Master of Sacred Theology
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The Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) is a second level professional degree conferred by seminaries and theological colleges.
One must normally have an M.Div. or an M.A. in a religious or theological field before being admitted to study for the S.T.M. The S.T.M. typically is designed to enhance a student’s academic credentials for entrance to a doctoral program or as a way of furthering theological education for ordained ministers.
S.T.M. degrees are typically awarded after having completed thirty hours of study at the Master’s level beyond that required for the first professional degree. While the degree may be awarded solely on the basis of taught academic courses, most programs have the option for the student to write a thesis. The thesis option is especially helpful for those individuals who wish to use the S.T.M. to further their qualifications for doctoral study and who did not complete a thesis or major research project as a part of the first professional degree. Some seminaries will also credit part of the work done for the S.T.M. towards a student moving on to the D.Min. degree once the S.T.M. has been awarded.
In Roman Catholic universities with pontifical charters, the equivalent is the Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.), the intermediate degree between the S.T.B. (bachelor's) and S.T.D. (doctorate). The S.T.L. is an additional two years of study beyond that required for the S.T.B.
Another related academic degree in theology is the Master of Theology (M.Th. or Th.M.). The M.Th. and the S.T.M. differ in that the former places more emphasis on the academic study of theology while the later (usually) places emphasis on pastoral and practical aspects of theology.
