Master's Degree in
Theological Studies
CREDITS
42 Hours
42 Hours
FORMAT
Residential | Remote
Residential | Remote
Pursue an in-depth understanding of theology and its relevance to today’s world with a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Apply your knowledge to your vocation, ministry, volunteer work, family life, and more through our distinguished and flexible program.
The Master of Arts (MA) in Theological Studies degree is TEDS’ most flexible program both in focus and delivery method. Choose your area of study based on your interests and experience. In addition, you can earn your degree through multiple delivery modalities, including completely online. See how a theology degree can transform your life by enrolling at Trinity.
“As a Young Life Regional Director, I want to encourage all of our Young Life staff to continue their theological studies. Not only do we grow personally in our knowledge and understanding of God, but the coursework undoubtedly helps our ministries in which we serve! Also, the MATS degree is really attainable after completing the first 2 years of Young Life training requirements. I loved the online class format because everything was laid out clearly in terms of expectations and easy to navigate. I think for most of our full-time staff taking an extra class a semester is NOT too much to ask on top of the rigors of Young Life staff, and I would encourage all staff to look into TEDS!”
Christopher Kessick ’20
Online and In-Person Courses
At TEDS, we believe a theological education should be widely available. That’s why we provide various ways you can attend courses. Our Theological Studies program can be earned completely online or in-person. You can join us in our Deerfield, Illinois, just 30 miles outside Chicago, or our one of our Florida campuses in Dade, Broward, and Miami/South Florida. You can also take courses at one of our extension sites.
MDiv or a Second Degree
The flexibility of our MA in Theological Studies makes it easy for you to complete a second program at TEDS. For example, the MA in Theological Studies courses can overlap up to 50 percent with the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling. In addition, you can use many of your MA in Theological Studies program hours towards a Master of Divinity at Trinity. Students need to speak with their academic advisor before they begin taking classes to ensure they take courses that will apply to both degrees.
Why earn an MA in Theological Studies at TEDS?
Academic Excellence
Learn from leading evangelical theologians and scholars. Your professors guide your discussions, challenge your ideas, and strengthen your convictions. Their expertise and perspectives will grow your knowledge and faith. But it doesn’t stop there. Our instructors also invest in your life, making sure you succeed not only in the classroom but in your personal and ministry life as well.
“The world needs right-minded and right-hearted pastor-theologians and I can’t imagine doing anything more important than training students to teach doctrine in ways that make disciples, form citizens of the gospel, and build up local churches. Nor is there anywhere better to do it than TEDS—a veritable microcosm of global evangelicalism.”
KEVIN J. VANHOOZER
RESEARCH PROFESSOR
Customized Study
Many of our students come with ministry backgrounds. They know their strengths and where they want to grow. That’s why the MA in Theological Studies program has built-in flexibility. You can choose courses based on your areas of interest or need, including church history, biblical studies, theological studies, and electives from across the TEDS curriculum.
Careers and Outcomes for Master of Arts in Theological Studies Students
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree provides a biblical-theological focus that complements your life and career. Many of our students are engaged in church and parachurch ministries as well as marketplace careers. Others seek a general theological degree to accompany a specialized master’s degree. Careers for graduates include:
- Campus ministry
- Youth Pastor
- Missionary
Financial Aid
Did you know that nearly 95% of our students receive some form of financial aid? At Trinity we offer scholarships, grants, rebates, and other aid options to help pay for the cost of schooling. Learn more about what is available below or by contacting the Financial Aid Office at [email protected].
Prerequisites
In addition to the requirements for general admission, applicants to TEDS Master of Arts in Theological Studies program need the following:
- A baccalaureate degree, or the educational equivalent, from a recognized accredited institution. In some cases, admission with deficiencies is possible with evidence that a student is prepared for graduate level studies.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. However, GPA isn’t always an accurate indication of a student’s abilities, so those with a lower GPA are encouraged to talk to an admissions counselor. Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) are required if your GPA is less than 2.5.
MA/TS Curriculum
Increase your Biblical and historical knowledge of orthodox Christianity from the past to the present. You can customize the MA in Theological Studies to meet your interests. Use 5-17 credits of electives as well as your capstone project to focus on the subject of your choice.
Biblical Studies: 7-12 hours
Recommended
- Introduction to the Old Testament
- Introduction to the New Testament
Biblical and Systematic Theology Core: 9 hours
- Biblical Theology and Interpretation
- Theology I: The God of the Gospel
- Theology II: The Gospel of God
Historical and Global Studies: 5-9 hours
- History of Christianity I
- American Church History
- Understanding Social and cultural Contexts of Ministry
- History of Missions in the Modern World
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Combining unrivaled academic rigor with a wholehearted commitment to gospel fidelity and an abundance of flexible options, TEDS offers a theological education that equips you to serve Christ with wisdom and grace, in truth and love.