The M.A. in Theology (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.
Program Director, Franklin S. Dyrness Professor in Biblical and Theological Studies, Jennifer Powell McNutt
Professor of Theology, Marc Cortez
Carolyn and Fred McManis Professor of Christian Thought, Professor of History, Timothy Larsen
Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Theology, Daniel Treier
Adjunct Professors, James Arcadi, Joel Chopp, Jeremy Lundgren
Master of Arts in Theology
The M.A. in Theology requires the completion of 44 hours. The degree requires:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| BITH 533 | Exploring the Old Testament | 4 |
| or BITH 638 | Old Testament Theology | |
| BITH 555 | Exploring the New Testament | 4 |
| or BITH 648 | New Testament Theology | |
| BITH 565 | Christian Theology | 4 |
| BITH 566 | Foundations for Biblical Interpretation | 4 |
| BITH 578 | Global Church History | 4 |
| BITH 627 | World Religions | 4 |
| BITH 675 | Advanced Systematic Theology | 4 |
| Systematic Theology Concentration | ||
| BITH 676 | Seminar Systematic Theology (take 8 total credits) | 8 |
| Electives (any 500 or 600 level BITH course) | 8 | |
| Historical Theology Concentration | ||
| BITH 679 | Seminar in Historical Theology (take 8 total credits) | 8 |
| Electives (any 500 or 600 level BITH course) | 8 | |
| Ecclesial Theology Concentration | ||
| BITH 685 | Seminar in Ecclesial Theology (take 8 total credits) | 8 |
| Electives (any 500 or 600 level BITH course) | 8 | |
| General Concentration | ||
| Electives (any 500 or 600 level BITH course) | 16 | |
| Capstone Elements | ||
| BITH 692 | Graduate Comprehensive Exam | 0 |
Master of Arts 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 623 | The History of Pastoral Care | 2 |
| BITH 675 | Advanced Systematic Theology | 4 |
| CFM 538 Spirituality (course no longer offered) | 2 | |
| PSYC 801 | Theological and Religious Issues in Psychotherapy | 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 |