Master of Arts (Theological Studies) Aims of the Program THE MASTER OF ARTS (THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) (MA[TS]) IS A FLEXIBLE DEGREE PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES THEOLOGICAL STUDIES FOR PERSONS WHO ARE EXPLORING CAREER OPTIONS OR WHO ARE PREPARING FOR DOCTORAL STUDIES, CHURCH LEADERSHIP POSITIONS, OR SPECIALIZED FORMS OF LAY MINISTRY.
The MA(TS) program is also for those persons who wish to engage theological issues of faith and the modern world in relation to their current professions. While this program is not designed to prepare persons for ordained ministry, it may be useful for those ministers who serve in traditions that do not require a degree in divinity for ordination, but who nevertheless wish to develop their formal knowledge of theological studies. The degree can be completed in two years of fulltime study but may take longer if pursued online or on a part-time basis.
These are the student learning outcomes for the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) degree program.
Components of the Program
Because students enroll in the MA(TS) program for a wide variety of reasons, they enjoy an extremely flexible course of study. Indeed, the only class they must all take is the MA(TS) Seminar (I500), normally during their first year of study at the seminary. Among its primary purposes, this seminar helps students to clarify their plans for the degree, structure their coursework accordingly at the seminary, and confirm their area of specialization. The seminar will also help students explore various career options.
The MA(TS) degree is offered in two modalities: residential and online. Residential MA(TS) students must choose one of five disciplines as a Once a student has concluded the degree program, concentration: Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History, or Ethics. In addition the student is expected to be able to: to their primary area of specialization, residential • Demonstrate knowledge and research skills within one of the five areas of specialization (Old MA(TS) students must choose a secondary discipline other than their area of specialization and Testament, New Testament, Ethics, Church take any 9 credit hours in it. Additionally, they must History, Theology) take at least 3 credit hours in yet a third discipline. • Demonstrate familiarity with content in an auxiliary area of concentration (OT, NT, Ethics, Beyond these requirements, students are invited to take any courses offered, including courses in Church History, Theology) Practical Theology. Courses that are either • Develop and describe their personal sense of Interdisciplinary or in Supervised Ministry may be vocation allowed with the prior approval of the MA(TS) • Address challenges to pursuing their vocations and articulate intersections between coursework Director. Near the end of their degree work, typically in their final semester, they will complete and their lives an additional 3 credit hours in the course B699 • Prepare materials suitable for post-graduation or HD699 MA(TS) Independent Study, which is endeavors 18