Master of Theological Studies in Development is a master's degree in Religious Studies programme taught at Wycliffe College in Toronto, Canada. The programme runs for 2 years, delivered in a hybrid format. Tuition for international students is CAD 2,875 per credit (CAD 602 per credit for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Master's Degree
Field:Religious Studies
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: Hybrid
Local tuition: CAD 602 / credit
International tuition: CAD 2,875 / credit
Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
This 20-credit Master of Theological Studies in Development combines theological coursework with training in international development. Biblical and theological components include Old Testament and New Testament introductions plus systematic theology addressing themes of poverty and development; development-foundations coursework covers international development issues, community development theory and practice, and urban poverty and development; and a development-practice component offers electives in community assessment, fundraising, leadership, and intercultural learning. The program requires a four- to seven-month placement with an organization selected in consultation with an academic advisor, followed by reflection papers and a summative development-focused essay. Delivery is partially online, with Wycliffe College regularly offering online, summer, and intensive courses, and the degree can be completed full-time or part-time over two to eight years at the college's University of Toronto campus. It suits students who want to pair theological grounding with practical skills for roles in community development, urban poverty work, and social advocacy.
Requirements
Minimum GPA:2.70 / 4.0
Admission Requirements: Admission to the Master of Theological Studies in Development requires a bachelor's degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (or equivalent). Applicants who have not completed a previous degree in English must demonstrate proficiency through a recognized language exam; the programme page defers to Wycliffe College's institution-wide English proficiency standard, which accepts IELTS with an overall band of 7.0, or TOEFL with an overall score of 93 on the internet-based test (minimum 22 in speaking and writing) or 580 on the paper-based test plus 5 in the Test of Written English, with results valid for no more than two years. The programme runs Fall (September) and Winter (January) intakes, with application deadlines of June 30 and October 31 respectively; international applicants are advised to apply at least eight weeks before these deadlines for study permit processing.
Application Details
Start Date:September and January
Application Deadline:Same last-published table: domestic 30 June (Fall) / 31 October (Winter); international Fall deadline 10 March 2025 (stale, no newer cycle posted).
