Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Theological Education for Curious Minds

At A Glance

3 Years*
45 Semester credit hours
$638 Cost per semester credit hour**

Accreditation

ATS (Association of Theological Schools), NWCCU

Format

Hybrid (online courses with two annual BridgeWeek intensives in Portland each September)

Application Deadlines

Rolling application deadline; apply now for the next fall cohort

Courses Per Semester

3

Weekly Workload

30 hours

Cohort Model

Take courses for one year of the three-year program with the same group of 12-20 students - more

* Based on taking 9 semester credit hours of study per term in the fall and spring semesters.

** All stated financial information is subject to change. Does not include fees for BridgeWeek intensives. Financial aid available.

The World Is Ready To Be Shaped by the Next Generation of Christian Thinkers and Educators

Through investigation of theological and biblical topics, language studies in Hebrew or Greek, development of spiritual formation and leadership practices, and a unique two-semester teaching apprenticeship, Portland Seminary’s Master of Arts in Theological Studies program will prepare you for a teaching ministry or career in biblical academia.

Group of 5 seminary students stand around a kitchen laughing

We hold a deep commitment to developing leaders who are confident biblical interpreters and ready to influence the church through pioneering academic research. This program is specifically designed for those who wish to pursue academia and other types of research, writing and teaching inside and outside of vocational ministry roles.

At the heart of Portland Seminary is a commitment to the spiritual formation of each student. Formation into Christlikeness prepares us to engage the world for the sake of Christ, and no matter what program you pursue, you will engage in an intentionally designed spiritual formation curriculum.

What Will I Experience?

  • Delve into Old and New Testament texts as literature, with particular interest in spiritual formation and Christian practice
  • Learn advanced methods of exegesis and interpretation that informs today’s major theological themes
  • Master biblical language resources, including Hebrew and New Testament Greek
  • Understand the history of Christianity and how it has guided the construction of modern Christian theology
  • Explore current theological and social challenges such as racism, sexism, earth care, etc.

Choose from Two Specializations

Program Experiences

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  • WaterFront is a required two-day online orientation for new students every August.
  • BridgeWeek is the fourth week of each fall semester every year, when all students come to Portland for a face-to-face experiential intensive. Special events are offered throughout the week.

Flexible Format

2 students on laptops attend class

Flexible in format, the Master of Arts in Theological Studies is a three-year program in which you study with diverse faculty and cohort peers alongside a tight-knit cohort.

Our hybrid format blends online learning with an intensive in-person experience each September. 

What does a hybrid format look like?

  • Connect with a vibrant cohort of learners who grow in faith and ministry skills through a variety of experiences: traditional classroom lessons, special off-site events and “hybrid” online courses
  • Meet periodically through video chat for courses
  • Attend BridgeWeek in Portland every September (fourth week of fall classes)
View Courses
portrait of Carissa in graduation cap and gown

Carissa Plett

Master of Arts in Theological Studies, 2020

I am deeply grateful for the ways this learning journey has awakened, formed and stretched me, and for the confidence it has given me to question, research, write and hold space for others. The gift of this experience will continue to shape who I am becoming for years to come.

Questions?

Haley Holman

Haley Holman

Admissions Counselor, Portland Seminary

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