Courses

Develops advanced exegetical competence in the Hebrew text of the wisdom and poetic books with emphasis on exegetical method and theological interpretation. Analyzes poetic structure, wisdom themes, and literary features in selected texts from Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and related writings, applying linguistic, historical, and literary tools for responsible exposition.

Examines major theories of teaching and learning in dialogue with Christian theology and educational practice. Students analyze research-based principles of learning, models of motivation, human development, and culturally responsive pedagogy, and evaluate their implications for teaching across ministry and higher-education contexts. Emphasis is placed on reflective practice, collaborative learning, and the integration of theory with instructional design, assessment, and classroom leadership appropriate to adult learners.

Examines major historical developments in Christianity from the apostolic era up to the sixteenth-century Reformation. Emphasizes the theological, institutional, cultural, and spiritual formation of the Christian tradition, including the patristic period, ecumenical councils, the emergence of papal government, medieval Christianity, Eastern Christianity, monasticism, and scholasticism. Students engage primary and secondary sources to understand continuity and diversity within Christian belief and practice across historical contexts.

Examines the development of Christianity from the Reformation era to the present through engagement with primary and secondary historical sources. Analyzes movements traditionally associated with Europe and North America alongside the emergence of diverse Christian expressions shaped by cultural, social, and political contexts worldwide. Explores theological developments, missionary encounters, indigenous Christian movements, Pentecostal and charismatic traditions, and contemporary global trends. Emphasizes the interconnected nature of Christian history and attends to the varied ways Christian faith has been articulated, practiced, and transformed across cultures.

Produces an integrative research paper that synthesizes advanced theological learning across the student’s program of study. The course guides students in formulating a focused integrative question, drawing together coursework, scholarly literature, and disciplinary perspectives to construct a sustained academic argument. The integrative paper demonstrates advanced research, critical analysis, and theological reflection through coherent written presentation and scholarly engagement appropriate to capstone-level study.

Develop a formal thesis proposal that defines a focused research question within biblical, theological, or historical studies. The course guides students in refining topic scope, conducting advanced literature review, articulating methodology, and establishing a viable research plan under faculty supervision. Emphasis is placed on proposal coherence, scholarly engagement, and readiness for sustained thesis research.

Conduct sustained thesis research and produce substantial written chapters under faculty supervision. Building on the approved proposal, students engage primary and secondary sources, refine argumentation, and develop the central structure of the thesis. Emphasis is placed on scholarly depth, methodological consistency, and iterative drafting in preparation for thesis completion.

Complete, revise, and submit a single, final thesis that demonstrates advanced scholarly competence within biblical, theological, or historical studies. Students finalize argumentation, integrate revisions, and prepare the thesis for formal evaluation under faculty supervision. Successful completion of this course signifies fulfillment of the MATS thesis requirement.

Cultivates graduate-level research and academic writing skills through guided practice in research design, strategic resource discovery, evaluation of scholarly sources, and the preparation and integration of research materials into academic writing projects.