Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Overview

Learn advanced principles of biblical interpretation from internationally recognized professors and how to apply them to central theological issues. The theological studies graduate degree examines biblical studies, systematic theology, apologetics, and ethics. This degree prepares you to teach in a church or academic setting.

• 14:1 Class size ratio
• A stable career outlook for theology graduates
• Option to earn Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies after five select courses

Why do theological studies at Northwestern?

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) is offered either fully online or on-site (meets one night a week for 4 hours). This degree can be completed in as little as 18 - 22 months. Our program also fulfills the requirements for 36 credits of the Master of Divinity (MDIV) degree.

Grow in your faith with individualized classes and study with renowned Christian professors who have expertise in areas including the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Old and New Testaments, minor prophets, and more.

If you desire to gain a deep understanding of the rich theological truths found in Scripture and to guide others in leadership roles or professional ministry, explore how our MATS degree can set you on your path.

What will you learn?

You will explore church history, develop critical thinking skills in theology, and learn to communicate effectively.

Some classes include:

• Spiritual Formation
• Biblical Hermeneutics
• History of Christianity
• Apologetics
• Theological Prolegomena

Highlights

• Choose online or on-site learning format.
• Take courses from internationally known experts on the Dead Sea Scrolls, Old and New Testaments, minor prophets, and more.
• Experience dynamic discussions and exploration in a rich, nondenominational setting.
• Option to earn a Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies after five select courses.

Career opportunities

The MATS degree will prepare you for roles in a variety of settings, such as:

• Ministry
• Christian education
• Mission work
• Higher education
• Seminary
• Church planting

Note: Roles in some settings may require additional education or training.

Department of Christian Ministries

The Department of Christian Ministries prepares students for graduate study and to serve in the U.S. and abroad as pastors, missionaries, teachers, and nonprofit leaders.

About the Department

Our vision is to inspire emerging leaders to live out their calling wherever God sends them. We want to help you discover your unique calling and develop core skills in teaching for spiritual transformation, developing Christ-like relationships, leading to visionary impact and engaging with diverse cultures and communities. We do this through five main degrees that include concentrations in Worship and Creative Arts, Children and Family Ministry, Nonprofit Leadership, Social Justice, English Language Teaching, Global Education, Camp and Conference Center Administration, etc.

Christian Ministries Internships

Students gain practical knowledge and valuable experience for resumes through internship experiences. Internships are required for all majors within the Christian Ministries Department. The Christian Ministries Department offers four types of field experience and internship courses. We believe it is essential for our students to do ministry under the supervision of a mentor so they can apply classroom learning in a safe and supporting environment. Students also complete internship assignments to help them reflect on what they are learning in the field and receive support from their Northwestern professor.

Ministries Internships

Ministry internships bring classroom learning to life and are crucial in preparing students for meeting needs in the real world.

Ministry student praying with other adults

The Christian Ministries Department requires ministry internships for the following majors:

• Ministry
• Nonprofit Administration with Ministry Track
• Pastoral Studies
• Youth and Emerging Adult Studies

By the time students from one of these majors graduates from Northwestern, they will have a minimum of 200 hours of experience at a ministry site. Through internships, Christian Ministries' students gain valuable practice time as they participate in a ministry of their choice. Whether in a church or parachurch ministry, students are given opportunities to teach, lead, plan, and observe what being in ministry is all about. Each student has an on-site mentor who is committed to guiding, praying, encouraging, challenging, and doing whatever else is necessary for the student to flourish and grow in his or her skills, knowledge, and experience.

The program is designed for students to participate in internships throughout the Fall and Spring semester of their junior or senior year. Students can still take classes on campus while working in their internship—each section requires 100 hours of ministry involvement over the course of the semester. This enables them to take what they are learning in the classroom and immediately apply it into a ministry setting. Most of our internship sites are local--a great benefit to the community and our students. Students may also do internships during the summer if they meet course requirements. Summer internships can be local, out of state, or outside the U.S., and coursework is completed via the internet.

Intercultural Studies Internships

This essential experience gives ICS majors a foundational context for communicating and ministering across cultures.

Group photo of Intercultural Studies Internship students

ICS internships can be completed in a variety of ways depending on the goals of the student. The Christian Ministries Department partners with other organizations to provide the following types of ICS internship experiences:

Faculty-led Trips

These are overseas mission trips led by a Northwestern professor, during which students visit and explore a variety of ministries, cultures, countries, and religious groups. In order to provide significant cross-cultural and service-learning experience, these trips normally last at least three weeks.

Independent Internships

Students may also choose to do an Independent Internship in an area of their choice, as long as it fits the course criteria. The Christian Ministries Department is developing relationships with a variety of international and domestic missions and nonprofit organizations through whom these internships can be completed. This internship needs to be pre-arranged with the Intercultural Studies professors and it must be approved by the Department Chair.

Study Abroad

Northwestern is a member of the CCCU, which provides a diverse array of off-campus study programs available to qualified juniors and seniors. Learn more about an internship with Students International in Costa Rica. This internship needs to be pre-arranged with the Intercultural Studies professors and it must be approved by the Department Chair.

Ministry and Intercultural Studies Concentrations

Students in the Intercultural Studies, Ministry, and Youth and Emerging Adult Studies majors have the opportunity to pursue a variety of concentrations within their degree plan. They also have the option of working with their advisor to build their own concentration using transfer courses or classes that meet their area of interest and intended ministry.