The M.A. in Theology (2 years/48 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 two available degree emphases: Systematic or Historical Theology.
M.A. in Theology
(2 years/48 credit hours)
| 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 (prerequisite to degree; all students must complete or fulfill in the first year of study) | 4 |
| BITH 573 | Scripture and Theology (must be completed in the first year of study) | 4 |
| BITH 675 | Advanced Systematic Theology | 4 |
| Interdisciplinary and Global Christian Thought | 8 | |
| BITH 674 | Theology and the Liberal Arts (must be completed in the first year of study) | 4 |
| BITH 577 | World Christianity | 4 |
| Electives - Select one of the following emphases: | 16 | |
| 1) Emphasis in Systematic Theology | ||
Select 16 credits of electives in the field of systematic or related studies, including the following: | ||
| Seminar Systematic Theology (minimum 4 credits) | ||
| 2) Emphasis in Historical Theology | ||
Select 16 credits of electives in the field of historical or related studies, including the following: | ||
| Seminar in Historical Theology (minimum 4 credits) | ||
| Graduate 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 |
| All students are strongly encouraged to take: | ||
| BITH 684 | Vocation Formation in Biblical and Theological Studies | 0 |
| Students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Theology or a related field are strongly encouraged to take the following for elective credit: | ||
| BITH 505 | Language Study III (French or German) | 4 |
M.A. in Theology for Psy.D. Degree Candidates
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 | (Not offered) | |
| 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 |