Master of Arts in Theological Studies
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) degree is a fully accredited program providing graduates with an advanced understanding of the Bible and theology. It is designed for those who desire growth in their own personal discipleship as well as preparation for life and ministry. The MATS also provides an excellent foundation for further studies in the Master of Divinity degree.
The MATS program is offered in three formats. (1) The traditional format in which students typically complete the required coursework in two or three years. This program is available on our main campus in Cary, NC. (2) In addition, at our main campus, we offer the MATS 1-Year Cohort, a fully immersive semester-based option, where students walk together through the entire program. 3) The intensive one-year program allows students to complete the required materials in twelve months. The intensive one-year program is offered through our teaching site in Bryan, TX.
DEGREE OVERVIEW
41 Credit Hours
2 Available Formats
1 One-Year Teaching Site
3 Delivery Method Options
Core Curriculum
| RS 505 | Research for Theological Education | 2 |
| BE 501 | Old Testament Studies I: Pentateuch and Former Prophets | 3 |
| BE 502 | Old Testament Studies II: Latter Prophets and Writings | 3 |
| BE 504 | Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 |
| BE 511 | New Testament Studies I: Matthew to Acts | 3 |
| BE 512 | New Testament Studies II: Romans to Revelation | 3 |
| HT 500 | Historical Theology | 3 |
| PT 511 | Spiritual Formation and Discipleship | 3 |
| TH 501 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| TH 502 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| TH 503 | Systematic Theology III | 3 |
| TH 601 | Systematic Theology IV | 3 |
| BE Elec | Bible Exposition Elective | 3 |
| Elec | Open Elective | |
| Total MTS Credits | 41 |
- Bible 50%
- Theology 36%
- Other Required Courses 14%
ONE-YEAR PROGRAM DELIVERY AND FORMAT
In the one-year intensive program, the curriculum of the MATS degree is delivered to students via multiple educational avenues:
- On-Site: Each site offers local courses, taught by an STS professor or adjunct who flies out for the course (done in a 1-week intensive format).
- Livestream: Some of the courses in the MATS are taught via Zoom, our live-streaming video platform. Zoom allows students at the teaching sites to see, hear, and participate in courses as if they were physically there.
- Online: Occasionally, certain MATS courses will be offered in a fully online format and delivered via our LMS. Students will still meet at the teaching site for a “flipped classroom” experience where they will discuss the online course with the teaching site director or mentor.
No matter the delivery method, MATS students are guaranteed a regular and substantive interaction with Shepherds professors and staff!