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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 can 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 13, 2025
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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
Featured Courses
PMIN 750Renewal Methods in Practical Theology3
Presents principles and methods of practical theology, examining historic and contemporary practical theologies from a Renewal perspective and develops research skills and competencies necessary for writing practical theology and completing practical theology dissertations.
PMIN 751Practical Theology in Leadership3
Focuses on developing perspectives and empirical research that integrate the biblical text with a theological, cultural, and ethical analysis of leadership contexts within Christian churches and organizations to strengthen leadership praxis in a changing world.
PMIN 752Practical Theology in Missiology3
Focuses on developing perspectives and empirical research through interpreting situations, events, culture, and trends when extending the gospel in cross-cultural contexts to maximize cultural sensitivity and adaptation for Kingdom advance.
PMIN 753The Hermeneutics of Practical Theology3
Develops critical analysis of how the Biblical text, along with theological and philosophical perspectives, informs empirical research through scholarly interpretation and explores the components of hermeneutical interpretation and critical reflection as applied to life and the Christian faith.
PMIN 754Qualitative Methodologies in Practical Theology3
Develops qualitative methodological competencies to produce scholarly research-based publications for academic formats.
PMIN 755Quantitative Methodologies in Practical Theology3
Addresses the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct appropriate quantitative methodologies and statistical data analysis, interpret research results, and accurately report findings.

2024-25 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 9Monday, August 19
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12

Prerequisites

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.

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit an 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.

Step 4: Submit Your 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.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University 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 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
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)$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 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

“I want to take what Regent taught me back to Uganda in a language they can easily understand and relate to.”

Boniface Odong, M.Div., 2017

“Regent has maintained a high standard of scholarship and the practical aspects of leadership, and they have outstanding professors. I was blessed when I was there.”

Daniel Backens, M.A. in Practical Theology, 1999 Senior Pastor, New Life Church

“It’s tough being a student when you’re older but [Regent] had so much flexibility and understanding that enabled me to pursue my degree.”

Ed Lee, M.A., 2017 Practical Theology

“Regent was the final yes to answering my call to ministry. My Regent M.Div. degree was exactly what I needed to equip people in ministry.”

Nina Anderson, M.Div., 2014 Pastor, The Well; Kingdom Strategist, Nina Anderson Ministries; Motivational Speaker; Family & Service Pastor, New Life Church

“I received a direct commission to the U.S. Army Reserves in the rank of Second Lieutenant on April 10, 2019. The decision to pursue a military career came as a result of my prayerfully discerning a clear call from God to join ministry, specifically through military chaplaincy during this time.”

Whitney Mathis, M. Div., 2020