Karlstadt Theological Seminary

Graduate theological study

Master of Theology, Religion and Society

MTRS

An advanced online theological degree integrating classical disciplines with interdisciplinary engagement in contemporary social, political, cultural, economic, and global issues.

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Program length

2 years

Total credits

48 credits

Format

Fully online

Graduation standard

Minimum 3.0 GPA

Program vision

Theology for a changing world

The Master of Theology, Religion and Society (MTRS) prepares students for doctoral studies, higher education teaching, public theology, social research, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and specialized ministry.

Students learn to interpret religious traditions critically, analyze societal challenges, engage public discourse, and contribute theological perspectives to the flourishing of communities around the world.

Graduates emerge as thoughtful scholars, educators, public intellectuals, church leaders, and change agents capable of navigating the complex relationship between faith, religion, culture, and society.

Program at a glance

Degree structure

MTRS core curriculum

16 credits

Theology, Religion and Society specialization

18 credits

Electives

14 credits

Program total

48 credits

Curriculum

MTRS core curriculum

A 16-credit foundation in biblical interpretation, theological method, history, formation, and scholarly integration.

BIB 601

3 credits

Orientation to Old Testament and Exegesis

Critical methods for interpreting Old Testament texts with attention to historical context, literary forms, and theological themes.

BIB 602

3 credits

Orientation to New Testament and Exegesis

Advanced study of New Testament literature, historical backgrounds, and exegetical methodologies.

THEO 601

3 credits

Doing Christian Theology

An introduction to theological method and constructive theological reflection.

HIS 601

3 credits

History and Ecumenics

Examines the development of Christianity and the ecumenical movement from antiquity to the present.

PRA 601

3 credits

Christian Formation and Ministerial Practice

Choose one focus: Christian education and faith formation, pastoral theology and care, or homiletics and public proclamation.

RES 690

1 credit

MTRS Senior Seminar

A capstone seminar integrating research, theological reflection, faculty mentoring, professional formation, and a research presentation.

Specialization

Theology, Religion and Society specialization

Students complete six courses for 18 credits in the relationship between religion, culture, ethics, justice, global Christianity, and research.

TRS 701

3 credits

Religion, Culture and Society

Explores the interaction between religion and cultural formation in contemporary societies.

TRS 702

3 credits

Theology and Social Ethics

Examines Christian ethical responses to social, political, and economic challenges.

TRS 703

3 credits

Liberation, Justice and Public Theology

Studies liberation theology and public theological engagement with systems of oppression.

TRS 704

3 credits

World Christianity and Global Religious Movements

Investigates the expansion of Christianity and religious movements in global contexts.

TRS 705

3 credits

Religion, Conflict and Peacebuilding

Analyzes religion, violence, reconciliation, and peace processes.

TRS 706

3 credits

Research Methods in Religion and Society

Graduate training in qualitative and quantitative research, survey design, case study research, ethnography, and academic writing.

Individualized study

Elective courses

Students select 14 credits according to their research interests and vocational goals.

Theology and ethics

  • TRS 721 Political Theology
  • TRS 722 Theology and Human Rights
  • TRS 723 Religion and Economic Systems
  • TRS 724 Christian Approaches to Environmental Justice
  • TRS 725 Theology of Migration and Refugees

Religion and society

  • TRS 731 Sociology of Religion
  • TRS 732 Anthropology of Religion
  • TRS 733 Religion and Media
  • TRS 734 Religion in the Modern World
  • TRS 735 Comparative Religion and Public Life

Historical and global studies

  • TRS 741 Evangelicalism and the Making of Modern America
  • TRS 742 Christianity and Colonialism
  • TRS 743 Global Pentecostal Movements
  • TRS 744 Christianity in Africa
  • TRS 745 Christianity in Asia

Justice and peace studies

  • TRS 751 The Spirituality of War and Peace
  • TRS 752 Religion, Violence and Reconciliation
  • TRS 753 Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
  • TRS 754 Theology and Social Movements
  • TRS 755 Community Development and Faith-Based Leadership

Doctoral preparation

Research and thesis pathway

Students intending to pursue doctoral studies may elect a research pathway within their elective work.

RES 795 · 3 credits

Advanced Research Seminar

Develop a scholarly literature review, research proposal, and methodological design.

RES 799 · 3 credits

MTRS Thesis

Complete an original research project, an 80–120-page thesis, oral defense, and faculty committee evaluation.

Graduate capabilities

Program learning outcomes

Upon completion of the MTRS, graduates will be able to:

Biblical and theological competence

  • Interpret biblical texts using advanced exegetical methods.
  • Articulate major theological traditions and doctrinal developments.
  • Evaluate contemporary theological debates through rigorous scholarship.

Religion and society analysis

  • Examine religion's impact on social institutions, politics, economics, and culture.
  • Analyze contemporary social issues using interdisciplinary methods.
  • Critically assess the role of faith communities in public life.

Research and public engagement

  • Conduct independent scholarly research using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods.
  • Formulate theological responses to justice, peace, poverty, migration, and globalization.
  • Communicate theological insights effectively in academic and public settings.

Sample two-year study plan

Year 1

Fall semester

12 credits
  • Orientation to Old Testament and Exegesis (3)
  • Doing Christian Theology (3)
  • Religion, Culture and Society (3)
  • Theology and Social Ethics (3)

Spring semester

12 credits
  • Orientation to New Testament and Exegesis (3)
  • History and Ecumenics (3)
  • Liberation, Justice and Public Theology (3)
  • Research Methods in Religion and Society (3)

Year 2

Fall semester

13 credits
  • Christian Formation, Preaching, or Pastoral Care (3)
  • World Christianity and Global Religious Movements (3)
  • Elective 1 (3)
  • Elective 2 (3)
  • MTRS Senior Seminar (1)

Spring semester

11 credits
  • Religion, Conflict and Peacebuilding (3)
  • Elective 3 (3)
  • Elective 4 (3)
  • Elective 5 (2)

Career and doctoral pathways

Academic careers

  • PhD in Theology, Religion and Society, Ethics, or Religious Studies
  • Teaching in universities and seminaries

Ministry and leadership

  • Public theology ministries and denominational leadership
  • Social justice ministries and Christian education

Nonprofit and public service

  • Faith-based NGOs, humanitarian organizations, and community development agencies
  • Peacebuilding organizations and public policy institutes

Research and consulting

  • Religious research institutes and think tanks
  • International development organizations and ethics centers

Advance your theological vocation

Complete 48 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate advanced competency in scholarly research, theological reflection, and social analysis through the Senior Seminar and a culminating research project or thesis.

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Rigorous scholarship for faithful public engagement.