Master of Arts (Theological Studies)
MA/TS Purpose
The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) degree program (MA/TS) provides a basic understanding of Christianity for general educational purposes. Trinity’s MA/TS draws from the breadth of the curriculum requiring substantive study in biblical, theological, historical, and global areas, combined with a significant number of units in the student’s area of interest. The MA/TS is particularly suited for Christians desiring to better understand God’s revelation to humanity in the biblical and theological context of orthodox historic Christianity and who are engaged in non-church-related vocations or for those seeking a general theological degree to accompany a specialized master’s degree. As a seminary degree, its particular focus is to relate theological studies to the work of the church. Program participants may also elect to focus their elective coursework, capstone project, and field education coursework on a particular subject area available in the curriculum or at their particular site.
The MA/TS may be completed in-person at the Barrington Church Hub or fully online.
Program Outcomes
Students graduating with a Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies will be able to:
- Understand the biblical and theological constructs that form the foundation for the Christian faith.
- Think critically and constructively about the historic and global contexts of Christianity.
- Examine closely an area of Christian studies of personal interest.
- Articulate their Christian faith in light of their present vocational engagement.
- Grow in personal and spiritual maturity.
- Demonstrate competence in writing and research.
MA/TS Admission
Students interested in this program should apply via Trinity Western University, see TWU for more information.
MA/TS Residency Requirement and Program Duration
The residency requirement for the MA/TS degree is a minimum of 24 units must be completed through Trinity coursework, with the final 8 units taken through Trinity. The 24 units may be completed with in-person and/or online classes.
MA/TS Statute of Limitation
All MA/TS requirements must be completed within eight years of matriculation into the program. Extension of the statute of limitation for up to two years may be granted by petition when a student has demonstrated consistent program progress toward the degree.
MA/TS Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General Graduation Requirements for All Master’s Programs.
- Complete a minimum of 45 units with a cumulative GPA for program coursework of at least 2.5, with no coursework graded below a “C-” applicable to the degree.
- Fulfill all entrance deficiencies and conditions.
- Complete two semesters of INT 510; or one semester of INT 510 and two semesters of PTH 550.
- Complete MCS 810.
Master of Arts (Theological Studies) Curriculum
The flexibility of the curriculum in the MA/TS allows participants to focus a significant part of their studies in an area of interest. Options available vary widely according to the interests of the student and curriculum available at a particulur site. Such flexibility provides a strong understanding of Christianity for general educational purposes while enabling students to use the 15 units of electives plus the capstone in their area of interest. Interest areas include: age or specialized ministry, Bible, church administration, theology, and many others. Many interest areas may be further pursued in a complete degree program in that area.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Studies | ||
| Select 12 units of Biblical Studies 1 | 12 | |
| Recommended: | ||
| Exposition: Gospel and Acts | ||
| Exposition: New Testament Epistles | ||
| Exposition:Pentateuch and History | ||
| Exposition: Prophets and Poetry | ||
| Theological Studies | ||
| Select 9 units of Theological Studies 2 | 9 | |
| Recommended: | ||
| Biblical Theology and Interpretation | ||
| Theology I | ||
| Theology II | ||
| Mission, History, and Culture | ||
| PTH 613 | Evangelism and Faith Formation | 3 |
| Select 3 additional units of Mission, History, and Culture 3 | 3 | |
| Recommended: | ||
| History of Christianity I | ||
| History of Christianity II | ||
| Topics: Global Church History | ||
| Mission and Culture | ||
| Required | ||
| PTH 550 & 550 & INT 510 | Formation Group and Formation Group and Field Education | 0 |
| or INT 510 & 510 | Field Education and Field Education | |
| MCS 809 | MACS Project Proposal | 0 |
| MCS 810 | MACS Graduating Project | 3 |
| Electives 5 | 15 | |
| Total Units | 45 | |
- 1
Include both BNT and BOT studies; beginning language classes not applicable.
- 2
Select from BIB and/or THS courses.
- 3
Select from HIS and/or PTH courses.
- 4
Includes either two semesters of PTH 550 plus one semester of INT 510, or two semesters of INT 510.
- 5
These courses may focus in a department or area of interest or be selected from across the curriculum.