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.
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.
Exploring the Old Testament (OT500) highlights the big picture of the Old Testament through the lens of God’s relationship with his people. We will explore the content, context, message, and purpose of each Old Testament book. We will see how each book fits into the overarching story of the Old Testament and how the unfolding narrative points forward to Jesus as the climax in the story of redemption.
Exploring the New Testament (NT501) traces the revelation of the Good News of Jesus Christ from the time of Jesus’ inauguration of God’s Kingdom, through the international missionary work of the Apostle Paul, to the Church’s communal life and witness in the first-century world. We will explore the content, context, message, and purpose of each New Testament book and see how they show the fulfillment of Scripture’s overarching narrative.
Interpreting the Bible aims to lay a foundation of knowledge and skills for a lifetime of careful and fruitful study of the Bible for ministries of many kinds. A wide range of gifts, callings, and ministries are represented among students in this course. The hope and expectation is that by furnishing a broad foundation for responsible and productive study of Scripture, the course will enable students to adapt the knowledge and skills acquired to the particular needs and demands of the ministries they pursue.
Theology Survey I (TH501) provides 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 (TH502) provides 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.
Survey of Church History (CH500) surveys the history of the Christian church from its founding at Pentecost in Jerusalem to the present day worldwide movement.
Understanding Culture (CT520) assists Christians in the task of translating Christianity into the various cultures where it abides, attending to the traits, values and patterns of specific cultures so that as Christ enters that culture he both rectifies what is broken and lifts up what is sacred.
Ethics (Any ET) 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.
Spiritual Formation for Ministry (MC/SF501) develops a working knowledge of spiritual formation leading to a lifetime of continuing education. Special emphasis is given to spiritual exercise and small group practice for personal application and for leadership in ministry. Alternative: Dynamics of Spiritual Life (CH/SF591)
World Missions or Evangelism Course (Any WM or EV) explores the necessary mandate for all disciples of Jesus Christ to obey his authority and commission to take the gospel to all the world.
Biblical or Research Language (eg. Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, Ugaritic, Latin, German)
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.
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.
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
Old Testament
New Testament
Spiritual Formation
Theology
Required Degree: Bachelor’s
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Gordon-Conwell requires a TOEFL score of 90 or better (IBT). We also accept IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher, or a Duolingo score of 110. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree through an English-language university may request a TOEFL waiver.
A Completed Online Application Includes:
Scholarships and financial assistance are available.