Homo religiosus (the religious human) is the individual who is curious about and seeks to know more on the theological and religious issues of today. If you are this type of person and open to new ideas and perspectives, Central’s 36-hour Master of Arts (Theological Studies) degree provides a path for exploration and engagement. In a world where theological and religious perspectives matter on both the local and global level, a MA(TS) provides a foundation for discernment, thoughtful navigation, and engagement on critical issues.
The goals of the MA(TS) are for an individual, who has an undergraduate bachelor’s degree, to gain masters level knowledge in general theological studies and to provide skills for professional research and communication. In the process of achieving these goals, the MA(TS) allows for a student to focus his or her studies upon a particular emphasis. Two specific emphases are available: (1) Biblical Studies and (2) Peacemaking/Reconciliation. In both of these emphases, a student selects three electives of three hours each for a total of nine hours. The culmination of the MA(TS) is a either a Capstone Project or a Thesis.
The MATS program incorporates some of the latest technologies related to pedagogy and can be completed in two years in a totally computer-mediated format.
The goal of the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) is for professional research or personal educational enhancement.
36-hour MATS Program Outline
Ordinary Term
I-IN501 Biblical Interpretation (3 hours)
F-FM501 Foundations for Seminary Studies (1 hours—4 weeks)
MA505 Dynamics of Theological Thinking (2 hours—8 weeks)
Lent Term
C-CH501 Christian Heritage I (3 hours)
I-HB511 Hebrew Bible I (3 hours)
Easter Term
I-NT521 New Testament I (3 hours)
F-TH511 Constructive Theology I (3 hours)
Ordinary Term
F-ET521 Christian Ethics (3 hours)
MA521 Research Skills [Preparation for Capstone/Thesis] (3 hours)
Lent Term
ELECTIVE ONE [in Peace Studies/Biblical Studies] (3 hours)
ELECTIVE TWO [in Peace Studies/Biblical Studies] (3 hours)
Easter Term
ELECTIVE THREE [in Peace Studies/Biblical Studies] (3 hours)
MA506 Capstone Project (3 credits)
or
MA507 Thesis (3 hours)