Master of Arts in Theological Studies
The MATS degree program prepares students for a wide variety of work in religious institutions. The MATS degree program includes exploring the traditional theological disciplines in its required curriculum in innovative ways.
The remainder of the program is elective courses. NBTS has suggested concentrations, but students, in consultation with a faculty mentor, will identify a personalized concentration of study and select courses that achieve the student’s educational goals. Electives will allow the student to create the program which best suits his or her needs.
Why pursue an MATS at NBTS?
| Adaptive: Courses are offered as hybrid courses or completely online. |
| Fast Completion: Only 48 credits – students can complete the program in two years. |
| Welcoming: Affirming of all persons desiring to study theology. |
| Innovative: Study with a faculty who offer innovative opportunities for learning and appreciate adult learners. |
| Justice Oriented: Attend a school with a heart for God’s people who believe justice is the demand of the Gospel. |
| Diverse: Learn with a diverse faculty and student body who will offer a variety of perspectives. |
Flexible: Students select their path of study based on individual needs.
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| Credits | Duration | Format | Campus | Time |
| 48 | 2 Years (FT) 3-4 Years (PT) |
Combination of Hybrid & Online | FT & PT in NJ |
Classes begin every September & January |
Examples of suggested concentrations
Biblical Studies Concentration: All required courses and 6 courses (18 credits) of Biblical Studies courses, and a Research Paper or Project/Additional Course. If seeking to continue to the Ph.D. level, students should take Hebrew and Greek as part of the concentration.
Theology and Public Policy Concentration: All required Courses, Christian Experience and Witness (IN520), Contextualized Ministry and Public Faith (IN 521), and 4 courses (12 credits) of Theology, Bible, Ministry, or IN courses, and a Research Paper or Project and Course.
Ministry in the Church Concentration: All required courses, and Introduction to Pastoral Care (PC510), Introduction to Worship (WP510); Sermon Preparation (PR510), Called and Equipped (MS 520), and 3 courses (9 credits) of electives, and a Research Paper or Project and Course.
Individualized Concentration: Required courses and 18 credits (6 courses) developed in consultation with your faculty advisor.
Course Curriculum
| Module 1 – 12 credits of required courses + 12 credits of electives (24 total) | |
|---|---|
| Course Number & Name |
Credits |
| OT510 Introduction to Old Testament | 3 |
| NT510 Introduction to New Testament | 3 |
| CH5__ Church History Course | 3 |
| IN511 Analyzing the Systems of Privilege IN331 Analyzing Systems of Privilege Workshop |
3 |
| MS001 Boundaries for Ministry Workshop | NC |
| MA Workshop: Preparing for Project or Thesis | NC |
| Concentration elective | 3 |
| Concentration elective | 3 |
| Concentration elective | 3 |
| Concentration elective | 3 |
| Module 2 – 9 credits of required courses + 9 credits of electives + thesis or project (24 total) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Number & Name |
Credits |
||||
| TH5__ Theology Course (ordinarily TH522) | 3 | ||||
| Concentration elective | 3 | ||||
| Concentration elective | 3 | ||||
| Concentration elective | 3 | ||||
| Concentration elective | 3 | ||||
| MA515 Integrative Capstone Project or Thesis Development* | 3 | ||||
| Thesis/Project Choose a path: | Path 1 – Thesis: | MT691 & MT692 M.A. Thesis | 6 | ||
| Path 2 – Project: | MT693 M.A. Project | 3 | |||
| Additional Elective Course | 3 | ||||
*MA515 is taken the semester prior to MT692 or MS693
Admission Requirements
Application deadlines:
Spring semester – November 30
Fall Semester – May 31
Please click here for detailed deadline information.
Applications received after the deadline will be considered for admission in the following semester. Each applicant must:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher (4.0 scale).
- Official transcript(s) of all undergraduate and graduate work pursued to date are required;
- Complete Application Form with $75 non-refundable application/background check fee;
- Complete a statement of purpose following the instructions on the application.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Students with additional master’s credits may receive transfer credits (see the transfer credit policy).
- Photo ID (state issued driver’s license, state identification card, or Passport) to verify identity
- Additionally, International Students:
- Must submit transcripts of undergraduate degree programs that originate from an institution outside the United States or Canada be sent to a professional transcript service for a course-by-course evaluation.
- Demonstrate their proficiency in English (see English Proficiency Requirements);
- A select number of students can be admitted without a baccalaureate degree, please contact our admissions team to explore the requirements for non-traditional students.
Learning Outcomes
Click here to see the learning outcomes for this program.
Apply Now! |
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