The M.A. in Theology (2 years/44 credit hours) provides students with a course of graduate theological study in an interdisciplinary, liberal arts context. The M.A. in Theology trains students to engage theological ideas in the world today through a strong biblical, evangelical foundation, mastery of our diverse theological heritage, and familiarity with contemporary, global developments in theology. The concentration seeks to equip students to become responsible interpreters of Scripture and faithful stewards of Christian thought through critical graduate study leading to church service and teaching or an advanced Ph.D. program. Students choosing this degree concentration must select one of four available degree concentrations: Systematic Theology, Historical Theology, Ecclesial Theology, or the Open concentration.
M.A. in Theology
(2 years/44 credit hours)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| BITH 533 | Exploring the Old Testament | 4 |
| BITH 555 | Exploring the New Testament | 4 |
| BITH 565 | Christian Theology | 4 |
| BITH 566 | Foundations for Biblical Interpretation | 4 |
| BITH 578 | Global Church History | 4 |
| Theology Courses | ||
| BITH 657 | Historical Theology: Patristic and Medieval | 4 |
| BITH 658 | Historical Theology: Reformation and Modern | 4 |
Elective: | ||
| Any 500 or 600 level BITH course | 4 | |
| Systematic Theology Concentration | ||
| BITH 675 | Advanced Systematic Theology | 4 |
Open Seminar | ||
| BITH 676 | Seminar Systematic Theology | 4 |
| or BITH 677 | Topics in the History of Christianity | |
| Historical Theology Concentration | ||
| BITH 679 | Seminar in Historical Theology | 4 |
Open Seminar | ||
| BITH 676 | Seminar Systematic Theology | 4 |
| or BITH 677 | Topics in the History of Christianity | |
| Ecclesial Theology Concentration | ||
| BITH 685 | Seminar in Ecclesial Theology | 4 |
Open Seminar | ||
| BITH 676 | Seminar Systematic Theology | 4 |
| or BITH 677 | Topics in the History of Christianity | |
| General Concentration | ||
Open Seminar | ||
| BITH 676 | Seminar Systematic Theology | 8 |
| or BITH 677 | Topics in the History of Christianity | |
| Capstone Elements | ||
| BITH 694 | Theology Capstone Seminar | 4 |
| BITH 692 | Graduate Comprehensive Exam | 0 |
M.A. in Theology for Psy.D. Degree Candidates
NOTE: This program is not admitting students at this time.
Candidates for the Psy.D. degree may complete the MA Theology degree in the Systematic Theology emphasis by completing the following requirements:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Theology | 8 | |
| BITH 638 | Old Testament Theology | 4 |
| BITH 648 | New Testament Theology | 4 |
| Historical Theology | 8 | |
| BITH 653 | Historical Theology: Patristic | 2 |
| BITH 654 | Historical Theology: Medieval Christianity | 2 |
| BITH 655 | Historical Theology: Reformation | 2 |
| BITH 656 | Historical Theology: Modern | 2 |
| Systematic Theology | 8 | |
| BITH 565 | Christian Theology | 4 |
| BITH 573 | Scripture and Theology | 4 |
| Interdisciplinary and Global Christian Thought | 8 | |
| BITH 674 | Theology and the Liberal Arts | 4 |
| BITH 577 | World Christianity | 4 |
| Systematic Theology emphasis | 16 | |
| BITH 675 | Advanced Systematic Theology | 4 |
| BITH 622 | Theological and Religious Issues in Psychotherapy | 2 |
| BITH 623 | The History of Pastoral Care | 2 |
| CFM 538 Spirituality (course no longer offered) | 2 | |
| PSYC 861 | Spiritual Direction and Care of the Soul | 3 |
| PSYC 862 | Advanced Integration of Psychology & Christian Theology | 3 |
| Comprehensive Exam | ||
| BITH 692 | Graduate Comprehensive Exam (required of all students in the M.A. in Theology) | 0 |
| BITH 698 | Thesis (with advisor approval only; oral defense required; students must also pass the comprehensive exam) | 4 |