For first-year Music majors or others with substantial previous instruction.

A performance class for students of applied music for the purpose of gaining experience in public performance and increasing knowledge of music literature. Required of all music majors in six semesters of the program; recommended for declared music and music education minors and concentrators.

A performance class for students of applied music for the purpose of gaining experience in public performance and increasing knowledge of music literature. Required of all music majors in six semesters of the program; recommended for declared music and music education minors and concentrators.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prepares students for the completion of the ThM integrative paper through guided research design, methodological clarification, and project planning. The course supports refinement of an integrative research question, development of a coherent proposal, and articulation of scope, structure, and sources appropriate to advanced theological inquiry. Students work in consultation with faculty to finalize an approved integrative paper plan that demonstrates readiness for sustained capstone-level research and writing.

Produces a focused major research paper developed in conjunction with an advanced elective within the student’s area of theological specialization. The course supports the formulation of a defined research question, engagement with relevant scholarly literature, and completion of a sustained academic paper that integrates prior coursework and disciplinary methods. Research parameters and objectives are established in consultation with the supervising faculty member and aligned with program guidelines for advanced theological research and writing.

Program capstone designed to integrate the theological, biblical, and ministry formation components of the Master of Arts in Christian Studies. Students complete either an integrative research paper or an applied project that demonstrates synthesis of program learning outcomes and the ability to apply theological understanding within a chosen area of specialization.