Master of Arts in Theological Studies

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) is a 45-credit-hour degree designed for the purpose of shaping students as scholars and is ideally suited for those wishing to pursue a vocation in teaching or writing. 

The MATS program utilizes a hybrid, cohort-based delivery model, comprised of regular synchronous video conferencing sessions, asynchronous online coursework, and two in-person BridgeWeek intensive experiences.

The MATS curriculum includes courses in Christian history and theology, biblical languages, biblical studies, and spiritual formation. The curriculum begins with core courses that lay a foundation in these academic disciplines. There are two tracks in the MATS program: 1) Biblical Studies and 2) Christian History and Theology. The required courses in each track will offer the opportunity for the MATS students to gain the necessary scholarly expertise in their field.

The teaching or research apprenticeship requirement offers a unique and important opportunity for MATS students to learn about pedagogy in theological studies, with real-life experience in doing academic research or classroom teaching. A mentor guides students through the teaching or research apprenticeship courses. The spiritual formation courses give the student exposure to the development of deep moral and spiritual values, spiritual disciplines, and self-awareness and self-management skills. The thesis provides the opportunity for the MATS student to learn advanced research and writing skills and potentially prepare for doctoral study.

Students will be equipped and formed to think with clarity as they:

• Engage Christian Scriptures in their historical and literary contexts using a variety of hermeneutical approaches and language resources in order to articulate them in faithful practices. 
• Examine Christian historical and theological developments by investigating practices and beliefs of Christian traditions in order to enable faithful practices within contemporary contexts.

Students will be equipped and formed to live with integrity as they:

• Deepen awareness of God, self, and others through formative practices in preparation for life-long personal and vocational flourishing. 

Students will be equipped and formed to serve with the heart of God as they:

• Develop the necessary skills for teaching, writing, and research in the context of higher education, ministry, and public life. 

Applicants seeking admission to the MA in Theological Studies program must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, applicants must complete the following to be considered for admission to the program:

• Portland Seminary application and application fee
• One official transcript from each college/university attended
• Resumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Personal mission statement and statement of faith
• Three letters of reference (as specified in admissions materials)
• An interview may be required in some instances

Transfer of up to 23 hours of credit is allowed toward the MA in Theological Studies program from ATS-accredited graduate schools. Students must have earned a grade of B or better for a course to be considered for transfer. In addition, only courses taken elsewhere within 7 years of the date of matriculation to the MATS program will be considered for transfer. Transferability of credits earned at this institution and transferred to another is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Residence, as described in this section of the catalog, does not refer to the time a student spends on campus. It refers to the portion of a degree program that students are required to earn with Portland Seminary, as compared to transfer credits and credit applied as advanced standing. With regard to the MATS program, students are required to complete half of the degree (22 semester hours) directly with Portland Seminary. A leave of absence is valid for up to one year, after which the student must reapply to the program. Reinstatement to the program after withdrawal requires Admissions Committee action and may subject the student to additional requirements for the degree.

The MATS program is generally three years in length but can be completed in two years, with 45 semester hours of coursework required as a minimum for graduation. Of the total hours required for the degree, 9 are in prescribed biblical studies courses, 3 in biblical languages, 6 in Christian history and theology, 6 in spiritual formation and discipleship, and 9 in professional development (teaching apprenticeship and thesis). The remaining 12 hours are in a chosen concentration of either biblical studies or Christian history and theology.

The MATS degree requires a thesis project: 

• In consultation with the thesis director, each student will choose faculty advisors/readers. The primary thesis advisor is normally a member of the seminary faculty and has primary responsibility for overseeing thesis work. The second reader may be chosen from a wider field of qualified academics with expertise in the thesis topic. 
• The primary advisor will work with the student to define the thesis topic or the nature and scope of the project. Theses should be 15,000-18,000 words in length.
• A thesis requires a one-hour oral defense before the primary thesis advisor and the second reader. 

In order to graduate with the MA in Theological Studies degree students must:

• Satisfactorily complete a minimum of 45 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above within five years after advancement to candidacy
• Achieve no grade lower than a B in all core courses. If a grade of a B- or lower is received in a designated course, that course must be retaken (for more specific information, please refer to the student handbook)
• Fully participate in all required ‘Bridgeweek’ intensives. 
• Successfully complete each milestone.
• Be recommended by the seminary faculty for graduation from Portland Seminary of George Fox University.