The Master of Divinity/Master of Arts (Theological Studies)

The Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MDiv/MA[TS] Dual) allows students to explore an area of study more deeply while preparing for a variety of ministry settings. The flexibility of the MDiv/MA(TS) Dual Degree makes it an especially helpful option for those pursuing further study or seeking to enrich their ministries by focusing on a particular area of interest through a combination of course electives and an optional independent research paper.

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Who Should Apply to the MDiv/MATS?

The MDiv/MA(TS) Dual Degree is intended for pastors, educators, activists, and non-profit leaders who are looking to study a particular area of interest, such as theologies of justice, womanist interpretations of Scripture, or preaching texts of terror.

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MDiv/MA(TS) Curriculum Highlights

Beyond our core courses in biblical studies, theology, ethics, Christian history, world Christianities, worship, preaching, educational ministries, pastoral care, and church leadership, MDiv/MA(TS) students take additional courses in their area of concentration. Students also have the option of completing an independent research project with a faculty member in their area of study.

• Colloquy: cohort groups that meet one hour weekly during fall and spring terms to engage modules about matters related to flourishing in seminary and ministry, e.g., theological reflection and critical thinking, spiritual formation, Scripture reading, administrative skills, financial health and money management, creating and nurturing partnerships in communities, mindfulness, mental health, and conflict transformation.

• Intercultural Intelligence: seeks to develop the dialogical and leadership skills and capacities needed to co-create understanding between people of different religious identities, social locations, cultures, and religious traditions.

• Contextual Immersions: in which students take part in academic and experiential explorations of a significantly different cultural and church context. Locations include Cuba, South Korea, India, Kenya, and the US-Mexico Borderlands.

• Supervised Ministry: where students engage in an action-reflection model of ministry and gain experience in both a congregational setting and an additional setting (e.g., a hospital, non-profit, medical, carceral, academic, or additional congregational setting).

• Concentration: students choose one of the following:
  
  Biblical Studies provides students with the necessary methods and tools to interpret the Bible with faithfulness, integrity, and imagination. In biblical studies, students analyze the historical and cultural contexts that produced the texts, and practice appropriate and creative means of hearing scripture anew today.
  
  Theology, History, and Ethics gives students the tools to trace global movements of Christian faith traditions through historical-critical analysis of primary texts; introduces the basic doctrines of global Christian faith traditions, focusing on theological paradigms, their contemporary and intersectional reinterpretations, and the significance of theology for the Church; and pays attention to how Christianity has influenced various ethical frameworks, focusing on the intersectionalities of race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability.

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Think the MDiv/MA(TS) could be for you?

Get in touch with our Enrollment Management and Vocational Outreach Team for more information. You can reach us at admissions@ctsnet.edu.