Master of Arts (Spec. in Theological Studies)

Degree Program Objectives | Admission Requirements
Graduation Requirements | Degree Program Requirements

Oversight/Location of the Program within the Seminary: School of Theology and Formation

Introductory Statement of Program Goal: The purpose of the Master of Arts (with Specialization in Theological Studies) is to serve those using the program as a first graduate degree. The program is designed for students who seek a terminal degree for a ministry of teaching theology in Bible institutes, local churches, or parachurch organizations; pastors who perceive the need to update and enrich their theological education to keep abreast of the ever-changing theological issues and movements in the contemporary world; and laypersons who desire to be more effective in their local churches through an increased understanding of theology. Students graduating with the M.A. (with Specialization in Theological Studies) will participate in a final evaluation in their penultimate semester.

DEGREE PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Having successfully completed the Master of Arts (with Specialization in Theological Studies) Degree Program, graduates should be able to:

Understand the essential content, historical development, and philosophical, and ethical dimensions of Christian theology.
Understand the scriptural basis, historical development, and contemporary relevance of the Wesleyan theological perspective.
Relate Christian theology, history, philosophy, and ethics to contemporary issues and Christian ministry.
Demonstrate enhanced understanding of and commitment to personal and social holiness through practices of moral, personal and spiritual formation, in a context of accountability to a community of faith, and dependence of the Spirit of Christ.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For admissions requirements, see the section on Academic Information. In addition to the normal requirements for admission, admission to the M.A. (with Specialization in Theological Studies) will normally require an undergraduate GPA of 3.00/4.00 for admission in good standing to the graduate degree program. Those applicants whose grade point average falls between 2.75 and 3.00 may be admitted on a "reduced load" basis.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Satisfactory completion of 60 semester hours, including all required courses;
Completion of at least 30 hours on a geophysical campus of Asbury Seminary. At least 6 semester hours of work should be taken within the 24 months preceding the date of graduation;
Attainment of a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00/4.00;
Satisfactory completion of all degree requirements in not more than seven academic years from the first term of matriculation; and
A final evaluation, in which M.A. students will participate in their penultimate semester.
Apply for graduation online.

DEGREE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

M.A. Core (24)

IS501 Kingdom, Church, and World (3)
IS502 Vocation of Ministry (3)
CH501 Church History I (3)
CH502 Church History II (3)
ST501 Method and Praxis in Theology (3)* or
DO501 Basic Christian Doctrine (3)
*(M.A. with specialization in Theological studies students are required to take both, and ST501 should be taken first) NT(IBS) 510 Matthew (3) or 511 Mark (3)
NT520 New Testament Introduction (3)
OT520 Old Testament Introduction (3)
Bible Content Examination

Theological Studies Core (8)

Theological Studies Electives (19)

Choose courses with any of the following nomenclatures: CH, DO, CS, PH, ST

General Electives (9)

Those who wish to write a thesis can do so by using 6 General or Theological Studies elective hours.

Asbury Theological Seminary

Academic Catalog