Program Purpose

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) is a 36-hour degree designed for non-ordained church staff, lay leadership and ordained clergy desiring a graduate degree. Its purpose is to enhance students’ biblical and theological understanding and to link that understanding with the practice of ministry. The MATS program is designed to lead students to appreciate importance of careful thinking and speaking about Christian theology and Christian scripture. It also is designed to enable students to link this thoughtful theology with real ministry in real churches and Christian organizations.

All M.A.T.S. classes are oriented around the theme of the Kingdom of God. The kingdom language derives in part from Malone’s motto, “Christ’s Kingdom First.” But the primary import of the kingdom language is that it is the dominant way that Jesus speaks about what his own mission. It is Jesus who makes life in this kingdom possible for his followers. His life offers them a picture of what kingdom living looks like. His death enables them to join in the kingdom project. His resurrection marks the defeat of the powers of sin and death and is the first fruits of the age to come. His promised return to complete his kingdom work is the hope of all Christians. In the meantime, Christ’s body, the church, carries on his kingdom-building task in the present age. Good church leadership means understanding what this task is and how to carry it out.

Objectives

The graduate student will:

1. understand the Biblical and Kingdom principles which are essential to all Christian ministries.
2. identify the primary theological sources and doctrines of the Christian faith and describe their relevance to Christian ministries.
3. link the academic study of scripture and theology with the practice of ministry.
4. be actively involved in church, community, and Christian ministry.

Assessment

The Graduate Program in Theological Studies employs a comprehensive assessment model that includes multiple methods. All students are expected to participate in the assessment process.

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission

• Hold a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative undergraduate g.p.a. of 3.00.
• Submit a writing sample.
• At least one of the required recommendation forms must be completed by the applicant’s pastor, or, if the applicant is a pastor, by the lay leader of the congregation.

Conditional Admission

An applicant with a minimum cumulative g.p.a. of 2.50-2.99 must have the writing sample approved by the program director, as well as complete all other required admission procedures. The program director will review all submitted materials and make a determination on granting Conditional Admission status. A conditionally admitted student may be granted Regular Admission upon successful completion of 12 semester hours with the minimum required g.p.a. of 3.00.

Non-Degree Admission Requirements

Non-degree students may elect to complete the Certificate in Theological Studies for 15 hours of credit. Students may also pursue select courses for personal and professional development. Courses must be approved by the Program Director. The credits earned in the certificate program may be applied toward the graduate degree at a later time if taken within the seven-year program time limit. If, at a later time, the non-degree student wishes to change to degree-seeking status, the student must complete the procedures for regular admission. Students must achieve a 3.00 cumulative g.p.a. in order to receive the certificate.

Combined Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts 4 + 1 Program

Admission Requirements

1. To be eligible for this program, an undergraduate student must be pursing a Bachelor of Arts degree in one of the seven majors in the Department of Theology, or the Bible and Theology minor.
2. During the freshman or sophomore year, the student must meet with a faculty adviser to determine if this program is appropriate. If so, a course of study which leads toward the accelerated acquisition of a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree will be planned.
3. The student must maintain a cumulative 3.0 g.p.a. and a 3.0 g.p.a. within the major to be eligible for admission into the combined BA/MA program.
4. At the end of the junior year, the student must complete the Department of Theology’s application to the M.A.T.S. program. Admission decisions will be made by the Graduate Committee within the Department of Theology.
5. A student accepted into this program will be advised by his/her current advisor in coordination with the Graduate Program Director.

Progression Requirements

1. Within the last 36 semester credit hours before completing the requirements of the bachelor’s degree, a student accepted into the 4+1 program may be allowed to enroll for advanced standing in specified graduate courses for up to 12 hours. Tuition for these courses will be charged at the undergraduate rate.
2. After completing all requirements for the undergraduate degree, the student will be awarded the Bachelor of Arts degree. Up to 12 hours of advanced standing hours with a 3.0 g.p.a. may be applied to the Master of Arts in Theological Studies. Applicable Financial Aid office graduation obligations must be met.
3. The student will continue in the M.A.T.S. curriculum. Upon completion of all graduate program requirements, the student will be awarded the Master of Arts degree. Applicable Financial Aid office graduation obligations must be met.

Graduation Checklist

1. Complete all required coursework and requirements for M.A.T.S.
2. Complete the assessment process as prescribed by the Department of Theology.
3. Complete the Application for Graduation. Return the completed form to the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies by January 30 for candidates who plan to complete degree requirements by the end of a spring semester or a summer session, or September 30 for candidates who plan to complete degree requirements by the end of a fall semester. See Academic Policies  for the complete listing of graduation requirements.

Policy to Establish Proficiency

A student with a strong academic background in biblical or theological studies may petition to establish proficiency in the following: Old Testament, New Testament, and History of Christian Thought. After establishing proficiency, a student should consult with the Program Director to determine an appropriate schedule. Proficiency can be established with undergraduate transcripts of 9 hours of A or B in relevant courses or through examination.

Program of Study

• Theological Studies