The Master of Arts (Theological Studies)

The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) is intended for persons who seek to integrate their faith and learning as committed and informed Christians and to relate their theological studies to their vocations and interests. This program is available both during the regular day program and in special evening classes. This degree is especially appropriate for:

persons preparing for service in world missions when their main focus is in an area such as medicine, education, agriculture, or mechanics;
persons choosing to serve in parachurch organizations and Christian social agencies;
persons planning to teach religion in an academic or other graduate setting;
persons pursuing further graduate work; and
laypersons who desire to equip themselves for more effective witness in and through their local church.

A student must declare a concentration in one of six areas: biblical studies, pastoral care, history, theology, global and contextual studies, or marriage and family studies. Three of the concentrations are available to evening students: biblical studies, pastoral care or global and contextual studies. The first four concentrations allow the student to choose electives within the respective departments. The last two are prescribed curricula. Although Greek is not required, students will want to give consideration to taking Greek for expanded skills in biblical study and interpretation.

The degree requires the completion of 96 credits, participation in the first-year self-assessment and evaluation program, participation in covenant groups, the writing of a satisfactory personal statement of faith, achieving a grade point average of C (2.0) or above, financial clearance from the business office, and participation in graduation ceremonies. Graduation is not automatic when academic requirements have been met. Since the seminary aims to graduate men and women who qualify as Christian leaders, the faculty and administration will evaluate a student’s qualifications in terms of spiritual, doctrinal, and professional standards as well as academic standards. The professional supervised ministry program is not required, and thus the seminary does not assume responsibility for placement assistance upon completion of this degree.

The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) with Global and Contextual Studies Concentration

The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) with Global and Contextual Studies concentration is intended for those who want to further the cause of world evangelism, but who will function in various roles other than those associated with preaching and the pastorate. The program provides for a sound knowledge of the Scriptures, principles of interpretation, and the ability to communicate across social and cultural boundaries. This degree requires the completion of 96 credits and the other graduation requirements for the Master of Arts degree as stipulated below.

Degree Requirements

Master of Arts (Theological Studies)

Required Courses

BT501	Hermeneutics	4
DC501	Discipleship in Community	4
GC502	Intro. to Global & Contextual Ministries	2
GC505	Evangelism for Discipleship	4
HS501	Early Church to Reformation	4
HS502	Church in the Modern World	4
NT501	The Gospels	4
NT502	Acts and Pauline Letters	4
OT501	Genesis - Ruth	4
OT502	I Samuel - Song of Songs	4
OT503	Isaiah - Malachi	4
SP505	SPF: Foundations and Traditions	2
TL501	Culture and Ministry	4
TS501	Systematic Theology I	4
TS502	Systematic Theology II	4
TS503	Systematic Theology III	4
TS505	Christian Social Ethics	4

Concentration Courses and Electives

5 Concentration Electives	20
3 Free Electives (outside the area of concentration)	12

Supervised Ministry and Other Requirements

SP001	Formation Assessments	0
	Transformational Church Series	0
	Senior Statement of Faith	0

Concentrations AvailableBiblical Studies, Historical Studies, Pastoral Care, Theological Studies

A minimum of 96 quarter credits is required for graduation from an M.A. program. The student is responsible to meet all graduation deadlines and requirements.

Master of Arts (Theological Studies) with Marriage and Family Studies Concentration

A minimum of 96 quarter credits is required for graduation from an M.A. program. The student is responsible to meet all graduation deadlines and requirements.

Master of Arts (Theological Studies) with Global and Contextual Studies Concentration

Required Courses

BT501	Hermeneutics	4
GC501	Intro to Global & Contextual Ministries	4
HS503	Church History Survey	4
ML513	Transformational Leadership	4
NT501	The Gospels	4
NT502	Acts and Pauline Letters	4
OT501	Genesis - Ruth	4
OT502	I Samuel - Song of Songs	4
OT503	Isaiah - Malachi	4
SP500	SPF:Foundations and Traditions	2
TS501	Systematic Theology I	4
TS502	Systematic Theology II	4
TS503	Systematic Theology III	4

Concentration Courses and Electives

GC610	Cross-Cultural Communication	4
GC611	Christianity in Culture	4
GC650	Missions in the Global Urban Context	4
GC651	World Religions	4
GC660	Change Agency	4
GC672 GC733	Cross - Cultural Church Planting or Church Planting in Muslim Contexts	4
GC672	Cross - Cultural Church Planting	4
	1 GCElective	4
	1 Free Elective	2

Supervised Ministry and Other Requirements

SP001	Formation Assessments	0
	Transformational Church Series	0
	Senior Statement of Faith	0

A minimum of 96 quarter credits is required for graduation from an M.A. program. Concentration electives must be taken at the advanced (200+) level. The student is responsible to meet all graduation deadlines and requirements.

The Bethel Seminary Catalog is provided online as a convenience for those who desire course information in electronic form. The printed version of the Bethel Seminary catalog is the official version, and it will be treated as the document of record in all seminary business.