Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.)
Purpose
The 36-hour Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) degree program will provide the student with the theological foundation to serve more effectively in the local church, community, and world contexts. The M.A.T.S. may be used as a foundational degree towards admission into the Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) or Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree programs.
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Integrate critical thinking skills in the practice of Christian scholarship based on the knowledge of the literature of the discipline.
- Analyze theological positions on key doctrinal questions and issues in Christian thought.
- Interpret issues that foster the development of a personal theology and worldview.
Program Specific Admission Requirements
In addition to the general admission procedures, applicants to the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program must meet the following requirements:
- Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent (in any field) from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (e.g., SACSCOC, TRACS, ABHE, etc.). Applicants who hold a prior degree from an unaccredited institution may be considered for admission on Academic Caution.
- Contact information for one Pastoral Recommendation.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale)
- Questionnaire/Personal Statement
Degree Transfer
M.A., M.A.B.S., M.A.C.M. or M.A.G.S. Degree into the Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) Degree
Students who pursue the Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) degree after having earned the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition (M.A.), Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (M.A.B.S.), Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (M.A.), Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (M.A.C.M.), Master of Arts in Global Studies (M.A.G.S.) or Master of Arts in Sports Chaplaincy (M.A.) degree may apply 18 hours from the M.A., M.A.B.S., M.A.C.M. or M.A.G.S. toward the M.A.T.S. as allowed by the M.A.T.S. Degree Completion Plan (DCP).
M.A.T.S. Degree into the M.A., M.A.C.M. or M.A.G.S. Degree
Students who earn a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) degree may pursue the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition (M.A.), Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (M.A.), Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (M.A.C.M.), Master of Arts in Global Studies (M.A.G.S.) or Master of Arts in Sports Chaplaincy (M.A.) and apply 18 hours from the M.A.T.S. toward the M.A., M.A.C.M. or M.A.G.S. as allowed by the student’s specific Degree Completion Plan (DCP) for the M.A., M.A.C.M. or M.A.G.S.
M.A.T.S. Degree into the M.A.B.S., M.A.R., M.R.E. or M.Div. Degree
Students who earn a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) degree may pursue the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (M.A.B.S.), Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) or Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.) degree and apply 30 hours from the M.A.T.S. toward the M.A.B.S., M.A.R. or M.R.E. as allowed by the student’s specific Degree Completion Plan (DCP) for the M.A.B.S., M.A.R. or M.R.E.
Students who earn a M.A.T.S. degree may pursue the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree and apply all 36 hours from the M.A.T.S. toward the M.Div. as allowed by the student’s specific DCP for the M.Div.
Students may not earn the M.A.R., M.R.E. or M.Div. first, and then apply to pursue the M.A.T.S. (Students may earn a M.A.B.S. first, then pursue the M.A.T.S.) Students desiring the additional degree must submit an application for admission through the Graduate Admissions Office.