MA Theological Studies

Purpose

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) is a 64-credit hour program designed to equip individuals who want to have a deeper understanding of the doctrines and practices of the Christian faith, how to relate these effectively to contemporary life, and how to persuasively share the Gospel and defend the faith against error. Through MA studies the student also integrates additional biblical studies, ministry experience, as well as personal and leadership development.

Target Group

The MATS is best suited for those seeking to relate the Bible and Christian practices to contemporary life and society. This program is helpful for those who seek to present the Gospel and defend the Christian Faith in a relevant and compelling manner in a variety of contexts and to various audiences. It is designed for those who anticipate sharing and defending the faith in oral, written, and/or online contexts; teaching in community, church, or educational settings; as well as individuals who anticipate going on for further theological studies.

Admissions Requirements

The individual applying for the MATS must follow the usual EAST application process and meet the MATS admissions standards. Both of these are stated in the “Admissions” section of this Prospectus. Additional admissions information for international students is explained in the “International Students” section of the Prospectus.

Program Explanation

EAST Aleph (Summer)	AD500 Orientation to Theological Studies	NC
EAST Aleph (Summer)	AD501 Evangelism Seminar	NC

1^st Year	1^st Semester		2^nd Semester
	BS510 Inductive Bible Study Method	3	BS511 Biblical Hermeneutics	3
	AD510 Academic Research & Writing	2	IS510 World Missions	2
	IS520 Contextualisation & Worldview	3	OT510 Old Testament Narratives	3
	TS532 Spiritual Life & Transformation	3	IS580 Cross-Cultural Team Internship 1	1
	Emphasis Course: TS Theological Studies Elective	3	Emphasis Course: TS500 Global Church History 1	3
	AD530 Mentoring Group 1	1	AD530 Mentoring Group 2	1
	IS504 Evangelism & Discipleship – one credit per semester			2
	TOTAL	16	TOTAL	14

Summer	IS581 Cross-Cultural Team Internship 2	2

2^nd Year	1^st Semester		2^nd Semester
	OT511 Old Testament Poetry, Wisdom, & Prophets	3	AD515 Summative Learning Portfolio	1
	NT510 New Testament Narratives	3	NT511 New Testament Epistles & Revelation	3
	TS510 Theology 1	3	TS511 Theology 2	3
	Personal Leadership / Self-Care / Soul-Care Course	3	Emphasis Course: TS563 Ethics	3
	Emphasis Course: TS Theological Studies Elective	3	Emphasis Course: TS Theological Studies Elective	3
	AD530 Mentoring Group 3	1	AD530 Mentoring Group 4	1
	AD520 Field Practicum & FIRM 1– one credit per semester			2
	TOTAL	17	TOTAL	15

Theological Studies Emphasis Courses

TS500 Global Church History 1 (3 credits)

TS563 Ethics (3 credits)

In addition to the above, the student selects nine (9) additional credits of Theological Studies (TS) courses as emphasis courses.

Personal Leadership / Self-Care / Soul-Care Cluster Courses

The student selects three (3) credits.

Course Description Information

For further information and description of each of the MATS classes, refer to the appropriate section of the “Course Descriptions” section of this Prospectus.

Distribution Requirements

Academic Studies (AD) AD500, AD501, AD510, AD515, AD520, AD530	9 credits
Biblical Studies (BS, OT, NT) BS510, BS511, OT510, OT511, NT510, NT511	18 credits
Intercultural Studies (IS) IS503, IS504, IS510, IS520, IS580, IS581	10 credits
Theological Studies (TS) TS510, TS511, TS532	9 credits
Pastoral Leadership/Self-Care/Soul-Care Course TS510, TS511, TS532	3 credits
Theological Studies Emphasis Courses	15 credits
	64 credits