The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) program is 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. It is also designed to serve as an intermediate degree for further graduate programs in biblical and theological studies.

Degree Components

The M.A.T.S. is a two-year program of study requiring 48 credits. However, applicants with a strong undergraduate program in religion may petition for Advanced Standing in the program, which could allow them to complete the program with 39 credits or approximately three semesters of study. See M.A.T.S. Advanced Standing.

Students may choose from six concentrations: Biblical and Theological Studies, Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies, Biblical Languages, Intercultural Theology and Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies. The Intercultural Theology concentration is designed to provide advanced biblical and theological training for missionaries and ministers who want to enhance their ministry in an intercultural context in specialized areas such as leadership formation, theological education and church related writing. It is designed to serve as an intermediate degree for further graduate programs in biblical, theological and missiological studies.

In addition to the general requirements for graduation, graduation requirements for the M.A.T.S. program also include a supervised seminar-quality research paper (in BNT/BOT/MHT/PCS 646) and the submission of a portfolio containing copies of the student’s work demonstrating attainment of the learning outcomes in the program. (See the M.A.T.S. Program Manual.) A limited number of courses may be taken through directed research or distance learning (see distance learning courses).

Click here to view the courses that make up the M.A.T.S. Program and its concentrations.

Ministry Opportunities

Graduates are equipped to excel in a wide variety of ministries including:

• Teaching
• Christian college instruction and administration
• Global missions (foreign and domestic)
• University campus ministry

Comments from Alumni

“It was inspiring to see such scholarly faculty who were so hungry for God. I was especially influenced by those in ministry outside of AGTS. It gave you a vision of what you could be and what you could accomplish.”

Kay Gross, Women’s Ministries Director, Ohio District Council of the AG

“AGTS gave me a more thorough knowledge of the Scripture. Because each faculty member is so Pentecostal-oriented, I was inspired to be more of a person of the Spirit and prayer.”

David Nelson, Superintendent, South Dakota District Council of the AG

“AGTS has a high standard in the training of Godly leaders. It’s not just the academics, but it’s the emphasis on the empowerment of one’s life, which comes through the Spirit of God, that makes AGTS like no other.”

Margaret Mills, Instructor, AG Bible College of Jamaica

Updated: Friday, May 28, 2010 3:51 PM