Master of Applied Theology (MAT)

Request Information Apply

Name*
Address*
Academics / Master's /
MAT

Overview

Practical Knowledge For the Church

The Master of Applied Theology (MAT) is designed for those who want to understand and employ biblical, theological, and practical knowledge in urgent ministry areas. Those who complete the MAT will be equipped for specialized Christian leadership in churches or parachurch ministries. All credits from the MAT can be applied toward the MDiv Standard, the corresponding MDiv concentration, or select other master’s degrees.

View Course ListRequest Information

Available: Residential & Fully Online

45

Credit hours

15

Classes

2

Years to complete

$310

Per credit hour

Next start date

July 23rd

Master’s of Applied Theology

At a Glance

Discover Midwestern’s Master of Applied Theology degree.

100%

All credits from the MAT can be applied toward the corresponding MDiv.

14

MAT concentrations for specialized training.

Online

The MAT can be completed fully online or on campus.

50%

Tuition scholarship for SBC hurch members.

The Midwestern MAT

Explore the Master of Applied Theology program at Midwestern, including1 curriculum, concentrations, and FAQs.

MAT Foundational Core Courses

The Master of Applied Theology degree at Midwestern has a 27-hour core that is required for all students completing the program. Every student can complete the core and then add on electives or a concentration for further focused study.

  • BS 2210 Old Testament Survey I
  • BS 2211 Old Testament Survey II
  • BS 2310 New Testament Survey I
  • BS 2311 New Testament Survey II
  • BS 2400 Introduction to Hermeneutics
  • HT 3200 Theology I
  • HT 3201 Theology II
  • MN 5006 Biblical Spirituality

Choose one of the following:

  • HT 3110 Baptist History
  • HT 3232 Survey of Historical Theology

MAT, Standard

  • Foundational Core (27 hours)
  • Standard Concentration (9 hours)
    • 3400 Christian Ethics
    • 5201 Evangelism
    • 7011 Missiology
  • Electives (9 hours)
  • Total Hours (45 hours)

MAT, Biblical Counseling

  • Foundational Core (27 hours)
  • Choose one of the following (3 hours):
    • 3400 Christian Ethics
    • 5201 Evangelism
    • 7011 Missiology
  • Biblical Counseling Concentration (15 hours)
  • 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
  • 5510 Biblical Counseling in the Local Church
  • 5501 Biblical Counseling & Psych. Theories
  • 5513 Biblical Counseling & Emotional Issues
  • 5522 Marriage & Family Counseling
  • Total Hours (45 hours)

    • MAT, Christian Education

    • Foundational Core (27 hrs)
      • BS 2210 Old Testament Survey I (3 hrs)
      • BS 2211 Old Testament Survey II (3 hrs)
      • BS 2310 New Testament Survey I (3 hrs)
      • BS 2311 New Testament Survey II (3 hrs)
      • BS 2400 Introduction to Hermeneutics (3 hrs)
      • HT 3400 Christian Ethics (3 hrs)
      • HT 3200 Theology I (3 hrs)
      • HT 3201 Theology II (3 hrs)
      • Choose One: (3 hrs)
        • HT 3110 Baptist History
        • HT 3232 Survey of Historical Theology
    • Christian Education Emphasis (18 hrs)
      • 3400 Christian Ethics (3 hrs)
      • 5201 Evangelism (3 hrs)
      • 8110 Principles of Teaching I (3 hrs)
      • 8111 Principles of Teaching II (3 hrs)
      • 8134 Issues in Christian Education (3 hrs)
      • Choose One: (3 hrs)
        • 5468 Leadership Practicum
        • 5510 Biblical Counseling in the Local Church
        • 9100 Biblical Foundations of Worship
    • Total Hours (45 hrs)

    MAT, Church Planting

    • Foundational Core (27 hours)
    • Church Planting Emphasis (18 hours)
      • 5201 Evangelism
      • 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
      • 5490 Ministry Stewardship Practicum
      • 7011 Missiology
      • 7660 Church Planting Leadership Practicum
      • 7664 Outreach Strategy & Methods Practicum
    • Total Hours (45 hours)

    MAT, Church Revitalization

    • Foundational Core (27 hours)
    • Church Revitalization Emphasis (18 hours)
      • 5201 Evangelism
      • 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
      • 5490 Ministry Stewardship Practicum
      • 7011 Missiology
      • 7030 Biblical Foundations for Church Renewal Practicum
      • 7032 Church Renewal Practicum
    • Total Hours (90 hours)

