Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.)

Flexible program offering—On campus, Online, or Hybrid.

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) fosters development of theological understanding as part of educational, professional, and spiritual growth. This two-year degree program is a general academic degree, providing balanced exposure to theological disciplines while allowing for focus on an area of interest.

The M.A.T.S. offers the same breadth as the M.Div., but with greater flexibility. M.A.T.S. students develop a final paper integrating their learning and are not required to complete an internship. The M.A.T.S. may also be pursued part-time, and with the option to study online, on campus, or a combination of the two. It is ideal for those looking to enrich personal or professional development through theological education.

This degree is designed for students who:

  • Are not seeking ordination, but wish to work in a church setting
  • Are ordained, but desire further academic work in theological studies
  • Wish to enhance their understanding of theological perspectives, religious practices, and/or principles of compassion to their vocations and professions

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Concentrations

This program allows for concentration in a field of study to a greater extent than the M.Div. require­ments generally permit. The faculty and disciplines are organized into the following curricular areas:

  1. Biblical Studies
  2. History/Theology/Ethics
  3. Ministry/Spirituality
  4. Spiritual Care/Chaplaincy through the Shaw Chaplaincy Institute
  5. Or design your own!

Expand Your Interfaith Education at the GTU

The Graduate Theological Union (GTU)—the largest interfaith and interreligious consortium in North America—is an essential part of the SFTS student experience. As part of your master’s program at SFTS, you can study world religions and faith traditions with over 200 faculty in mainline Protestantism and Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism, as well as interdisciplinary topics such as art and religion or theology and science.

Learning Outcomes

  • Know a selected theological discipline
  • Analyze and comprehend major questions in the field and alternative solutions to them
  • Formulate and effectively explain an original solution to a theological problem
  • Through Spiritual Care theory, practice, and research methods, learn to focus care on discovering and meeting the needs of those served

Degree Requirements

  • Two years full-time; up to four years part-time
  • 16 courses; 48 units

 

 

QUESTIONS?

Kay Thomas

Kay Thomas
Assistant Director of Enrollment
University of Redlands
909.748.6350 office
kay_thomas@redlands.edu

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