Overview of Programs and Requirements Master of Arts (Theological Studies) Degree

MASTER OF ARTS (THEOLOGICAL STUDIES)

GOALS The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) degree, or MATS, at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a general academic degree. It deepens candidates’ basic knowledge in the biblical and theological disciplines. The MATS degree is designed to achieve the following goals: ♦ promote theological comprehension by requiring a broad, foundational course of study in the three academic departments: Biblical, Church’s Ministry, and Theological-Historical; ♦ strengthen candidates’ skills in research and critical thinking; and, ♦ assist candidates to grow in spiritual and moral depth.

MATS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 1. Have on file with the registrar a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. 2. Complete satisfactorily 102 credits of required and elective work with at least a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. 3. If granted advanced standing, complete satisfactorily thirty-four credits of required and elective work with at least a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. In order to receive advanced standing, complete satisfactorily a written comprehensive examination. 4. Complete satisfactorily at least the last thirty-four credits of required and elective work while enrolled and in residence at Austin Seminary. 5. Complete all curricular assignments prior to commencement and by the deadline posted in the official academic calendar. 6. Clear all indebtedness to the Seminary by the Wednesday prior to commencement. 7. To participate in commencement exercises, complete satisfactorily all degree requirements noted above.

DURATION OF PROGRAM The program of study leading to the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) degree requires a minimum of two years (i.e., twenty-one months) of full-time academic study. This may be reduced to one year when a student is granted advanced standing on the basis of previous academic work. Students granted advanced standing will be required to complete satisfactorily a minimum of fifty-four credits and a written comprehensive examination. The program must be completed within six years of matriculation into a master’s-level degree program at Austin Seminary.

PROGRAM OF STUDY The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) degree requires 102 credits. (Note: a regular course at Austin Seminary is valued at six credits, equivalent to three semester hours.) The program is composed of fifty-four credits in required course work (i.e., nine required courses) and forty-eight credits in elective course work (i.e., eight six-credit courses), as follows: