The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) is designed to serve students desiring an intermediate degree for further graduate programs in biblical and theological studies. It is also designed to provide advanced biblical and theological training for ministers who want to enhance their ministry in specialized areas such as teaching and church-related writing.
The MATS degree requires 48 credits of study. The MATS can be completed by any student regardless of the field of their undergraduate degree. Students with a strong undergraduate background in religion who have successfully completed introductory courses in Bible, Theology, and Ministry may receive advanced standing up to 9 credit hours in their programs. No more than 24 credits can be transferred into the MATS program. There is a 10-year time limit on program completion, including transfer credit. See AGTS Catalog for more information.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies Degree Info Sheet
2024 – State Compliance Public Disclosure
Curriculum Overview
| Program Section | Credits |
| Mission of God & World Christianity | 9 |
| Bible & Theology | 15 |
| Optional Concentration or Area of Focus | 15 |
| Theological Research | 6 |
| General Elective | 3 |
Concentrations
Students are not required to choose a concentration in the AGTS MATS program except the one designated “Biblical and Theological Studies.” This provides students with the widest range of options in choosing their electives courses. However, students may choose to narrow their focus of study to one of the following concentrations (see AGTS Catalog for concentration details):
- OT Studies
- NT Studies
- Biblical Languages
- Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies
- Intercultural Theology
Course Delivery Options
The AGTS MATS courses are offered in three types of learning experiences:
- Residential Courses
- Offered in seated learning experiences on a weekly basis at the main campus. This includes daytime and evening class sessions.
- Hybrid Courses:
- Offered through a live video-conference connection to all residential (seated) courses noted above.
- Online Courses:
- Offered fully online with no seated classroom or video conference connection required.
- (NOTE: Some online faculty utilize live video-conference sessions with students throughout the semester).
