The Master of Sacred Theology (Latin: Sacrae Theologiae Magister; abbreviated S.T.M.) is a graduate-level academic degree in theology.
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. In some programs this degree may be awarded solely on the basis of taught academic courses. However, many S.T.M. programs require or permit the student to write a thesis as a part of the degree requirements. The thesis 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.
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