Master of Arts in Theological Studies
(M.A.T.S)
Introduction
The main mission of Beeson Divinity School is “to prepare God-called individuals to serve as ministers in the church of Jesus Christ." Thus, Beeson Divinity School focuses on the Master of Divinity degree (M.Div.), the most-recognized broad-based preparatory degree for professional ministry. However, the M.Div. degree does not fit the objectives of a smaller number of students the divinity school faculty wishes to serve. These include the following:
- Individuals who want to deepen their understanding of the content of the Christian faith so they can integrate the Christian faith more effectively in professional vocations and volunteer ministry settings. Such individuals may include those wishing to take a divinity degree in conjunction with a primary graduate degree taken in another school of the university.
- Individuals already serving in permanent positions in ministry settings in financial and other managerial roles who wish to gain a better understanding of the content of the Christian faith.
- International students who have received ministerial training in their home country whose governing body wishes them to study in the United States.
Thus, the divinity school offers the MATS degree to aid individuals in learning the basic biblical, historical-doctrinal, formational, and missional contents of the Christian faith. See the degree objectives listed below.
The number of students in this program may include 10% of the student body. Full-time students in this program are eligible to receive Beeson scholarship aid. The faculty does not consider this degree suitable as a prelude to Ph.D. studies or for what is traditionally considered formal ministerial preparation, so students will not be accepted to this program for these purposes. Click here to find out why.
M.A.T.S. Curriculum (39 Credits)
- DVBF 501 Biblical Interpretation (2)
- DVBF502 OT Theology (3)
- DVBF503 NT Theology (3)
- DVHD501 Patristic and Medieval (3)
- DVHD502 Reformation (3)
- DVHD601 Modern (3)
- DVHD602 20th Century (3)
- DVOT Exposition or DVOT 731-732 (3)
- DVNT Exposition or DVNT 731-732 (2 or 3)
- DVMS5XX Missions (2)
- DVSF501 Spiritual Formation (2)
- DVTH701 Faith and Vocation (1)
- Pre-requisite: DVHD601 and DVBF503
- Electives (8 or 9)
Potential Sequence of Studies
Fall Year 1 Spring Year I
DVBF501 (2 credits)* DVBF503 (3 credits)
DVBF502 (3 credits) DVHD502 (3 credits)
DVHD501 (3 credits) OT/NT (3 credits)
DVSF501 (2 credits)* Total (9 credits)
Total (10 credits)
*Must be taken in first 4 credits
Fall Year 2 Spring Year 2
DVHD601 (3 credits) DVHD 602 (3 credits)
OT/NT (3 credits) Electives (6 credits)
DVMS502 (2 credits) Total (9 credits)
Elective (2 credits)
Total (10 credits)
