Master of Arts in Theological Studies
Beeson Divinity School’s MATS is designed for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith.
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 an 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, and four elective courses. The program concludes with a capstone course in which students draw upon the biblical and theological disciplines to reflect on their faith and vocation and integrate those reflections in a coherent thesis assignment.
The requirements for the MATS degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. The program requires at least 37 credit hours, with a minimum of 24 credit hours being completed at Beeson Divinity School.
Graduates of this program will:
- Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate principles of interpretation in the analysis of English Bible texts.
- Demonstrate the ability to use relevant biblical, historical, and theological data and methodology to articulate key evangelical doctrines in the context of one’s denominational tradition.
- Demonstrate the ability to use relevant biblical, historical, and theological data and methodology to articulate an understanding of vocation that meaningfully informs one’s life and work in the world.
- Learn how Scripture and theology inform and transform every arena of life.
Program Design
Core Courses
25 Credit Hours
Beeson retains the evangelical conviction that Holy Scripture norms theology, life and ministry. Thus, students take courses in Old and New Testament Theology, four courses in history and doctrine, two courses in biblical exposition, and one course in faith and vocation.
Electives
12 Credit Hours
Students in the MATS program have the opportunity to customize the degree by choosing one of four tracks for his or her electives: General Studies, Biblical Studies, History and Doctrine Studies, and Greek Studies.
Optional Opportunities
Joint Degrees
Joint degrees save time and money by reducing the total number of hours required to earn two complimentary master's degrees.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies and Juris Doctorate
When pursued concurrently, the divinity school will apply six semester hours of elective credit for law school courses, and the law school will apply 12 semester hours of elective credits for divinity courses. This effectively reduces the total number of hours for the two degrees by 18. Pursued separately, the JD (90 hours) and the MATS (37 hours) would require a total of 127 semester hours. Pursued together, the total number of required semester hours is 109 and takes approximately five years to complete.
Students must complete their first semester of law school before applying to the divinity school. Law students applying to the joint degree program must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average.
For additional information, you may contact Tami Zenker, Cumberland School of Law registrar, at 205-726-2044.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies and Master of Social Work
When pursued simultaneously, the divinity school will apply six semester hours of elective credit for social work program courses and the social work program will grant nine semester hours of elective credits for divinity courses. This effectively reduces the total number of hours for the two degrees by 15. Pursued together, the total number of required semester hours is 76 for this joint degree.
For additional information, you may contact Mary Davis Kennedy, School of Public Health Recruiter, at publichealth@samford.edu.
