The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree is designed for those interested in a rigorous theological education across a range of topics. The program may be completed in three years (6 semesters) but may take four years or more to complete if students are not able to pursue the full-time load of academic courses. Topics include:
- Scripture
- Doctrine
- Fundamentals of Orthodox Christianity
- Liturgical Theology
- Pastoral Theology
- Church History
- Patristics
- Canon Law.
The hybrid educational model includes online courses, intensive reading and writing, directed ministry/projects, and an annual Residency week held at the Antiochian Village in western Pennsylvania. This multifaceted educational approach enables students to acquire a firm theological foundation, and helps them to absorb the practical relevance of the Orthodox Christian ethos.
Certificate and Master of theological studies students choose either the General Track or an area of Concentration, as follows:
Concentrations:
Certificate and MTS students may choose to pursue the General Track or a Concentration (see below). Pursuing a Concentration involves taking 3-4 courses specific to a particular subject, often as additional credits and sometimes in place of certain General Track courses, depending on the Concentration. The following links provide information as of fall 2025. This information is subject to change.
General Track (no concentration)
Youth Ministry
Iconology
Church Music (Byzantine Chant)
Oriental Orthodoxy
Western Rite
The program is a demanding course of study with a three-pronged approach:
1) Online courses:
All course requirements and information (including syllabus) are uploaded into each course by the individual faculty members. Requirements may include readings, discussion threads, weekly assignments or quizzes, papers to write, and online lectures to attend. Some faculty ask that students attend “live” online sessions; some record their sessions to allow asynchronous participation. Students will need to be prepared to connect regularly and consistently with their courses and faculty throughout the semester, using a reliable internet connection.
2) Projects (or Praxis):
Students will complete two Projects courses, which involve working within their parish community, under the supervision of the Projects Director and the student’s parish priest. Students submit a proposal at the start of the term, pursue their project, and then submit a report at the end documenting the project.
3) Residency:
The Residency is an essential part of the theological education at AHOS and is therefore required of all students. It is a time for students and faculty to meet in person and build community as they come together for lectures, discussions, advisory meetings, church services, meals, and social time. Each degree program has its specific Residency requirements. Certificate and MTS students are required to attend two Residencies, one week at the start of their first academic year, and a second week at the start of their second academic year.
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