MASTER OF ARTS IN
CHRISTIAN STUDIES
An innovative seminary education anchored in the areas of Bible, biblical languages, Christian history and theology, practical theology, and hands-on ministry
The Master of Arts, Christian Studies (MACS) is a two-year program which provides students with an advanced theological education, with an opportunity to concentrate in academic subjects important to their interests. This degree is designed for those seeking academic and/or spiritual enrichment, but not for those pursuing vocational ministerial positions.
A cohort model with classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays because we learn best in a constant community.
Students learn in co-taught, paired courses across disciplines because real-life ministry requires integrated thinking.
A Degree Designed For You
- An advanced seminary education that builds on solid undergraduate preparation in theology and ministry without repeating introductory courses.
- A strong core curriculum in biblical, theological and practical theology that also retains the flexibility to concentrate in a particular area.
- A robust degree that includes a thesis, which allows students the option of pursuing a particular area of study or documenting the breadth and depth of their theological knowledge.
- Taught by instructors from a confessional, Christ-centered perspective.
We give our students practical experience and theological depth to reach their full potential.
The MACS degree provides courses in three broad subjects (Bible, Theology, Practical Theology).
COURSE TITLES & DESCRIPTIONS
Students will examine the historical-critical context, literary content, and theological message of the book of Genesis. MDiv students will also integrate the study of Genesis with a study of the early church, with special emphasis on the doctrines of God, creation, humanity (imago Dei), and sin.
Students will analyze the historical context, epistolary features, and theological message of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. MDiv students will also integrate the study of 1 Corinthians with a study of ministry leadership.
Students will examine the ways in which the local and global Church participates in the missio Dei, with special emphasis on gospel proclamation and prophetic calls for social justice. MDiv students will also integrate the study of the missio Dei with a study of Acts of the Apostles.
Students will analyze the ways in which Christian ethical formation and discourse are generated in the life and practice of the church, with special emphasis on the biblical and theological foundations of Christian moral decision-making. Students will then analyze contemporary ethical issues in the light of Christian traditions of moral theology. MDiv students will also integrate the study of Christian ethics with a study of global the book of the Twelve.
Building upon a foundational understanding of the Writings in the Hebrew Bible, students will analyze the poetic form and features, canonical shape, and theological message of the Book of Psalms.
Building upon a foundational understanding of the first six centuries of the church, students will study the life and faith of the early church, with special emphasis on select writings from the first seven centuries of the church.
Building upon a foundational understanding of the Reformation, students will study the historical and theological development during this period, with special reference to key figures in the European Reformation.
Students will examine the historical context, narrative structure, and theological message of the Acts of the Apostles, with special emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit among the people of God. MDiv students will also integrate the study of Acts with the missio Dei (“mission of God”).
Students will analyze the literary content, canonical shape, and theological message of Book of the Twelve (i.e. the Minor Prophets). MDiv students will also integrate the study of the Book of the Twelve with a study of Christian Ethics.
Students will analyze the literary features, narrative structure, and theological message of the Gospel of John. MDiv students will also integrate the study of the Gospel of John with a study of worship and discipleship in Christian ministry.
Students will analyze global (i.e. non-Western) forms and movements of Christian faith and practice and will evaluate their significance for the life of the church. MDiv students will also integrate the study of global Christianity with a study of the Psalter.
Building upon a foundational understanding of spiritual formation, students will analyze the ways worship and discipleship have been practiced among the people of God.
MASTER OF ARTS IN INTERCULTURAL STUDIES FACULTY
SCHOLARSHIPS
PBA’s growth in graduate and professional programs has provided additional scholarship opportunities to become available through faithful donors wanting to assist students in achieving their educational goals. For additional information about these scholarship opportunities for your program, please contact the School of Ministry at contact grad@pba.edu or 561-803-2623.
The MACS (36 credit hours) degree requirements include eight courses from the MACS Core, as follows: two courses in Old Testament (6 credit hours), two courses in New Testament (6 credit hours), two courses in Theology (6 credit hours), and two courses in Practical Theology (6 credit hours). The MACS also requires four elective courses (12 credit hours), at least three of which (9 credit hours) must be taken within the School of Ministry. Due to the aims and outcomes of this degree, apprenticeship courses are not allowed to fulfill any MACS requirements. In addition to coursework, the MACS requires successful completion of a Comprehensive Examination (THE 6000) in the final semester of study. Students who have successfully completed the Master’s Thesis (courses THL 6001 and THL 6102), however, fulfill the comprehensive examination requirement. The Master’s Thesis courses can also count towards the MACS elective requirements. Those studying one of the MACS dual degree programs will have slightly modified requirements (see the relevant dual degree information in the Graduate and Pharmacy Catalog).
Students with a bachelor’s degree in a ministry-related field are given the opportunity to avoid all redundant introductory coursework because PBA’s MACS begins at the advanced level. At the same time, students without a bachelor’s degree in a ministry-related field are able to gain a solid foundation by completing up to 15 credit hours of undergraduate, prerequisite coursework (developed on a case-by-case basis) in the areas of Spiritual Formation, Bible, History of Christianity, and Systematic Theology. These courses are offered in traditional daytime, evening, online, and synchronous Zoom formats. Students must achieve a final grade of at least a “C” on each required prerequisite course. Any student who wishes to take a MACS course before completing their required prerequisite coursework must (a) have completed the prerequisite coursework necessary for taking an MDiv course in the same field of study, and (b) be granted approval from the Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs. Students are limited to no more than 3 credit hours of Directed and/or Independent Study coursework over the course of their degree.
The estimated tuition for the entire Master of Arts in Christian Studies is $20,760. This includes tuition for 36 credit hours ($515/credit) and the Resource Fee ($298/full-time) per semester. This is based on the two-year, full-time accelerated degree plan.
Students must apply for financial aid each year at www.fafsa.ed.gov to determine eligibility.
Contact finaid@pba.edu with all financial questions.
*Cost is subject to change. Additional fees may apply.