MPTh Practical Theology – Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree

Master’s of Practical Theology (MPTh) Program

The MPTh program prepares women and men for world-changing service in local churches and other Christian organizations. This innovative and practical degree is equivalent to an MDiv, and is designed with the needs of today’s churches and pastors in mind. The program integrates biblical and theological understanding with ministry strategies. It also provides a strong theological foundation for leadership in ministry. You’ll spend the first year on campus as a full-time student in advanced Bible, theology, and practical ministry courses. In your second year, you’ll enter a church residency or staff position and complete your MPTh online, integrating your coursework with your ministry experience. This advanced graduate program is built on the foundation of courses in the Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program, a 3+2 bachelor’s-to-master’s program. 

Why pursue a Master’s of Practical Theology at IWU?

Credential up with your Master’s of Practical Theology! Continuing your ministry education at IWU prepares you for ministry by deepening your understanding, broadening your foundation, and connecting the classroom to the local church. The program encourages theological reflection and prepares students to engage with human experiences as a living laboratory for theological reflection. Go farther, faster, together, with less debt. Students in the undergraduate Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program can earn up to 21 credits of advanced standing in the MPTh degree, allowing you to finish your MDiv equivalent degree in 2 years instead of 3-4. You’ll be better prepared for ministry, sooner.

We are committed to helping you complete your ministry preparation with less debt. The Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program provides scholarships for master’s students, with the scholarship amount increasing significantly in the second year of the MPTh. We also offer a reduced tuition rate, making this program more affordable than similar degrees at other institutions.

We grow most when we grow together. You’ll continue building relationships with your professors and classmates in the School of Theology and Ministry. The program helps students acquire theological understanding and spiritual tools for ministry. Graduates of the MPTh have a network of friends and colleagues to lean on through the joys and challenges of ministry. MPTh students provide leadership within the School of Theology and Ministry as graduate assistants, Called Collective staff, executive leaders in Youth Ministry Events, and mentors to undergraduate students. You’ll also be eligible for ongoing mentoring after graduation through our Pastoral Flourishing Program.

What will I learn in the Practical Theology Master's Program?

Because the MPTh curriculum builds STM’s undergraduate programs, we can offer higher level courses than many comparable programs at other institutions. A typical ministry-preparation master’s program includes introductory courses in Bible, theology, church history, and other areas. STM students complete the introductory courses through advanced standing (earning a B or higher in designated undergraduate courses), so you build higher instead of re-laying a foundation. We also offer pathways to the MPTh for students who do not participate in the Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program or with majors outside the School of Theology and Ministry.

First year courses include Spiritual Formation, Christology, Advanced Homiletics, Biblical Hermeneutics, Mission and Witness of the Church, Leading Worship Renewal, and advanced topics in biblical studies. Second year courses, completed online while serving in ministry, include a Coached Ministry Apprenticeship, Multi-Ethnic Ministry, Sociology of Religion, Christian Education of Youth and Families, and more. The curriculum includes courses in biblical literature, biblical studies, and Christian theology.