Purpose
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree is offered entirely online to provide biblical, theological and ministry training to people who feel called to continue serving Christ in their current locale. The degree provides a solid foundation of theological studies designed to equip a person for effective and growing ministry. It is designed for pastors, associate pastors, youth pastors, children’s ministers, worship pastors, church planters, missionaries, Directors of Missions, and lay men and women active in ministries of various kinds.
MATS Degree Objectives
Students graduating from the MATS degree program will be able to:
Demonstrate increased biblical and theological knowledge.
Interpret and apply Scripture more effectively using appropriate hermeneutical principles.
Formulate maturing theological convictions based on Scripture, with due notice of their prior historical development.
Initiate and maintain a practice of classical spiritual disciplines.
Develop a Great Commission perspective that finds expression in evangelism, missions and commitment to local church ministry.
Program Content
While not as long as the Master of Divinity [M.Div.], the MATS degree provides training in the same basic areas of ministry. Understanding of the Christian and Baptist religious heritage is fostered through survey courses in Old Testament and New Testament, Christian History, Theology, and Missions. The cultural context of ministry is dealt with in Apologetics, Ethics, Evangelism and Missions. The Personal Spiritual Disciplines and Evangelism courses deal with candidates' personal and spiritual formation. Enhancement of students' capacity for ministerial and public leadership is the focus of Hermeneutics and Church Administration.
There are no prerequisite courses in the program, and courses may be taken as they are offered. There are no elective courses offered in the MATS program.
Location
The MATS degree is offered right in your own home or office. The courses are delivered entirely online using the Blackboard Learn course system. Midwestern’s online library resources support the courses.
Duration
The MATS degree is 45 hours in length. The fifteen, 3-hour courses could be completed in less than two years. Courses are offered in eight-week terms, with two terms offered each semester. A total of six terms are offered each year.
Admission
The MATS degree is a post-baccalaureate degree. Admission requirements to enter this program include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, evidence of the commitment to and qualities desired for Christian leadership, and the academic ability to engage in graduate education. To get started, the application process has two steps. The Fast Start application is part 1, and can be filled out by clicking on the link directly to the right. This will allow students to begin registering for up to four courses. The second step is to complete the MBC application form Part 2. This is a more extensive application, and will enable degree-seeking students to be fully enrolled.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies Curriculum
Old Testament Survey I -- 3
Old Testament Survey II -- 3
New Testament Survey I -- 3
New Testament Survey II -- 3
Introduction to Hermeneutics -- 3
History of Christianity I -- 3
History of Christianity II -- 3
Theology I -- 3
Theology II -- 3
Christian Ethics -- 3
Personal Spiritual Disciplines -- 3
Basic Evangelism -- 3
Church Administration -- 3
Theology & Philosophy of Missions -- 3
Introduction to Apologetics -- 3
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Total Hours: 45