Program Overview & Curriculum
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) at Knox College, a member college of the Toronto School of Theology, offers a flexible and academically rigorous pathway into graduate theological education. This degree is conferred by Knox College and the University of Toronto, ensuring both academic excellence and global recognition.
Whether you’re beginning formal theological study or building on prior experience, the MTS provides a strong foundation for ministry, personal enrichment, and advanced academic research.
To complete the MTS, students must successfully complete 20 courses, including a summative exercise. The program is offered in person, with some courses available online. The program may be completed in two academic years with full-time study. Some students may complete the program on a part-time basis.
Curriculum Structure
MTS program curriculum includes:
- Foundational Courses in Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, History of Christianity, and Pastoral Care
- Advanced-Level Courses across theological disciplines
- A Summative Exercise: either an Integrative Paper or a Thesis, depending on your academic goals
At least 10 courses must be taken at Knox College (course codes beginning with KN). With your remaining electives, you can explore broadly or specialize in a particular theological area.
If you have prior coursework in theology or religious studies, your academic advisor may approve substitutions. Regular advising ensures you stay on track and make the most of your Knox experience.
As part of the Toronto School of Theology, you’ll benefit from shared resources, ecumenical learning, and access to the University of Toronto’s world-class libraries and research tools, all within the vibrant cultural setting of downtown Toronto.
Admission Requirements
The following provides an overview of the admission requirements for the MTS program. For full details, please refer to Basic Degree Admissions and the Basic Conjoint Degree Program Handbook for comprehensive admission and program information.
Minimum Requirements
- Hold an appropriate baccalaureate degree or equivalent degree recognized by the University of Toronto
- Achieve a minimum standing of at least B- or greater for the entire degree with particular emphasis on the final year (CGPA of 2.7/4.0 or 70%)
- Demonstrate English-language proficiency
- Confirm equivalent academic standing if educated outside North America or at an institution using a different grading scale
- Provide one academic or employer reference and one pastoral reference
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
To apply, interested candidates must:
- Review program timelines and deadlines carefully before submission
- Ensure all supporting documents meet the stated requirements
- Submit a complete Basic Degree Program Application package
Baccalaureate requirement
Applicants to a conjoint basic degree program must hold an appropriate baccalaureate degree with adequate standing (normally at least B- standing in their final year) from an institution approved by a Canadian provincial quality assurance agency, or accredited by a US agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or demonstrated educational equivalent of a North American baccalaureate degree as judged by the Admissions and Procedures Committee (A&P Committee), which may make reference to information provided by the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Toronto.
In cases where an institution is not from an institution approved by a Canadian provincial quality assurance agency, or accredited by a US agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the TST member college must submit a transcript, brief information about the institution, including faculty and their academic credentials, and an accompanying letter indicating its desire to admit the student to the TST Registrar, who serves as Secretary to the A&P Committee, for consideration by the Committee. The College representative on Basic Degree Committee (BDC) will present the case to the A&P Committee at its meeting. The A&P Committee has the authority to make decisions on non-standard credentials. In cases where precedents have been set by the A&P Committee, TST colleges may admit graduates from such institutions without submitting a request for consideration. A college may appeal the decision of the A&P Committee in respect of equivalent credentials to the BDC.
Admissions and Procedures Committee Notice
The Admissions and Procedures Committee process is coordinated and managed by TST, and as a result, may take additional time to render an admissions decision. This process may impact an applicant’s opportunity to begin program studies in a semester. Application files that are delayed by the A&P process will be considered for the next semester admission. No programs offer program start in summer semester.
Ready to apply?
Master in Theological Studies Program Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate:
1. Demonstrates knowledge at a basic level in various theological disciplines.
2. Finds, selects, reads, and appropriately integrates theological information.
3. Engages respectfully and constructively in a theological community of scholarship.
4. Writes and speaks in English sufficiently well to engage in theological discourse.
Course Planning Tool
Wondering how your academic journey might unfold?
Use our Course Planning Tool to explore how the MTS program is structured and how you might organize your studies.
This downloadable tracker helps you:
- Explore the program’s structure and requirements
- Visualize how core and elective courses fit together
- Understand the exciting course options available
💬 Why it matters: Whether you’re discerning your academic path or preparing to apply, this tool offers clarity and confidence.
Theological study begins with curiosity.
Here are a few courses that invite deep reflection and invite questions:
You, Your Congregation, and the End of the World
Tuition, Financial Information, and Student Resources
Tuition Overview
Studying at Knox College means accessing high-quality theological education within the University of Toronto. Tuition fees for the MTS program are set by the University of Toronto each year and vary depending on full-time or part-time enrollment.
Financial Information
Knox College offers a range of financial supports to help make theological education accessible:
- Knox College Basic Degree Bursary
- External funding opportunities
📌 View available financial supports
Student Resources
As a Knox student, you’ll benefit from:
- Access to U of T’s libraries, research databases, and writing centres
- Academic advising and program planning support
- Spiritual care and chapel services
- Community events and student-led initiatives
Explore Knox and discover how we support your academic and spiritual journey.