    MAT, Discipleship

    • Foundational Core (27 hours)
    • Discipleship Emphasis (18 hours)
      • 3400 Christian Ethics
      • 5201 Evangelism
      • 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
      • 8110 Principles of Teaching I
      • 8111 Principles of Teaching II
      • 8411 Age Group Ministry
    • Total Hours (90 hours)

    MAT, Ministry Leadership

    • Foundational Core (27 hours)
    • Choose one of the following (3 hours):
      • 3400 Christian Ethics
      • 5201 Evangelism
      • 7011 Missiology
    • Ministry Leadership Concentration (18 hours)
      • 5409 Leadership Formation Practicum
      • 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
      • 5468 Leadership Practicum
      • 5490 Ministry Stewardship Practicum
      • 8345 Biblical Leadership & Administration for the Church
    • Total Hours (45 hours)

    MAT, Ministry to Women*

    • Foundational Core (27 hours)
    • Choose one of the following (3 hours):
    • 3400 Christian Ethics
    • 5201 Evangelism
    • 7011 Missiology
    • Ministry to Women Concentration (18 hours)
      • 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
      • 5901 Biblical Theology of Womanhood
      • 5910 Women’s Ministry Practicum
      • 8110 Principles of Teaching I
      • 8111 Principles of Teaching II
    • Total Hours (45 hours)

    *Female students only

    MAT, Missions

    • Foundational Core (27 hours)
    • Missions Emphasis (18 hours)
    • 5201 Evangelism
    • 7011 Missiology
    • 7016 World Religions
    • 7207 Missionary Anthropology Practicum
    • 7209 Cross-Cultural Communication and Language Learning
    • 7217 International Church Planting Practicum
  • Total Hours (45 hours)

    • MN 5490 Ministry Stewardship Practicum, MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum, and MN 7664 Outreach Strategy and Methods Practicum can be substituted for MS 7209 Cross-Cultural Communication & Language Learning, MS 7217 International Church Planting Practicum, and MS 7221 Cross Cultural Church Planting Practicum, respectively.

    MAT, Pastoral Ministry*

    • Foundational Core (27 hours)
    • Choose one of the following courses (3 hours):
      • 3400 Christian Ethics
      • 5201 Evangelism
      • 7011 Missiology
    • Pastoral Ministry Concentration (15 hours)
      • 5161 Expository Preaching I: Sermon Preparation Practicum
      • 5162 Expository Preaching II: Sermon Delivery Practicum
      • 5430 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry
      • 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
      • 8345 Biblical Leadership & Administration for the Church
    • Total Hours (45 hours)

    *Male students only

    MAT, Preaching*

    • Foundational Core (30 hrs)
      • BS 2210 Old Testament Survey I (3 hrs)
      • BS 2211 Old Testament Survey II (3 hrs)
      • BS 2310 New Testament Survey I (3 hrs)
      • BS 2311 New Testament Survey II (3 hrs)
      • BS 2400 Introduction to Hermeneutics (3 hrs)
      • HT 3400 Christian Ethics (3 hrs)
      • HT 3200 Theology I (3 hrs)
      • HT 3201 Theology II (3 hrs)
      • Choose One: (3 hrs)
        • MN 5060 Evangelism & Discipleship
        • MN 5015 Spiritual Disciplines & Evangelism Pract.
      • Choose One: (3 hrs)
        • HT 3110 Baptist History
        • HT 3232 Survey of Historical Theology
    • Preaching Emphasis (15 hrs)
      • HT 3203 Tradition and Scripture (3 hrs)
      • HT 3230 Biblical Theology (3 hrs)
      • MN 5161 Expository Preaching I: Sermon Prep. Pract. (3 hrs)
      • MN 5162 Expository Preaching II: Sermon Delivery Pract. (3 hrs)
      • Choose One: (3 hrs)
        • HT 3300 Introduction to Apologetics
        • MN 5430 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry
    • Total Credit Hours (45 hrs)

    *Male students only

    MAT biblical Counseling

    • Foundational Core (27 hours)
    • Choose one of the following courses (3 hours):
      • 3400 Christian Ethics
      • 5201 Evangelism
      • 7011 Missiology
    • Student Ministry Concentration (15 hours)
      • 5161 Expository Preaching I: Sermon Preparation Practicum
      • 5162 Expository Preaching II: Sermon Delivery Practicum
      • 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
      • 8411 Age Group Ministry
      • 8485 Youth Ministry Practicum
    • Total Hours (45 hours)

    *Female students in the MAT, Student Ministry take CE 8110 and CE 8111 (Principles of Teaching I & II) in place of MN 5161 and MN 5162 (Expository Preaching I & II).

