The M.A. in Theology (2 years/48credit hours) provides students with a course of graduate theological study in an interdisciplinary, liberal arts context. The M.A. in Theology trains students to engage theological ideas in the world today through a strong biblical, evangelical foundation, mastery of our diverse theological heritage, and familiarity with contemporary, global developments in theology. The concentration seeks to equip students to become responsible interpreters of Scripture and faithful stewards of Christian thought through critical graduate study leading to church service and teaching or an advanced Ph.D. program. Students choosing this degree concentration must select one of two available degree emphases: Systematic or Historical Theology.

Degree Requirements (48 hours)

Biblical Theology (8 hrs)

BITH 638 Old Testament Theology (4)

BITH 648 New Testament Theology (4)

Historical Theology (8 hrs)

BITH 653 Historical Theology: Patristic (2)

BITH 654 Historical Theology: Medieval (2)

BITH 655 Historical Theology: Reformation (2)

BITH 656 Historical Theology: Modern (2)

Systematic Theology (8 hrs)

BITH 565 Christian Theology*pre-req

BITH 573 Scripture and Theology (4)

BITH 675 Advanced Systematic Theology (4)

*pre-req may be fulfilled if shown on BA transcript or BITH 565 may be taken for credit during first semester.

4 credits are completed, but 0 credits apply to the degree requirements; the course is considered a pre-req.

Interdisciplinary and Global Christian Thought (8 hrs)

BITH 577 Modern World Christianity (4)

BITH 674 Theology and the Liberal Arts (4)

Electives (16 hrs)

Choose either Systematic emphasis or Historical Emphasis

1) Systematic emphasis

Seminars in Systematic Theology may be selected.

BITH 676 Seminar in Systematic Theology (min. 4hrs)

676-1 Focused seminars providing for in-depth research of particular persons, movements, events, eras, topics, and themes in Systematic Theology.

676-2 Focused seminars providing for in-depth research of particular persons, movements, events, eras, topics, and themes in Systematic Theology (assumes an ancient language or modern language research component in primary and/or secondary resource materials).

2) Historical emphasis

Seminars in the field of historical or related studies may be selected.

BITH 677 Topics in History of Christianity: separate courses devoted to the study of the Christian church in specific eras or countries, or specific themes in church history. (min. 4hrs)

BITH 679 Seminar in Historical Theology (min. 4hrs)

679-1 Focused seminars providing for in-depth research of particular persons, movements, events, eras, topics, and themes in Historical Theology.

679-2 Focused seminars providing for in-depth research of particular persons, movements, events, eras, topics, and themes in Historical Theology (assumes an ancient language or modern language research component in primary and/or secondary resource materials).

Other elective options

Any student interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or a related field is strongly encouraged to take the following for elective credit:

BITH 684 Methods in Scholarship (0)

BITH 505 Language Study (4) French or German

Comprehensive Exam

BITH 692 Graduate Comprehensive Exam (0)

BITH 698 Thesis (4) in lieu of four elective hours; advisor approval needed (oral defense required)