Details on the Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Our Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree is designed to equip pastors, church and ministry leaders, and non-ministry professionals to serve with confidence and better understand how their faith integrates with their life, work, and ministry. This degree combines online theology courses in biblical studies, church history, and defending the faith, with electives on topics such as science and faith and Christianity and culture. 

This unique curriculum, along with practical application opportunities, will enable students to grow in their faith and theological understanding and be better equipped to teach or lead in ministry or professional contexts. Whether pastors, missionaries, lawyers, social workers, or non-profit administrators, this degree will provide deep theological grounding for life and work.


Learning Goals

Upon graduation, students in the MATS will:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the truths of the gospel and how they are based upon the Word of God, exhibited in the manifestation of a love for the triune God and a love of neighbor.
  2. Apply the eternal truths of Scripture concerning God, salvation, Scripture, and man to a changing world and the various cultural and ministry contexts in which they serve.
  3. Know, value, and articulate a Reformed perspective of biblical theology, systematic theology, church history, and apologetics as well as their importance for matters of life and ministry.

Online MATS Program length and time limit

The MATS program is a fully-online, 36 credit hour degree that includes a capstone experience. Students completing the full-time degree could finish between one and two years. A full-time course load presumes nine credit hours per term, with four terms per academic year. Students completing the degree part-time should expect to complete the degree in a minimum of three years. The maximum time limit to complete the MATS degree is 10 years (including any leave of absence or withdrawal period).

Online MATS Degree Requirements

  • Total of 36 credit hours
  • Summative Evaluation Experience

Online MATS Core Courses

The following 9 core courses are required in the MATS:

AP 101: Introduction to Apologetics

BT 101: Bible Survey

BT 173: Principles of Biblical Interpretation

CH 141 or 151: History of Christianity I or History of Christianity II

NT 143: New Testament Theology for Application

OT 141: Old Testament Theology for Application

ST 101: Introduction to Systematic Theology

ST 113: Doctrine of God

ST 611: Union with Christ


To view course descriptions, please read this article entitled Theology Course Descriptions.


As a part of our commitment to providing you the resources you need to know how to plan your degree, students have access to Stellic, an online tool for student degree planning and student-advisor collaboration. Stellic allows you to visualize and chart your path towards graduation and will help your advisors and program administrators get a clearer picture of your plans and how we can best support you during your program.


Should you have further questions about degree planning after using Stellic, reach out to your Student Success team! If you would like to schedule a time to plan out your degree with your advisor, please sign up for a time here.

MATS Electives

MATS students are required to take a total of 9 credits of electives, any of which can be found here.

Summative Evaluation 

A key aspect of completing your MATS is your Summative Evaluation. The Summative Evaluation is a final assessment of your learning throughout your time in the MATS program. This evaluation not only allows the seminary to assess the program’s effectiveness in helping you achieve the program-level objectives, it is incorporated into your time of study to provide the opportunity to immediately apply the materials you learn in class to a personal and tangible product that would be valuable for your own personal life, work, and/or ministry.