DESCRIPTION

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) provides a foundation in biblical and theological studies essential to the responsible practice of Christian ministry. The degree is especially appropriate for persons seeking a specialized ministry in the congregational setting and for those wishing to enhance the effectiveness of their volunteer or lay ministries.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

1. The student will identify and engage in informed discussion of major issues in the interpretation of representative books of the Old Testament (Pentateuch, OT Historical Books, Psalms, Wisdom, Prophets).
2. The student will identify and offer informed discussion of major issues in the interpretation of representative books of the New Testament (Gospels and Acts, Pauline letters, General Letters, Apocalypse).
3. The student will articulate the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith with reference to major emphases of the Orthodox, Catholic, Reformation, Evangelical, and Restoration Church theological traditions.
4. Formulate a philosophy of ministry that relates foundational biblical and theological perspectives to the practice of ministry.
5. The student will conduct research on topics in biblical and theological studies with the use of bibliographic indices and databases (ATLA Religion Index, NT/OT Abstracts, etc.).
6. The student will translate passages from the Greek New Testament with the aid of standard lexical and grammatical aids.
7. The student will demonstrate a readiness to function as the minister of a small congregation, or as a staff member in a larger congregation.
8. The student will display the ability to pursue further graduate education in theology and related disciplines.
9. The student will demonstrate ability to function in a lay ministry or service setting.
10. The student will prepare papers, sermons, classes, and other assignments demonstrating familiarity with methods and principles of biblical exegesis in Old and New Testaments.

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degree Program

Background Courses (12 hours)
GRK 3351-3352 or equivalent
CH 3312 or equivalent
Interpreting the Bible or Biblical Theology

Biblical Studies (15 hours)
OT 6301* (Reading the Old Testament)
NT 6301* (Reading the New Testament)
Six (6) hours of exegetically intensive text electives, 1 in each  testament
Three (3) additional hours in the division

Church History/Theology (12 hours)
CH 6303 (Traditions in Christian Theology and Ethics)
CH 6302 (Christianity in America)
TH 6301* (Introduction to Theology)
Three (3) additional hours in the division

Christian Ministry (9 hours)
MIN 6301* (Introduction to Christian Ministry)
Either MIN 6302 (The Ministry of Preaching) OR
MIN 6304 (Christian Worship)
Three (3) additional hours in the division

*NOTE the following regarding courses that serve as introduction to each division's curriculum (OT 6301, NT 6301, TH 6301, MIN 6301):
a. Students seeking to take coursework prior to that division's
    introductory course must have instructor approval.
b. Advanced Standing - Students with undergraduate work deemed
    as adequate as an introduction to a division's curriculum must
    substitute other graduate-level coursework within the same division
    to meet these course requirements.

Additional Requirements
• Introduction to Graduate Studies in Theology module - strongly
  recommended that this be completed during the student's initial fall
  or spring semester
• Attendance at six meetings of the monthly Student/Faculty Forum
• Successful completion of the MATS Bible Content Exam

For more information, please contact registrar@austingrad.edu.

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