Religious Studies (Non-Thesis) (S.T.M.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Degree: Master of Sacred Theology
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
ATS Accreditation:
The S.T.M. program is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the U.S. and Canada.
The normal requirement is two years (of two terms each) of full-time study, but the degree may, by permission, be taken on a part-time basis.
Note: Ordination requirements for S.T.M. graduates will normally involve a further year of professional pastoral studies (the In-Ministry Year) provided by the Montreal School of Theology, which is affiliated with the School of Religious Studies.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Required Courses (15 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RELG 645 | Methods in Religious Studies. | 3 |
Methods in Religious Studies. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of religion, including: historical studies/textual hermeneutics; ritual/performance studies; and religion and modernity. | ||
| RELG 646 | Research Project 1. | 6 |
Research Project 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An analysis of the research approaches of certain designated interdisciplinary fields of study. These independent studies are structured to provide students with the necessary research skills in their adopted interdisciplinary studies and will be presented in the form of a project to be determined by the student and Area studies professor. | ||
| RELG 647 | Research Project 2. | 6 |
Research Project 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An analysis of the research approaches of certain designated interdisciplinary fields of study. These independent studies are structured to provide students with the necessary research skills in their adopted interdisciplinary studies and will be presented in the form of a project to be determined by the student and Area studies professor. | ||
Complementary Courses (30 credits)
18 credits at the 500 level or higher. Course selection approval is required by the Chair of the Religious Studies Graduate Committee.
12 credits from Area Studies listed below.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RELG 644 | Biblical Theology. | 3 |
Biblical Theology. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Tutorials and guided reading in the field of biblical theology. | ||
| RELG 648 | Church History. | 3 |
Church History. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Tutorials and guided reading in the field of church history. | ||
| RELG 652 | Christian Theology. | 3 |
Christian Theology. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Tutorials and guided reading in the field of Christian theology. | ||
| RELG 653 | Philosophy of Religion. | 3 |
Philosophy of Religion. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Tutorials and guided reading in the field of philosophy of religion. | ||
| RELG 656 | Theological Ethics. | 3 |
Theological Ethics. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Tutorials and guided reading in the field of theological ethics. | ||
| RELG 663 | Comparative Religion. | 3 |
Comparative Religion. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Tutorials and guided reading in the field of comparative religion. | ||
Students who take the S.T.M.; Non-Thesis as part of their ordination requirements are to choose their courses in consultation with the Principal of the Theological College with which they are associated.
Related courses, at the 500 level or higher, are also available in other departments and must be chosen in consultation with the S.T.M; Non-Thesis adviser.