Master of Arts (Theological Studies)
The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) (MATS) is available on-campus or fully online. The MATS is a graduate-level theology degree. It is ideal for ministry leaders, lay leaders, church elders, or Bible & theology teachers. Its major benefit over other degrees is its format accessibility and its open-ended nature, allowing students to pursue to the direction of their choice.
Benefits of the Mats
Foundational Bible + theology courses
Learn the basics of how to read and understand the Bible alongside foundational courses in systematic theology, apologetics, church history, and more.
choose the direction
Of the 54 credit hours in the MATS, 20 are electives. 12 are within the categories of Bible & Systematic Theology, while 8 are completely up to you. This allows you to structure your degree towards what most interests you.
Capstone included
The MATS includes a final project, called a “capstone”, that helps you integrate biblical studies, theological studies, and applied theology into a philosophy of ministry for your specific context and vocation.
Fully Online
The MATS can be completed fully online, as well as on campus, or a hybrid mixture of the two. This gives you maximum flexibility in how you choose to study.
Who this Degree is for
Ministry Leaders
Our unique whole-person approach to seminary helps you draw closer to Jesus. You'll grow in your emotional and spiritual depth as you study the Bible.
Theology Teachers
Our faculty aren't just Bible scholars. They're pastors who teach you how to serve the Church as you rightly handle the word of truth.
Elders & Lay Leaders
Learn the Bible from the ones who translated it. Our faculty were the largest contributors to the ESV Study Bible.
Formats
The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) is 54 credit hours. This means that it can be completed in as little as two years. However, you can complete this degree in a longer period by taking courses at your own pace. (NOTE: The fully online option will take longer than the usual two years for full-time, on-campus study.)
Program requirements: accredited bachelors degree with a 2.25 GPA.
Residential
Learn in residence in St. Louis under a faculty of pastor-scholars and alongside a community of learners. On-campus housing is available for single students, couples, and families.
Online
The MATS can be completed fully online, allowing you to study at your own pace and within your local context while still giving you access to rich theological scholarship.
Hybrid
You can choose to mix the content of this degree between in-person and online courses. Week-long intensive courses are available in addition to semester-long residential courses.
Ready to begin?
We have equipped thousands of pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders. We would love to equip you for your calling.