MA in Theological Studies (mats)
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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
- 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 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
Cohort-Based Education Model
- Cohorts bring together the same students, taking the same courses, at the same time, for their academic program.
- Cohorts currently enrolling in Spanish, English, & Portuguese.
- Language-based cohorts are not taught in translation, other than an occasional guest presenter.
- Gordon-Conwell faculty who speak the language of the cohort provide mentorship and academic leadership.
- Stackable academic bundles enable students to achieve certificates that lead to both the MAGL and MATS degrees.
- Tuition is fixed for the academic bundle as long as a student remains in the cohort they started with.
- Ministry leaders share issues, challenges, and opportunities as they grow together spiritually and professionally in a shared cohort experience.
- 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
- Renowned, highly qualified and experienced faculty
- Enhanced library services with capability to access theological databases from your home
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Course
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
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
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.
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.
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 & Global Ministries)
Old Testament
New Testament
Spiritual Formation
Theology
Requirements
Academic Requirements
Required Degree: Bachelor’s
Minimum GPA: 3.0
English Language Requirements (International Students)
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.
Application Requirements
A Completed Online Application Includes:
- Application Form
- Two Uploaded Essays
- A 1-2 page personal statement 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.
You Can Afford Seminary!
Scholarships and financial assistance are available.