Joint MDiv / MA
PLTS seminarians have the option of combining their PLTS MDiv with a GTU Common MA degree. Working with their academic advisor, students select a GTU MA concentration and choose MDiv courses that will apply to the MA pathway they choose. Then after completing the MDiv, students transfer 24 credits to their GTU MA degree, allowing them to complete the GTU Common MA in just one additional year.
The GTU Common MA is a research-oriented master's degree. Therefore, the Joint MDiv/GTU Common MA is a good option for those who want to explore a theological subject in more depth before taking a call, those who are interested in a teaching ministry, and/or those who are considering further study at the doctoral level.
Affiliation and Concentrations
Students who enroll in the GTU Common MA program choose a ‘school of affiliation.’ It is recommended but not required that PLTS MDiv/MA students affiliate with PLTS. Doing so ensures that the student will be eligible for PLTS financial aid and housing (50% or more of the GTU Common MA must be completed in-person). The faculty at the school of affiliation determine which Common MA program concentrations are available. Of the 30+ concentrations available across the GTU, PLTS faculty offer the following GTU Common MA concentration opportunities:
Sacred Texts and their Interpretation
- Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
- New Testament
Historical and Cultural Studies of Religion
- Christian Spirituality
- History of Christianity
Theology and Ethics
- Ethics
- Christian Theology (available if the student desires to focus on Reformation-era theology)
Religion and Practice
- Homiletics
Standards for Admission
There is a separate application process through the Graduate Theological Union for the GTU Common MA portion of this degree. Standards for Admission to the GTU Common Master of Arts program are determined by the Graduate Theological Union and can be found on the GTU website. Admission to either program does not automatically admit the seminarian to the other.