MA in Theological Studies (MATS)
Full-Time: 2 Years | Part-Time 3-4 Years
All Campuses or 100% Online
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
MA in Theological Studies (MATS)
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) is a flexible academic degree program equipping men and women for ministry. Prospective students should be committed Christians called to or already engaging in ministry desiring academic development. The MATS can also provide a pathway to further scholarship.
Alumni Experiences
Potential Careers
- Doctoral Studies
- Teaching in Christian Education
- Church Ministry
- Para-church Ministry
- Campus Ministry
- Missions
Program Goals
- You will be spiritually grounded. You will understand who you are as a child of God and will be faithful in developing your relationship with Christ and with his people.
- You will be biblically grounded. You will acknowledge the authority of God’s inerrant Bible and its centrality in governing Christian life and practice. You will understand the main themes and emphases of the Old and New Testaments and have a grasp of the overall message of the Bible and its implications for all aspects of life.
- You will be exegetically skilled. You will grasp the basics of interpretive methodology and will have practice in using tools and techniques to handle the Bible well. Graduates in some concentrations will have significant exposure to the biblical languages and their use in exegesis.
- You will be historically and theologically adept. You will appreciate the historical and doctrinal heritage both of the Christian church as a whole and of the specific group or groups of which they are a part.
- You will be culturally and globally aware. You will recognize the importance of understanding the culture in which you minister and will possess experience in interpreting your particular ministry context in light of Scripture. You will be aware of what the Lord is doing to establish his kingdom throughout the world and will see your own ministry in direct connection to the worldwide mission of his church.
- You will be equipped with ministry skills. You will gain experience and skills in the particular ministry to which you are called.
Program Distinctives
- Development of a firm biblical foundation to equip students for effective ministry
- World-renowned faculty members training new leaders in the Church
- Access to other top-tier institutions, including Harvard Divinity School and Boston University School of Theology, through the Boston Theological Interreligous Consortium
- Emphasis on global engagement provides opportunities for hands-on missions experience
- Development of a firm biblical foundation to equip students for effective ministry in an urban setting
- Conveniently located in the heart of the city with faculty who are urban ministry practitioners
- Access to other top-tier institutions, including Harvard Divinity School and Boston University School of Theology, through the Boston Theological Interreligous Consortium
- Quality contextualized theological education and hands-on training
- Rigorous courses offered in various formats (evenings, weekends, week intensives and online/hybrid) to accommodate your schedule
- Convenient, economical and innovative adult education system
- Renowned, highly qualified and experienced faculty
- Enhanced library services with capability to access theological databases from your home
- Access to library resources and classes at other top-tier institutions through the Carolina Theological Consortium
- Quality contextualized theological education taught in Portuguese and Spanish
- Rigorous courses offered evenings and weekends to accommodate your schedule
- Convenient, economical, and innovative adult education system
- Renowned, highly qualified, and experienced faculty
- Enhanced library services with capability to access theological databases from your home
Optional Concentrations
In addition to the standard MATS, Gordon-Conwell offers multiple predefined concentrations. These concentrations provide you a focused plan of study.
Biblical Languages
Church History
Intercultural Studies
Leadership
(Latino Ministries Program)
Old Testament
New Testament
Spiritual Formation
Theology
Courses
60 Credit Hours (20 Courses)
The standard MA in Theological Studies (MATS) includes ten foundational courses (core requirements), two biblical or research language courses, six concentration courses, and two open electives.
Foundational Courses (Core Requirements)*
Exploring the Old Testament
Introduces history, literature and thought of Old Testament as reflected in its major divisions and individual books. Designed and recommended for those who have not had a systematic survey of the Old Testament, enabling them to proceed with seminary-level studies.
Exploring the New Testament
Introduction to the New Testament, providing a framework to understand its message as a whole, as well as the particular message of each book. The course focuses on historical, literary, and theological aspects of the New Testament.
Interpreting the Bible
An introduction to essential bibliographical tools necessary for Bible study and an orientation to the key issues in the field of hermeneutics. Prerequisites: NT501 and OT500.
Theology Survey I
A study of theological method, revelation, inspiration, and canon of scripture; existence and attributes of God; Trinity; creation and providence; human nature; original and actual sin.
Theology Survey II
A study of the person and work of Christ, predestination, conversion, justification, sanctification, and the work of the Holy Spirit; perseverance; the nature and mission of the church; sacraments; eschatology. Prerequisite: TH501. Also must complete OT500 and NT501 before or during this course.
Survey of Church History
Surveys the history of the Christian church from its founding at Pentecost in Jerusalem to the present day worldwide movement.
Understanding Culture
Examine culture through biblical, anthropological, and missiological lenses to develop cross-cultural competence and foster God-honoring, reconciling relationships within diverse communities.
Ethics Course
Explores how Christians can make and enact good, wise, and faithful ethical choices and develop moral character and community in the midst of a complex world.
World Missions or Evangelism Course
Explores the necessary mandate for all disciples of Jesus Christ to obey his authority and commission to take the gospel to all the world.
Spiritual Formation for Ministry
Spiritual Formation for Ministry (MC/SF501): The foundational course in the Division of Practical Theology and an introduction to theological seminary. A beginning working knowledge of spiritual formation leading to a lifetime of continuing education. Spiritual exercise and small group practice for personal application and for leadership in the church.
Language I
Biblical or Research Language (eg. Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, Ugaritic, Latin, German)
Language II
Biblical or Research Language (eg. Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, Ugaritic, Latin, German)
* Some of our predefined concentrations include minor adjustments to the core requirements in addition to the concentration electives. Common changes include substituting a two-course sequence of Church History for CH500, or substituting a two-course sequence of Interpreting the Old Testament & New Testament rather than OT/NT517.
Electives
Six concentration electives and two open electives:
The six concentration electives may be drawn from any academic division: Biblical Studies, Christian Thought, or Practical Theology; or a combination from multiple divisions. Four of your six concentration electives should be 600 level or higher.
Requirements
Academic Requirements
Required Degree: Bachelor’s
Minimum GPA: 3.0
English Language Requirements
Gordon-Conwell requires a TOEFL score of 92 or better (IBT) for International Students. We also accept IELTS scores of 7.0 or higher, or a Duolingo score of 115. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree through an English-language university may request a TOEFL waiver.
Application Requirements
A Completed Online Application Includes:
- Application Form
- Application Fee
- Two Uploaded Essays
- A 1-2 page statement of purpose addressing questions about your vocational goals, church involvement, encouragement from others, reasons for applying to Gordon-Conwell, and an assessment of your own strengths and weaknesses
- A 1-2 page autobiographical statement
- Three Recommendations
- Pastor or Church Official
- Friend or Associate;
- Former Professor or Professional Colleague (references should be individuals whom you have known for at least one year, and who are not related to you.)
- Official Transcripts
- The seminary requires a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
- Official transcripts must be sent directly to Gordon-Conwell, or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope. Copies and opened transcripts are not considered official.
- Transcripts may be sent by any means your college(s) uses for transmitting official transcripts; official electronic transcripts are accepted.
- Gordon-Conwell is a partner school of Parchment. If your college uses this service for transmitting electronic transcripts, search for and have the transcripts sent to “Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.”
- We do need transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, even if the classes were transferred to another school and are reflected on their transcripts.
Have Questions?
Someone from our friendly admissions team would be happy to reach out to you.
You Can Afford Seminary!
Scholarships and financial assistance are available.