Master of Arts in Theological Studies

At A Glance

3 Years*

45 Semester credit hours

$658 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)

Tuition Cost for Entire Program

$29,610* (plus $1,600 per BridgeWeek intensive)

Workload

Three courses per semester for a total of 30 hours of work per week

Cohort Model

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

Application Deadlines

Rolling application deadline; apply now for the next fall cohort

* 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. 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 an academic career in theology or biblical studies.

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.

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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

Biblical Studies

Christian History and Theology

Program Experiences

Fall Term (August-December)
Spring Term (January-April/May)

WaterFront is a required one-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

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies comprises three courses per semester and takes three years to complete. You also can finish the program in four years (two courses per semester) or two years (four courses per semester).

Our hybrid format blends online learning with an intensive in-person experience each year, allowing you to connect deeply with diverse professors and cohort peers.

What does a hybrid format look like?

You'll join your cohort and instructor weekly on Monday for a Zoom conversation and engage in online forum discussions throughout the week.
You'll attend a five-day BridgeWeek intensive in person every September (fourth week of fall classes).

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.