Purpose and Outcomes
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Christian Studies (MACS) is to provide a graduate-level understanding of theological disciplines for those who desire graduate theological studies but are not pursuing vocational ministerial positions. This degree is designed to provide students with both an advanced theological education and the opportunity to concentrate in subjects important to their interests.
The MACS degree has the following program-specific learning outcomes:
- Evaluate and synthesize interpretive methods and traditions, and apply exegetical method to the interpretation of a biblical text.
- Analyze and evaluate the broader heritage of the Christian tradition, the more specific character of particular Christian traditions and communities, the ways these traditions transcend particular social and cultural settings, and the ways they come to unique expressions within such settings.
- Analyze spheres of contemporary culture and society from a biblical and theological perspective and articulate a Christian response
- Demonstrate the capacities for personal faith, emotional health and moral integrity that are requisite to maturity in Christ.
Course Schedule/Structure
Courses are scheduled two days per week in morning and afternoon blocks comprised of two courses each, in order to emphasize the integrated nature of biblical, theological, and ministerial studies. MACS students are encouraged to register each semester for both courses in each block in order to gain the most benefit from the integrated nature of the program. Students may, however, register for courses individually. Doing so will result in slightly modified course requirements for those only taking one course within a designated block.
Admission Requirements
Admissions requirements for the Master of Arts, Christian Studies may be found in the Admissions section of the Graduate and Pharmacy Catalog.
Degree Requirements
A total of 36 credits hours are required. As part of the degree, students must successfully complete two courses in each of the following categories: Old Testament, New Testament, Historical Theology, and Great Commission Application. The remaining 16 credits of electives may be Old Testament, New Testament, Historical Theology, Great Commission Application, language, apprenticeship, research and writing, or Topics courses. A maximum of 6 hours of apprenticeship can be applied to this degree.
Students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-ministry major are required to complete up to 15 hours of specific pre-requisite coursework on the undergraduate level before beginning graduate coursework. Pre-requisite courses in which grades below “C-” have been earned are unacceptable. Prerequisite courses for the MACS degree: Biblical Hermeneutics, Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Systematic Theology, and History of Christianity.
In addition to course work, all MACS students will be required to submit a formal declaration of intention regarding their choice of degree capstone no later than the semester prior to their intended start. Students may choose to write a thesis in the area of concentration or take a comprehensive examination. Students electing the comprehensive examination must take the exam at the end of their final semester. A student must complete at least 18 credit hours before beginning a thesis project. Enrollment in a thesis project is subject to the availability of a faculty advisor. The deadlines for submitting a declaration of intention are as follows:
For Summer thesis project or comprehensive exam, declaration of intent is due by December 1.
For Fall thesis project or comprehensive exam, declaration of intent is due by March 1.
For Spring thesis project or comprehensive exam, declaration of intent is due by October 1.
Students are limited to no more than seven (7) total credit hours of Directed and Independent Study coursework over the course of their degree.
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