciting leadership opportunities.

DEEPEN YOUR IMPACT

Gain an in-depth understanding of practical theology for easy application in ministry settings.

Presented from a Christian worldview, this specialty degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

The Master of Theology (Th.M.) at Regent University is accredited by The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).

On completing this Th.M. concentration, the graduate can:

  • Apply balanced reasoning informed by scripture and develop solutions to ministry challenges.
  • Draw from a broad spectrum of theological research and implement effective Christian ministry approaches.
  • Apply scripture lessons to current situations to help guide others in their Christian walk.

Career Opportunities

  • Undergraduate Professor
  • Practical Theology Leader
  • Specialized Ministry Leader
  • Doctoral Student
Spiritual formation processes in the context of leadership and renewal are studied and practiced to effect personal and vocational growth. Includes an experiential approach to leading formation and renewal in one’s ministerial context. Prerequisite: PMIN 700 (or concurrent enrollment).
Principles and methods of practical theology, surveying the various historic and contemporary practical theologies from a Renewal perspective. Develops the research skills of practical theological method, the process of writing practical theology and specific competencies necessary for completing dissertations in the area of practical theology.
Advanced analysis of current trends and issues facing senior level ministry leaders. Includes development of a strategy for addressing these trends and issues within a biblical and renewal theology framework.
Holistic approach to health and wellness in ministry. Emphasizes an integrated approach to spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, and professional health in the minister’s personal life and ministry setting as a means to long term service and increased fruitfulness in ministry.
Deepening level of influence and unlocking leadership potential and understanding how God builds a person into a leader with God-given leadership identity. God’s work in building character and skill; developing strategic leadership skills, and habits becoming a passionate equipper of other leaders.
Renewal and transformation in the minister’s personal life and ministry context. Builds on case studies and historical accounts of the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. Explores personal renewal as a foundation for leading renewal in ministry settings with a view toward application.

2023-24 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 11Monday, August 21
Session CThursday, January 4Monday, January 8
Session EFriday, April 26Monday, May 6

Admissions Requirements

To be considered for acceptance into the Master of Theology (Th.M.) program in the School of Divinity, the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) requires applicants to have a completed Master of Divinity (M.DIV.), Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Theological Studies (MTS) from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution or an institution accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Applicants with a Master’s Degree from a non-regionally accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

In addition, applicants to the Master of Theology (Th.M.) should have:

  • High intellectual achievement and scholarship as evidenced by college transcripts and the applicant’s writing sample
  • A desire and ability to write a thesis in your chosen area of concentration
  • Spiritual maturity and integrity of character
  • Personal goals consistent with the mission of Regent University
  • Understand and accept the Statement of Faith

Admission into the Th.M. requires completion of a seminary master’s degree consisting of at least 48 credit hours in a ministerial or theological field of study with a 3.0 or higher GPA and proficiency in one biblical language. Proficiency is defined as at least 6 credits of coursework in the same Biblical language. Biblical language credits must be completed prior to gaining admission into the Th.M. degree.

Master of Theology (Th.M.) Application Process

1. Submit Your Application
Complete the School of Divinity Application for Admission. Note: We also require your official transcript from your degree-granting institution, which indicates successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program. Regent has partnered with DocuSign to offer a secure, electronic way for your previous college transcripts to be delivered on your behalf once you have registered for your first semester.

2. Academic Writing Sample or Graduate Degree Paper (with Citations)

WRITING SAMPLE

Our Th.M. program seeks to prepare scholars for advanced research, practice and leadership in academic, church and ministry settings through designated study, involving one of three concentrations: Biblical Studies, Christian Theology and History of Christianity. The academic writing sample assesses your ability to think critically and compose an original written work, not previously written, based upon your chosen concentration area as indicated on your Th.M. application. The Admissions Committee must ensure that your writing acumen is at a level commensurate with the demands of doctoral level academic writing.

In order to assess your writing ability, please compose a 1500-word original essay, not previously written, which includes the following: (1) a topic of your choice that falls within one of the three concentrations mentioned above; (2) a demonstration of conceptual sophistication; (3) an obvious flow of thought from paragraph to paragraph; (4) critical thinking skills; and (5) evidence of independent judgment. Finally, in your conclusion, include what you think the work of the Spirit contributes to the topic you have chosen to discuss. References or citations are not required.

GRADUATE DEGREE PAPER

If you are opting to submit the Graduate Degree Paper, please ensure this is a submission that contains citations.

Your academic writing sample or graduate degree paper should be submitted to regent.edu/items.

3. Submit your Unofficial College Transcripts
We are able to examine and view your unofficial transcripts from U.S.-based schools, which indicate successful completion of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, in order to review you for an admissions decision. Please submit your unofficial transcript to regent.edu/items.

Non-U.S. transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company. For further details, please review the International Admissions Checklist on the International Students Admissions page.

International Applicants: Please visit the International Students Admissions page for a more detailed explanation of the Regent University application information and to determine whether or not you qualify as an international student.

*Upon conditional acceptance to the program by review of unofficial transcripts, Regent University’s Admissions Office will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institutions, which indicate successful completion of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. We will notify you if your previous institutions will not release transcripts directly to us.

4. Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

5. Mail all documents that are completed offline to the following address:
Regent University
Enrollment Support Services
1000 Regent University Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Phone: 757.352.4127 | Fax: 757.352.4381


Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent and cannot be returned.

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5306$3,180
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5306$3,180
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5306$3,180
Master of Theology (ThM)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6703$2,010

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5309$4,770
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5309$4,770
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5309$4,770
Master of Theology (ThM)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6706$4,020

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5156$3,090
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5156$3,090
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5156$3,090
Master of Theology (ThM)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6703$2,010

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5159$4,635
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5159$4,635
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5159$4,635
Master of Theology (ThM)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6706$4,020

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800 (Fall & Spring)
$650 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

“It was the beginning stages of Regent's D.Min. program that really helped define my leadership gift and lay a foundation for what the Lord has done. It gave me the practical tools that I needed.”

Mark Batterson, D.Min., 2013 Lead Pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C.; New York Times Best-Selling Author

“I graduated from Regent University with a M.A. in Practical Theology. As I stand at the doorstep of my calling, I can see now how every lesson and interaction has prepared me.”

Son-Djerry Cameus, M.A. in Practical Theology, 2020 Community Navigator/Family Coach, La Esperanza

“When I think of Regent University, I think of destiny. Regent has been such an integral part of my, one, knowing my destiny, two, being formed and shaped to fulfill my destiny, and then, three, thrusting me into that next step.”

Kevin Turpin, M.A. in Practical Theology, 2001 Senior Assistant Pastor & President, Founder of Life Enrichment Center; Senior Associate Pastor, New Life Church

“The online and on-campus experiences were different, but both very rewarding. The way they designed online learning really felt like a live classroom environment — still very informative and relational, even with people from around the world there.”

Jesse Eisenhart, Joint M.A., 2009 M.A. in Practical Theology & Human Service Counseling