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FAITH INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
3504 North Pearl Street
Tacoma, Washington 98407
Toll-free: 888.777.7675
Reception: fsinfo@faithiu.edu
MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) is a 72-hour program designed for those who desire to serve the church or a church-related ministry. Interdisciplinary studies provides a well-rounded biblical and theological understanding of the Christian faith in relation to other disciplines. Students also may develop a concentration in one of the following areas: New Testament or Apologetics. A minimum of 24 hours in a specific area must be taken to establish a concentration. The program is for the following:
- Christian workers in positions where a graduate degree will allow entrance into a Christian vocation which would not otherwise be possible;
- Those who need a general seminary education and wish to gain further knowledge in the areas of theology and biblical studies; and
- Those who desire to develop expertise in either New Testament studies or Apologetics.
The standard academic prerequisite for the MATS is a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must sign that they have read and are in agreement with the Doctrinal Statement and will uphold it, and that they will abide by the Biblical Code of Conduct, Academic Code of Honor, Drug and Alcohol Policy, Payment Policy, and all other academic and financial policies. Additional requirements can be found on the Application for Admission or beginning on page 55.
INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Acquire foundational knowledge and a basic understanding of the Bible and theology;
- Acquire an understanding of the relationship between biblical and theological disciplines; and
- Acquire the ability to teach basic Bible or theology in a Christian ministry setting.
NEW TESTAMENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Acquire a basic understanding of the Bible, theology, and global leadership ministry;
- Acquire an ability to read, exegete, and interpret the Greek New Testament; and
- Acquire an ability to skillfully research New Testament texts with reference to the historical and theological background.
APOLOGETICS LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Acquire an understanding of Christian theology and a Christian worldview and how it relates to other religions;
- Acquire knowledge of the history and philosophy of apologetics and the basic elements of apologetic argument; and
- Acquire an ability to argue apologetically the fundamentals of the Christian faith in order to advance Christian truth and to refute historic and contemporary challenges to Christianity
Click here to view the full program requirements in the academic catalog.