Master of Arts (Theological Studies)

Although building a strong foundation in theological studies is important for every believer, it’s absolutely crucial for those called to pastor or teach. Providing this important training, Southeastern’s Master of Arts (Theological Studies) is a rigorous 48 credit hour degree that will equip you with a broad-based theological foundation for ministry.  Become equipped with a broad-based theological foundation for ministry.If you’re a pastor, you’ll be able to preach and answer questions with a new depth that will better feed your flock and equip you to reach more people with God’s plan of salvation. If you are called to research and contribute to the fields of historical, systematic, biblical, ethical or practical theology, this program will prepare you to excel in a Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry program or complete a doctoral program in theology or biblical studies. Or if you are a layperson, this degree will deepen your knowledge of God and His work in the world so you can serve as a greater resource to the church and greater Christian community.

Sample Core Courses

• Pentecostal Theology (THEO 5313) — A study of the theological developments, both historically and contemporary, within the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. Special emphasis will be given to North American Classical Pentecostalism and their theological impact on the Church particularly in the Charismatic Renewal. An overview of the unique theological expressions of Pentecostalism in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America will be presented. Distinguishing features of Pentecostal Theology with the areas of Pneumatology, Missiology, Hymnology and Narrative Theology will be investigated.
• Theology and Ethics (THEO 5573) — This is an exploration of the relationship between theology, ethics and moral life in the thought of contemporary theologians in concert with the Scripture’s theocentric structure of ethical thinking and in dialog with the philosophical goal of making sense out of the connection between theological truth-claims, ethical obligations, virtues of character, and moral conduct.
• Shape of Practical Theology (THEO 5503) — This course covers critical issues related to questions about the nature of God’s presence in everyday life. It develops a foundation for practical theology based on fundamental issues by defining dilemmas for study, developing a dialogue with pertinent sources, formulating and implementing reasonable intentions for resolving those dilemmas, and assessing the application of those intentions. This will involve theological reflection on the unique issues, which arise in the major spheres of home, church, academy, and workplace.
• Christianity and the World Religions (THEO 5583) — This course explores the historical and contemporary relationships of Christianity and the world religions, specifically focused at the theological level and involving Pentecostal perspectives. Topics discussed include global Renewal movements and religious pluralism, theology of religions globalization, interfaith relations, and interreligious dialogue. Focus may rotate from year to year emphasizing the encounter between Christianity and one other world religious tradition.