Master of Arts (Theological Studies) – MA(TS)

This master level degree is a flexible theological studies degree program for those who are preparing for a doctoral level program, church leadership positions, or specialized lay ministry. The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) or MA(TS) degree, may also be used to investigate the relationship between a profession and issues of faith such as business, law, the arts, medicine or science.

Residential MA(TS) students must choose one of five disciplines as a concentration: Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History, or Ethics. Residential MA(TS) students must choose a different discipline than their area of specialization and take any 9 credit hours in it. Additionally, they must take at least 3 credit hours in yet a third discipline. Beyond these requirements, students are invited to take any course in the curriculum, provided that they do not take more than 9 credit hours in the Practical Theology area.

Note: Students specializing in Old Testament must take Hebrew; likewise, students specializing in New Testament must take Greek.

Students in the Online MA(TS) Program have the flexibility to take  courses in any MA(TS) discipline area (Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History, or Ethics),  though they may not take more than 9 credit hours in the Practical Theology area. Near the end of their degree work, typically in their final semester, online students will complete 3 credit hours in the MA(TS) Independent Study course (HD699 or B699). The Independent Study must be in a MA(TS) discipline area in which the online student has taken at least 9 credits, and will be done under the supervision of a faculty member in that discipline.

Full-time students may complete the program in two years. The MA(TS) program is a masters degree and has the following requirements: Application Materials Checklist.