Theological Studies, M.A.
[Theological Studies - 2301.00]
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Northeastern Seminary is a two-year program that provides a solid foundation in Biblical studies, the history of the Church, theology, and personal and spiritual formation. Primarily intended for persons who do not seek ordination, the Theological Studies M.A. is the degree of preference for those going on to Ph.D. studies or a teaching profession. A capstone research project is required of all persons enrolling in this degree program, with a thesis option available by faculty approval.
Admissions Process:
Northeastern Seminary seeks students whose personal and professional lives are characterized by honesty, integrity, and commitment to high academic, moral, and ethical standards. Applicants must present credentials that demonstrate aptitude for the academic work they will pursue and which indicate they meet other criteria of character and conduct.
Persons seeking admission must complete an online application with the Admissions Office of the Seminary. Along with the online application itself, applicants must also furnish:
- Two recommendations able to speak to the student's aptitude for ministry and academic study. Persons providing recommendations may not be related to the applicant.
- An autobiographical statement: In this statement, the applicant will narrate his or her spiritual pilgrimage, history and vision for Christian service, and career goals and plans.
- Official transcripts from every college or university where the applicant has received a degree (i.e., associate's, bachelor's, master's and/or doctoral) or any program you hope to use for graduate or post-graduate transfer credits. Those who do not possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university at the time of applying may be accepted under the non-baccalaureate designation. Note: Additional documentation is required along with the application for those seeking admission in this category. In the case of international students who have not done previous studies in an English language institution, a TOEFL score of 79 or higher is required.
Courses in the Program:
- The Great Conversation Competency (18 Credits)
- GBHT 5210-Biblical Worldview (3)
- GBHT 5220-Exploring the Bible (3)
- GBHT 5240-The Early Church (3)
- GBHT 5250-Reformation and Renewal (3)
- GBHT 5260-Mission in the Modern World (3)
- GSOC/GPSF 6240-Social Justice and Spirituality (3)
- Elective Competency built around the student's research interests (18-21 Credits)
- GMIN 7310 Field Education (3 Credits)
- Capstone: Research Component (2-5 Credits)
- GRES 6980 Theological Research (2 Credits)
- M.A. Thesis Option (3 Credits)
A thesis may be completed in one of the following disciplines: GBIB, GHST, GMIN, GPSF, GSOC, or GTHE. The thesis option must be pre-approved via a student petition prior to registering for it, and the thesis must be submitted in its final form and approved by the thesis advisor no later than March 30 to participate in the May Commencement. Students not completing a thesis must complete 21 credits in the elective competency.
Minimum Total Hours: 44
Minimum Graduation Requirements: Cumulative GPA of 2.7 and a completed degree application submitted to academic services by October 1 prior to the May Commencement in which the student intends to graduate.
Electives and Focused Elective Competencies
Students in the M.A. in Theological Studies program are given the opportunity to tailor their studies to fit their specific needs, interests, and ministry. The 18-credit elective competency block allows students to design their own elective competency by selecting a blend of courses that fulfill their interests and goals, or students may choose a structured focused elective competency in one of the following areas: Biblical Interpretation, Black Church Studies, Chaplaincy, Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Formation, Theology and Social Justice, or Transformational Leadership.