Master of Arts in Theological Studies

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies program is designed for women and men who desire graduate study in the field of theological studies with an emphasis in biblical studies, Christian history and theology, or the integration of the two. The MATS serves the purpose of shaping students as theologians and is ideally suited for those wishing to pursue a vocation in teaching or writing. 

The MATS curriculum includes courses in Christian history and theology, biblical languages, biblical studies, and spiritual formation. The curriculum begins with core courses that lay a foundation in these academic disciplines. The selected academic track (Biblical Studies, Christian History and Theology, or the Interdisciplinary Studies track) requires courses that will further build on the core courses, offering the student the opportunity to gain expertise in a preferred discipline.

The teaching apprenticeship requirement offers a unique and important opportunity for MATS students to learn about pedagogy in theological studies, with real-life experience in classroom teaching. A mentor guides students through the teaching apprenticeship courses. The spiritual formation courses give the student exposure to the development of deep moral and spiritual values, spiritual disciplines, and self-awareness and self-management skills. The thesis/project courses provide the opportunity for the MATS student to learn advanced research and writing skills and potentially prepare for doctoral study.

The entire curriculum pathway is designed to prepare you to lead and serve like Christ, the Way.  

The MA in Theological Studies will equip and form students to think with clarity like Christ, live with integrity in Christ, and serve with the heart of God for Christ.

To think with clarity like Christ students will

• Analyze ancient sources and contextualize meaning  
• Examine Information value  
• Engage interdisciplinary research 
• Practice intentional thinking  
• Explore creative arts as a thinking process  

To live with integrity in Christ students will

• Embrace identity & belonging in Christ
• Deepen self awareness for Christ 
• Cultivate hospitable community for God’s world  

To serve with the Heart of God for Christ students will

• Steward one’s calling 
• Communicate the wisdom and mission of God

Students will:

• Grow in the ability to analyze pertinent texts and materials
• Develop the capacity to think critically
• Learn research, writing, and communication skills
• Integrate and demonstrate these learnings through a summative project/thesis
• Be formed holistically, both academically and spiritually

Applicants seeking admission to the MA in Theological Studies program must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, applicants must complete the following to be considered for admission to the program:

• Portland Seminary application and application fee
• One official transcript from each college/university attended
• Resumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Personal mission statement and statement of faith
• Three letters of reference (as specified in admissions materials)
• An interview       

Transfer of up to 23 hours credit is allowed toward the MA in Theological Studies program from ATS accredited graduate schools. Students must have earned a grade of B or better for a course to be considered for transfer. In addition, only courses taken elsewhere within 10 years of the date of matriculation to the MATS program will be considered for transfer. Transferability of credits earned at this institution and transferred to another is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Consult the registrar's office for information on eligibility of transfer credit.

Residence, as described in this section of the catalog, does not refer to the time a student spends on campus. It refers to the portion of a degree program that students are required to earn with Portland Seminary, as compared to transfer credits and credit applied as advanced standing. With regard to the MATS program, students are required to complete half of the degree (23 semester hours) directly with Portland Seminary. A leave of absence is valid for up to one year, after which the student must reapply to the program. Reinstatement to the program after withdrawal requires Admissions Committee action and may subject the student to additional requirements for the degree.

The MATS program is generally three years in length, but can be completed in two years, with 46 semester hours of coursework required as a minimum for graduation. Of the total hours required for the degree, 12 are in prescribed biblical studies courses, 12 in Christian history and theology, 4 in spiritual formation and discipleship, 3 in a teaching apprenticeship, and 3 in thesis/project study (or additional coursework if so desired). The remaining 12 hours are in a chosen subject track. The subject tracks offered are the Biblical Studies Track, Christian History and Theology Track, and Interdisciplinary Studies Track. 

The MATS degree requires a thesis project:  

• BIST/CHTH 581 Thesis I: Research/Thesis 2 hours 
• BIST/CHTH 582 Thesis II: Research/Thesis 1 hour 

1. Students are eligible to register for the thesis once they are about midway through the MATS program.
2. The student will register for BIST/CHTH 581/582 for two consecutive semesters.
3. In consultation with the thesis director, each student will choose faculty advisors/readers. The primary thesis advisor is normally a member of the seminary faculty and has primary responsibility for overseeing thesis work. The second reader may be chosen from a wider field of qualified academics with expertise in the thesis topic. 
4. The primary advisor will work with the student to define the thesis topic or the nature and scope of the project. Theses should be 15,000-18,000 words in length.
5. A thesis requires a one-hour oral defense before the primary thesis advisor and the second reader. 

In order to graduate with the MA in Theological Studies degree students must:

• Satisfactorily complete a minimum of 46 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above within five years after advancement to candidacy
• Achieve no grade lower than a B in all core courses. If a grade of a B- or lower is received in a designated course, that course must be retaken (for more specific information, please refer to the student handbook)
• Successfully complete each milestone
• Be admitted to candidacy for the degree
• Be recommended by the seminary faculty for graduation from Portland Seminary of George Fox University

Each masters student will undergo an initial personality assessment with a licensed mental health practitioner upon matriculation to identify areas for fit and growth in relation to academic calling and vocational discernment. This initial review process serves as a way to assess the student's fit for the program; fit for the profession; emotional, psychological, and intellectual ability; as well as maturity level for functioning safely as an academic professional. The seminary faculty will review this assessment for newly matriculated students each fall semester and take it into consideration alongside conversations regarding the student performance during the semester. At times, the faculty may recommend, or require counseling in order to better identify areas of personal growth in order to maximize on one’s ministry potential and capitalize on discovered strengths through one’s seminary career. For more specific information, please refer to the student handbook.