Master of Arts in Theological Studies | Beeson Divinity School

Is This Program for Me?

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) is an academic MA degree, designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the content of the Christian faith. The MATS program is ideally suited for persons wishing to gain a foundational understanding of the core theological disciplines for personal enrichment and growth, for the enhancement of their ministries in nonordained capacities and/or as an introductory graduate theological degree. This degree is also offered in tandem with several other graduate degrees in other schools of the university. Most churches and denominations require more breadth and depth of preparation for ordination than the MATS degree provides.

Why Earn a MATS at Beeson?

Beeson Divinity School strives to prepare God-called men and women for faithful ministry in the church of Jesus Christ. We believe that our MATS is a good choice for those students desiring a deeper understanding of the content of the Christian faith.

Our community-oriented, full-time and personal environment offers excellent opportunities for learning from teachers and from each other.
We believe the Bible is God’s Word written and therefore fully trustworthy and able to teach us how to know our Lord and serve His people.
We believe the truths expressed in historic confessions of the faith, such as the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed and significant denominational confessions. We believe that Jesus Christ alone saves from the penalty, power and presence of sin. We believe that worshipers in the church of Jesus Christ, too, should proclaim and live by these convictions.

Program Objectives

The curriculum includes four courses in biblical studies, four courses in Christian history and doctrine, three courses in ministerial and spiritual formation and five elective courses. Students can use elective courses to deepen their focus in a particular area of interest.

The requirements for the MATS degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. The program requires 48 credit hours.

Graduates of this program will:

Understand the content and character of the Bible and how to interpret English Bible texts responsibly.
Understand the doctrines of historic Christian orthodoxy and their significance for the life and work of the church in evangelical contexts.
Understand the meaning of Christian vocation and its relevance to one's life and work.

Master's Program Application Process

Admission Requirements

Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Christian Counseling, and Non-Degree-Seeking Students

Candidates for the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS), Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC) and non-degree programs must possess a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate Christian character and commitment to ministry.

Master of Theology

Candidates for the Master of Theology (ThM) must possess a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited school whose standards are similar to those of Beeson Divinity School and demonstrate Christian character and commitment to ministry. Additionally, ThM candidates should have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for all previous graduate coursework and demonstrate proficiency in Hebrew or Greek, as appropriate to research interest.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

There are two application cycles for the MDiv, MATS, MACC and ThM.

Fall Entry Term

Priority Deadline: February 1*
Final Deadline: June 1

Spring Entry Term

Priority Deadline: September 1*
Final Deadline: December 1

*Persons who complete an application by the priority deadline for the respective entry term will be considered first for admission and scholarship. Admission and scholarship decision letters are sent within one month of each priority deadline to those who complete an application by the deadline.

Those who apply after the priority deadline but before the final deadline will receive admission and scholarship decision letters on a rolling basis, typically within one month of completing the application.

Application Requirements

All items on this checklist must be received by the application deadline. Further instruction is given on the online application.

Online Application Form
Essay(s)*
- - Personal Faith and Vocation Essay (required for all degree programs)
  - Apostles' Creed Essay (MDiv applicants applying for tier one scholarships only)
  - Academic Writing Sample (ThM applicants only)
*See the online application for full essay prompts.
Recommendations
- Academic Recommendation (to be completed by a college- or graduate-level instructor)
- Character Recommendation (to be completed by a pastor, church member, campus minister, mentor or employer who can speak to your Christian character and calling to ministry; cannot be a family member or friend)
- Church Endorsement (to be completed by your senior pastor or a full-time church elder or minister; cannot be a family member).
Admission Interview
- MDiv and MATS applicants are responsible for scheduling an interview with the admission staff prior to the application deadline. In-person interviews on Samford's campus are preferred, but Zoom interviews are acceptable. Schedule your interview through the application portal.
- MACC and ThM candidates will not schedule an interview during the application process. Final candidates will be invited to interview later.
Official Transcript(s): Official transcript(s) from all institutions attended since high school graduation are required. Please see the application portal for instructions about how to send the transcripts.
$35 Nonrefundable Application Fee: This fee is to be paid by credit card when submitting an online application. The fee is waived for graduates of Samford University and students who attend a Preview Day or an official campus visit.