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.
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, 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.
[1] Prerequisite courses for the MACS degree (15 credits): Biblical Hermeneutics, Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Systematic Theology, and History of Christianity.