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.
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
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.
Have you ever heard someone ask, “does the Bible really say that?” This question often stems from a curiosity about biblical interpretation. In NT/OT517, you will acquire critical exegetical skills for faithful biblical analysis for ministry contexts, as well as for deeper spiritual enrichment. Gain a foundation of the theory and methods of Biblical interpretation and utilize modern exegetical resources. Apply interpretive principles to various genres of Scripture. Distinguish between various schools of thought related to key hermeneutical issues in Biblical interpretation. This course will provide you with the essential tools you need for each ministry setting, and to tactfully engage in “why?” conversations with informed knowledge and insight.
What exactly sets Christianity apart from other religious expressions in the world? Examine the development of the nature, history, and methodology of Christian theology. Explore the distinctives of Christianity through the over-arching theme of the doctrine of God in the first of a two-part survey on Christian theology. Observe the awesome being of God, the attributes of God, and the Trinitarian nature of God. Reflect upon various methodological issues, theological implications of creation, and theological anthropology. In completion of TH501, you will be able to outline fundamental Christian doctrines, articulate various theological positions with biblical support, and communicate a personal theological position on significant theological topics.
With a theological foundation laid in TH501, TH502 undertakes a more comprehensive analysis of Christology, the person and work of the Christ, as well as Pneumatology, the work of the Holy Spirit. The doctrines of predestination, conversion, justification, sanctification, perseverance, the nature and mission of the church, sacraments, and eschatology will be examined more extensively, and all doctrinal observations will be made from the perspective of divine missions and Trinitarian activity. Theological reflection will occur in a comparative fashion, observing evangelical traditions alongside other major Christian traditions, specifically Catholic and Eastern-orthodox doctrine, for the purpose of enhancing the range of theological study.
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.
To be human is to be immersed in culture. Just as Christ cared about culture, Christ-followers are to care about culture. In an increasingly globalized world, informed cultural and cross-cultural engagement matters. Observe the nuances of your own context, as well as contexts worldwide, through anthropological, sociological, and biblical lenses. Reflect on methods for contextualizing Christianity, noting how Christ both rectifies the broken and reinforces the sacred elements of every culture. Develop greater competency for more effective Christian mission, evangelism, and discipleship in every cultural climate. Discover how the gospel message uniquely integrates with the cultures of each nation, tribe, and tongue.
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.
Prioritizing spiritual formation is a fundamental ingredient to healthy ministry, academic, and workplace relations. This course will equip you to develop a vibrant spiritual and active devotional life with Christ. Learn about the multi-disciplinary nature of spiritual formation from biblical, theological, historical, liturgical, experiential, and literary perspectives. Look closely at the life of Christ as a model for developing healthy spiritual patterns and conduct case studies to observe practices from historic Christian figures for developing a robust personal spiritual discipline.
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.
Required Degree: Bachelor’s
Minimum GPA: 3.0
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.
A Completed Online Application Includes:
Scholarships and financial assistance are available.