Master of Arts, Christian Studies

Available at the PBA Orlando Campus starting January 8, 2018.

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.

Graduates of the MACS will develop the ability to:

• 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.
• Appraise the cultural realities and structures in which the church lives and carries out its mission and design a creative response to these realities.
• Demonstrate the capacities for personal faith, emotional health and moral integrity that are requisite to maturity in Christ.
• Respond to life challenges theologically and critically.

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

1. Earn a baccalaureate degree in Christian Ministry/Biblical Studies/Christian Studies from a regionally accredited institution or a baccalaureate degree in another major with successful completion of 15 hours of specified, pre-requisite coursework on the undergraduate or graduate level.^[1]
2. Achieve cumulative undergraduate minimum GPA of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale.
3. Submit: 

• A completed online application and $45 nonrefundable fee (Click on the drop-down arrow to select the Graduate application)           
• Official transcript from college/university where bachelor’s degree was conferred and from college/university where prerequisite courses were taken
• Two specific confidential recommendations (academic and ministerial)
• Two specific writing samples (requirements will be provided)
• Informed consent form

4. Faculty interview – Once your application for admission is complete by meeting all the admission requirements and providing the required documents, you will be invited to an interview with the Graduate Admissions Committee.

* International students should inquire about additional admission requirements.

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, winter term, or summer term courses.  A maximum of 6 hours of apprenticeship can be applied to this degree. 

In addition to course work, this degree requires either a thesis in the area of concentration or a comprehensive exam after completing a minimum of 18 hours. 

A grade of at least “C-” and a GPA of at least 2.5 on a four-point scale is required for “successful” completion of all graduate coursework.