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.

Student Learning OUTCOMES

1. The student will interpret passages of the Old and New Testaments in light of their literary, historical, and theological contexts.
2. The student will articulate the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith reflecting knowledge of major theological traditions (e.g., Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Methodist, Baptist, Stone-Campbell).
3. The student will demonstrate a readiness to serve as a minister or lay teacher informed by a biblical and theological understanding of ministry.
4. The student will prepare papers, sermons, classes, and other assignments employing research tools such as bibliographic indices and databases in biblical and theological studies (ATLA Religion Index, NT/OT Abstracts, etc.).

[ BACK TO TOP ]

degree Program

Background Courses (12 hours)
GRK 3351-3352  New Testament Greek (6 hours)
CH 3312 Church History
CS 3350 Research and Writing in Theology

Biblical Studies (15 hours)
OT 6301 Reading the Old Testament
NT 6301 Reading the New Testament
NT 6313 Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching
6 hours of exegetically intensive text electives,
    one in each testament

Church History and Theology (9 hours)
CH 6303 Traditions in Christian Theology and Ethics
CH 6302 Christianity in America
TH 6301 Introduction to Theology

Christian Ministry (9 hours)
MIN 6301 Introduction to Christian Ministry
MIN 6302 The Ministry of Preaching
MIN 6303 From Text to Sermon

Electives (9 hours)
Only three of the nine hours of electives may be taken in the Biblical Studies division.

Students with undergraduate work deemed adequate as an    introduction to a division's curriculum must substitute the equivalent    number of semester hours of graduate-level coursework within the    same division.

Additional Requirements
• Attendance at six meetings of the monthly Student-Faculty
  Roundtable
• Successful completion of the MATS Exit Exam in final semester prior
  to graduation.  (click here for MATS Exit Exam Study Guide)

For more information, please contact Lauren Porter at registrar@austingrad.edu.

[ BACK TO TOP ]