Master of Arts in Theological Studies Curriculum

The following list includes the requirements for completing the academic coursework toward a master of arts in theological studies (MATS) degree. Course offerings will vary from year to year; please consult the current academic course calendars for planning information. You may also find the suggested MATS course sequence helpful as you plan.

Field of Concentration

Each MATS student must declare a field of major concentration by the beginning of his or her second semester. Options include Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Theology/Ethics, and Cross-Cultural Ministry. The Academic Cabinet may be petitioned for permission to pursue an alternate field of concentration. This concentration is completed by taking nine (9) credit hours in the chosen field; required core courses may not count toward a concentration.

Old Testament Concentration Language Requirement

Students who choose an Old Testament concentration are required to attain a working knowledge of biblical Hebrew. This may be demonstrated by completing six (6) semester hours of Hebrew at the Seminary, or by passing a language proficiency exam given by the biblical faculty. This requirement is a prerequisite to the 60-hour MATS degree. Students who need to take Hebrew to fulfill this requirement are strongly encouraged to take the summer Hebrew intensive the semester before beginning their degree program.

New Testament Concentration Language Requirement

Students who choose a New Testament concentration are required to attain a working knowledge of biblical Greek. This may be demonstrated by completing six (6) semester hours of Greek at the Seminary, or by passing a language proficiency exam given by the biblical faculty. This requirement is a prerequisite to the 60-hour MATS degree. Students who need to take Greek to fulfill this requirement are strongly encouraged to take the summer Greek intensive the semester before beginning their degree program. All MATS students concentration in New Testament must register for Introduction to Greek Exegesis in their first semester.

Thesis

Typically, students choose to complete the MATS degree by writing a major thesis. This is completed by registering for three semester hours of thesis research during the second year of studies, having chosen a topic relating to your field of concentration in consultation with the director of the MATS degree program and a thesis advisor. The thesis must be submitted by the eighth week of the your final semester, and must then be defended before a faculty committee no later than week twelve (12) of your final semester. Successful defense of the thesis is required for completing the MATS with thesis option.

Alternately, you may choose to complete the MATS without a thesis. In this case, you will sit for a four-part comprehensive examination no later than the eighth week of your final semester of study.

Bible: 12 credit hours

These courses are required for all MATS students:

BIBL 5150 Interpreting the New Testament I
BIBL 5151 Interpreting the New Testament II
BIBL 6120 Interpreting the Old Testament I
BIBL 6121 Interpreting the Old Testament II

History: 6 credit hours

These courses are required for all MATS students:

HSTY 5200 Christian Heritage I: The Early and Medieval Church
HSTY 5201 Christian Heritage II: The Reformation and Modern Church

Theology: 15 credit hours

These courses are required for all MATS students:

THEO 5220 Research Methods
THEO 6330 Christian Theology
THEO 7203 Christian Worship
THEO 7220 Christian Ethics
THEO 7350 Doctrinal Topic

Spiritual Formation: 3 credit hours

The spiritual formation sequence seeks to integrate the ongoing spiritual and academic dimensions of the seminary experience in order to facilitate conscious growth in personal and corporate spiritual life. The sequence includes courses which focus on the critical issues and practices for spiritual growth, including prayer, reflection, spiritual direction, and service in the church:

SPFM 5201 Spiritual Journey
SPFM 5202 Spiritual Practices
SPFM **** Elective

Communication Skills Area: 3 credit hours

Students will select one course from the following:

BIBL 6220 Biblical Preaching
MNST 5212 Introduction to Preaching
MNST 6264 Communicating the Faith in the Contemporary World
MNST 7316 Advanced Preaching
On occasion, a 7190 Topics course which is not offered on a regular basis will fulfill this area requirement

Church and World Area: 3 credit hours

Students select one course from the following.

MNST 5156 Mission and Ministry in Latin America
MNST 5157 Mission and Ministry in Asia
MNST 5158 Mission and Ministry in Africa
MNST 5175 Global Partnership: Practicing Biblical Koinonia
MNST 6127 Pastoral Care and Counseling in Urban Contexts
MNST 6150 Pastoring the Missional Church
MNST 6151 Cultural Dimensions of Mission
MNST 6224 Pastoral Care and Community Justice
MNST 6264 Communicating the Faith in the Contemporary World
MNST 6277 Religions and Cultures
MNST 6401 Sankofa: Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation
MNST 7140 God’s Global Vision: Biblical Foundations of Mission
On occasion, a 7190 Topics course which is not offered on a regular basis will fulfill this area requirement

Interdisciplinary Core Elective: 3 credit hours

Students may select any three credit elective course taught by at least two professors in separate fields of study
Enrollment in BIBL 6262 in conjunction with the North Park Symposium on the Theological Interpretation of Scripture may fulfill this requirement

Concentration Elective: 9 credit hours

Thesis or Elective: 6 credit hours

Total Credit Hours for the Degree: 60 credit hours

Students are required to take all credit hours in residence at the main campus.

Field Education

In addition to these academic requirements, students must complete 2 credits of field education. See Field Education Requirements for details.