Master of Arts In Theological Studies
Purpose of the Program
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) is a 72-hour program designed for those who desire
to serve the church or a church-related ministry. The Interdisciplinary program provides a well-rounded
biblical and theological understanding of the Christian faith in relation to other disciplines. Students also
may develop a concentration in one of two areas: New Testament or Apologetics. A minimum of 32 hours
in a specific area must be taken to establish a concentration. The program is for the following:
- Christian workers in positions where a graduate degree will allow entrance into a
Christian vocation or lay ministry which would not otherwise be possible;
- Those who need a general seminary education and wish to gain further knowledge in
the areas of theology and biblical studies; and
- Those who desire to develop expertise in either New Testament studies or Apologetics.
General Admission Requirements
The normal prerequisite for the MATS is a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Applicants
should have a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must have read and signed that they understand
and respect the Doctrinal Statement. In addition, applicants must have read and signed that they will abide by
financial policies and adhere to the regulations described in the Code of Conduct and Drug Policy. Applicants
also must agree to abide by academic policies. All additional requirements can be found on the Application for Admission.
Interdisciplinary Learning Outcomes
- Acquire a basic understanding (knowledge) of the Bible and theology;
- Acquire an understanding of the relationship between biblical and theological disciplines; and
- Acquire the ability to teach basic Bible or theology in a Christian ministry setting.
Apologetics Learning Outcomes
- Acquire an understanding of Christian theology and a Christian worldview and how it relates to other religions;
- Acquire an understanding of the history and philosophy of apologetics and the basic elements of apologetic argument; and
- Acquire an ability to argue apologetically the fundamentals of the Christian faith in order to advance Christian truth and to refute historic and contemporary challenges to Christianity.
New Testament Learning Outcomes
- Acquire a basic understanding of the books and theology of the New Testament;
- Acquire an ability to read, exegete, and interpret the Greek New Testament; and
- Acquire an ability to skillfully research New Testament texts with reference to the historical and theological background.
CORE COURSES
- AT 5500 Intro to Academic Writing 4
- TH 5301 Intro to Biblical Interpretation 4
- Systematic Theology Electives (3) 1220 Hours
INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAM
- Core Courses 20
- OT or NT Electives (2) 8
- Biblical Language Electives (2) 8
- Apologetics Electives (2) 8
- Church History Elective 4
- Practicum Elective 4
- Open Electives (5) 2072 Hours
NEW TESTAMENT CONCENTRATION
- Core Courses 20
- TH 5310 Intro to Theological Research 4
- NT 5221 Intro to Greek 1 4
- NT 5222 Intro to Greek 2 4
- NT 5236 Greek Readings 4
- NT 6230 Intermediate Greek Grammar 4
- NT 6231 Greek Exegesis 1 4
- New Testament Electives (3) 12
- Old Testament Elective 4
- Practicum Elective 4
- Open Electives (2) 872 Hours
APOLOGETICS CONCENTRATION
- Core Courses 20
- TH 5310 Intro to Theological Research 4
- TH 5322 Introduction to Apologetics 4
- TH 5323 Worldviews and Christianity 4
- TH 5324 Philosophy and Christianity 4
- Apologetics Electives (2) 8
- Biblical Language Electives (2) 8
- Bible Electives (2) 8
- Practicum Elective 4
- Open Electives (2) 872 Hours