Pursue a specialized field of study.
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) is a flexible, academically-focused degree program that prepares students for non-professional or para-pastoral ministry. Choose your concentration in theology and culture, biblical studies or peacebuilding.
Build the knowledge and skills you need for your own unique vocational calling to:
- non-profit leadership
- non-pastoral leadership at the intersection of theology and another field of study
- further graduate study below the PhD level
- theological study for personal enrichment
- biblical study and interpretation
- social justice activism
- restorative justice advocacy
- conflict analysis and transformation
Why EMS? Flexibility, personal formation, and a breadth of resources. As an embedded seminary, EMS connects you to the broader knowledge and resources of Eastern Mennonite University.
Curriculum (36 SH)
15 credits of required core courses:
- FS 503 Formation in Spiritual Practices (3)
- CTH 501 Christian Traditions I or CTH 511 Christian Tradition II (3)
- BIBL 511 Hebrew Bible: Text in Context or BIBL 512 New Testament: Text in Context (3)
- CTT 634 Living Theology (3)
- FS 698 Formation in Vocation and Leadership I (2)
- FS 699 Formation in Vocation and Leadership II (1)
21 credits of electives in concentration area:
Theology and Culture concentration:
- Any CM (Contexts of Ministry) and CTT (Theology) courses
Biblical Studies concentration:
- BIBL 511 Hebrew Bible: Text in Context or BIBL 512 New Testament: Text in Context (3), whichever was not taken to meet core requirement
- Any BIBL courses, must include at least 6 credits in biblical languages and one biblical exegesis course
Peacebuilding concentration:
Students who choose this concentration can elect to earn a graduate certificate with the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at the same time. The 9-12 credits selected from CJP coursework can partially fulfill the requirements for a certificate in Restorative Justice or Conflict Transformation, leaving only 6-9 additional credits to complete the certificate.
9-12 credits of Center for Justice and Peacebuilding coursework:
- PAX 533: Analysis: Understanding Conflict (3)
- Skills course, strongly recommended
- Any PAX 500+ level courses
9-12 credits of Seminary offerings:
- BIBL 560 Biblical Foundations for Justice and Peacemaking (3)
- CTT 640 Topics: Liberation Theologies (3)
- Any CTE (Ethics) courses
- SMCL 564 Theological Reflection on Trauma (1), taken after PAX 540 Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience I
