Frequently Asked Questions

Important Information about the Graduate Theological Studies Program

The Houghton College Department of Religion, Philosophy and Graduate Theological Studies is pleased to announce a new opportunity to pursue theological studies at the graduate level and to attain a Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree if desired.

Why engage in Theological Studies at Houghton?

Houghton College has been preparing men and women in theology for a host of ministry related vocations for over one hundred years.  Many have asked about doing something at the graduate level and this new degree program is both a response to those people and a natural “next step” for our department.  

Some strengths of our Graduate Theological Studies education:

• Flexible … providing students, both ministerial and alike, with the opportunity to gain better training and credentials, or to prepare for further study at the doctoral level.
• Affordable … so that students can gain the education they need to serve God more fully in personal and professional capacities.
• Individually paced … allowing students to progress in a way that best suits their lives.  There is no course sequencing, and classes are delivered in once per week “block” formats or in one week summer intensives.
• Highly qualified and experienced faculty … in a department composed of 14 men and women who are passionate about their fields of study and hold terminal degrees in those areas. Together they have over 100 years of cumulative experience in church related ministry and have broad cross-cultural experience in the countries of Australia, Estonia, Canada, Lebanon, Ireland, Germany, Sierra Leone, Russia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and others.

Why a Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Houghton?

This program is suitable for men and women in traditional forms of ministry, as a foundation for doctoral study, or for people who want to become more theologically informed in their faith.  Students benefit from a rigorous graduate program shaped by the Liberal Arts and the Wesleyan Theological tradition.  Students are equipped to engage their culture biblically and theologically.

What does the ‘Master of Arts in Theological Studies’ degree consist of?

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies is a 48 hour program including:

•  18 hours (six courses) of core requirements;
• 18 hours (six courses) of Theology and/or Bible electives;
• 12 hours (four courses) of electives in the student’s chosen area of interest (or two elective courses and a 6 hour thesis);
• Comprehensive Exams

When does it start?

Classes begin in September of 2008.  Check our GTS web page for the 2008-2009 year academic schedule and courses offered.  Summer intensives classes will be held in June, 2009.

How long does the program take to complete?

That depends entirely on the student’s availability for course work.  Some students going “full-time,” including summers, could complete the program in under two years.  Others will need to stretch their course work over several years.  Houghton’s Master of Arts in Theological Studies program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to progress at a pace that best suits their lives.

Who should enroll in this program?

This program is ideal for lay persons desiring to know more about the Bible and/or theology, or men and women in traditional forms of ministry who want to become more theologically informed in their faith and to gain better training and credentials.  Some may want to use this degree to prepare for further study at the doctoral level.

What are the admissions requirements?

Applicants must:

• Have earned at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale (students between 2.5 and 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission) in undergraduate work;
• Have taken12 semester credit hours of undergraduate course work in theology and biblical studies (or perform satisfactorily on a matriculation exam);
• Complete an application which includes submission of an essay, three letters of reference (two academic, one pastoral/character reference), a $40 application fee, and post-secondary transcripts;
• Possess or anticipate a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
• Submit TOEFL scores if their native language is not English.

A faculty committee evaluates each applicant's file individually to make admission decisions.

Download an application here.  

Do I need to take the GRE or another standardized exam?

No.  We feel that the information requested above will provide sufficient information for admissions decisions, so no standardized test scores are required.

What if I have started a degree elsewhere; can I transfer?

Yes.  Up to 12 hours of appropriate course credit can be transferred into the program.

When and where will classes be offered?

All classes are offered on Mondays and Thursdays, from 2-5pm and from 6-9pm to accommodate the schedules of those who are employed.  Classes are located on the main Houghton College campus on the 3rd floor of the Library Building.  (Distance connections to West Seneca may be possible at some point for some portions of classes to facilitate participation of students from the Buffalo area.)

What is the cost?

The base tuition rate is $400 per credit hours. The cost for auditing a course is $200.  Licensed Wesleyan ministers receive a 20% discount.  Information on student loans is available through Student Financial Services at Houghton.

Who should I contact with questions?

You can write to GTS@houghton.edu or contact Laura Wardwell, Program Coordinator, Department of Religion, Philosophy & Graduate Theological Studies, Houghton College, 1 Luckey Drive, Houghton, NY 14744, 585-567-9460.