Concentration in Systematic Theology (MA/ST)
MA/ST Concentration Purpose
The Master of Arts concentration in Systematic Theology provides specialized study in Christian doctrine: its biblical grounding, historical development, logical coherence, and contemporary context. The MA/ST trains students to engage theological ideas in the world today through a strong biblical, evangelical foundation, mastery of our diverse theological heritage, and familiarity with contemporary (including global) developments in theology. The concentration seeks to equip students to become responsible interpreters of Scripture and faithful stewards of Christian thought. The MA/ST is academic rather than professional in focus, preparing participants in knowledge and practice for teaching or researching in Christian secondary schools, or as a preparatory step (among others) toward doctoral study in a related area.
MA/ST Concentration Objectives and Student Learning Objectives
- Students will learn to think from a biblical, evangelical foundation and responsibly interpret Scripture (e.g., by taking the “Use of Scripture in Theology” course).
- Students will obtain competence in the historic traditions of Christian theology (e.g., by taking courses in historical theology).
- Students will gain familiarity with contemporary, global developments in Christian theology (e.g., by taking Contemporary Theology).
- Students will develop skills in speaking, writing, and teaching towards professional/vocational goals (e.g., through papers, seminar presentations, and perhaps a thesis).
MA/ST Prerequisites
Students who are admitted with an undergraduate major in Bible and/or theology, or who took a minimum of 12 hours of undergraduate work in biblical and/or theological studies are eligible for substituting courses in the core Systematic Theology sequence, pending approval from the department chair. Students who lack these prerequisites will be required to take the Systematic Theology sequence consisting of ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
MA/ST Concentration Format
The MA/ST is offered only in a residential format. Students who are admitted to the MA/ST should expect that some required courses will be offered only in person on the main campus. Students should not expect to graduate without taking these courses in a residential format. Students should plan to take the MA/ST Comprehensive Exam in person on the main campus.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical and Theology Core 1 | ||
| ID 5000 | Biblical Theology and Interpretation | 2 |
| ST 5211 | Theology 1: The God of the Gospel: From the Father | 2 |
| ST 5212 | Theology 2: The God of the Gospel: Through the Son | 2 |
| ST 5213 | Theology 3: The God of the Gospel: In the Holy Spirit | 2 |
| Concentration Core 1 | ||
| ST 5600 | The Christian Life and Contemporary Challenges | 2 |
| ST 7200 | Christian Ethics | 2 |
| ST 7504 | Theological Method | 2 |
| ST 7505 | Use of Scripture and Theology | 2 |
| Select two hours in Biblical Theology (NT or OT) | 2 | |
| Select four hours, in Historical Theology and/or Contemporary Theology such as: | 4 | |
| John Calvin | ||
| Essentials of Reformed Theology | ||
| Analytic Theology | ||
| Theology of Augustine | ||
| ST electives 2 | 6-12 | |
| Select at least 6 hours of elective courses in Systematic Theology, such as: 3 | ||
| Political Theology | ||
| Seminar: Current Issues in Theology | ||
| God in Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology | ||
| Models of Sanctification | ||
| Seminar: Current Issues in Theology | ||
| Pneumatology | ||
| Theological Investigation in Human Identity: Gender | ||
| Theological Investigation in Human Identity: Race | ||
| Elective Courses | 0-6 | |
| After satisfying the above-mentioned requirements, students who have not taken a total of 36 hours may take further elective course work in a secondary area related to the Concentration (e.g. Apologetics, Ethics, Philosophy of Religion; Bioethics). | ||
| Field Education | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| ID 5080 | Formation Group (2 semesters) | 0 |
| PT 5090 | Field Education (1 semester) | 0 |
| MA/ST Capstone | ||
| ST 7477 | MA Major Comprehensive Exam 4 | 0 |
| Select one of the following: | 2 | |
| MA Thesis | ||
| MA Major Research Paper and MA Major Research Paper | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
Students admitted with an undergraduate major in Bible and/or theology, or who took a minimum of 12 hours of undergraduate work in biblical and/or theological studies, are eligible for substituting courses in the core Systematic Theology sequence, pending approval from the department chair.
- 2
MA/ST students should work with faculty advisor to ensure coursework provides adequate background for the capstone comprehensive exam and writing projects.
- 3
For courses numbered 8000 and above, students must have either (a) taken the three core ST courses or have those courses counted as credit from a prior degree or (b) request permission from the department chair to be admitted into such a course.
- 4
Students may elect to complete the Comprehensive Exam for 1 hour of credit.