Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS)

Class Type:

Onsite, hybrid and online

Cost:

$550 per credit hour

Program Start Terms:

August, January

Program Options:

Master of Arts

36

Credit Hours

2

Years (Avg.)

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