    MAT, Worship ministries

    • Foundational Core (27 hours)
    • Choose one of the following (3 hours):
      • 3400 Christian Ethics
      • 5201 Evangelism
      • 7011 Missiology
    • Worship Ministries Concentration (15 hours)
      • 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
      • 9100 Biblical Foundations of Worship
      • 9205 Survey of Christian Worship & Congregational Song
      • 9401 Worship Ministry Administration
      • 9403 Corporate Worship Leadership
    • Total Hours (45 hours)

    MAT, Worship ministries

    • Foundational Core (30 hours)
      • 2210 Old Testament Survey I
      • 2211 Old Testament Survey II
      • 2310 New Testament Survey I
      • 2311 New Testament Survey II
      • 2400 Introduction to Hermeneutics
      • 3400 Christian Ethics
      • 3200 Theology I
      • 3201 Theology II
      • 5201 Evangelism
      • 3232 Survey of Historical Theology
    • Worship Ministries Concentration (15 hours)
      • 9100 Biblical Foundations of Worship
      • 9205 Survey of Christian Worship & Congregational Song
      • 9401 Worship Ministry Administration
      • 9403 Corporate Worship Leadership
      • 9416 Music and Missions
      • 9408 Worship Bands Methods
      • 9409 Worship Team Technique
      • 9427 Resources for Worship
      • Applied Music Lessons1
    • Total Hours (50 hours)

    1Students choose major lesson area from voice, guitar, or piano 3
    consecutive semesters at 1 credit hour per semester.

    Show more +

    Apply Online

    Start your application for Midwestern Seminary’s MAT online.

    Apply Now

    Submit Materials

    As a part of your application, we require official college transcripts, a pastoral recommendation, and a church endorsement to review your application for acceptance.

    Get Accepted

    Once we receive your completed application, we’ll review your application for acceptance. Typically, it will take less than 1–2 days to notify you of a decision.

    Enroll in classes

    Once you are accepted, the next step is to enroll in classes. We have new classes starting every 4–8 weeks and are eager to help you pursue your calling.

    Midwestern Seminary is happy to provide you with various methods to manage the cost of your education. Learn more and even apply for scholarships, financial aid, and military assistance by clicking here.

    Students applying for a master’s degree at Midwestern Seminary who have previously completed Bible or theology courses at the undergraduate level could reduce their degree time by one-third with Advanced Standing.

    Learn more

    We offer new classes every 4–8 weeks and are eager to help you pursue your calling. View current course offerings here.

    Program Outcomes

    Students graduating with the Master of Applied Theology degree will be able to do the following:

    1. Interpret Christian Scripture with hermeneutical and exegetical excellence.
    2. Confess Christian doctrine with biblical, theological, and historical awareness.
    3. Employ practical skills in an area of applied theology for the Church.

    Distinctive Resources

    MAT students have access to community life that provides informal educational experiences, religious fellowship, and opportunity for reflection upon the meaning of faith in its relation to education for ministry.

    Student Highlight

    I was drawn to Midwestern because of the community I saw here. Midwestern is full of people who love God, love each other, and genuinely love educating men and women for the Church. This was the biggest draw for me. I knew that if I made the jump of moving 12 hours and attending Midwestern, I would have the sweetest community around me.

    Mallory M.

    Master of Applied Theology

    This Degree in Ministry

    Dig a deep well in preparation for a lifetime of faithful ministry in the church or overseas and be equipped to bring glory to God through…

    • Beholding Christ and His Word
    • Pastoral ministry
    • Discipleship training
    • Serving the local church
    • International missions
    • Counseling in the local church

    This Degree in Future Studies

    Complete your MAT with future training in mind.

    • Master of Divinity (MDiv)
    • Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
    • Doctor of Educational Ministry (DEdMin)
    • Doctor of Education (PhD)

    Featured Faculty

    To be for the Church means to be for expository preaching. My desire is to train a generation of students to embrace the importance of biblical exposition and to help them develop the skills necessary to rightly interpret and proclaim God's Word.

    Dr. Jared Bumpers

    Associate Professor of Preaching and Evangelism, FTC Cohorts Faculty Coordinator

    Meet Dr. Bumpers