Purpose
The Master of Arts in Christian Studies program is to form Christian leaders in foundational biblical, theological, and spiritual understandings for effective service in any vocational contexts.
Goals
Upon completion of the M.A.C.S. program, students will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Foundational knowledge and understanding of both the content of Scripture, and of Christian theology.
- Insight and ability to serve in ministry settings in light of biblical teaching and Christian theology.
- Growth in self-awareness, personal spiritual vitality and maturity, character, interpersonal relationships, and ministerial gifts.
- Personal concern and involvement in mission.
- Cultural sensitivity in interpersonal relationships and in ministry settings.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor or higher degree from an accredited four-year university or seminary with a GPA of 2.67 (B- or 80%) or above.
- Had been converted, and baptized for at least two years.
- A demonstration of maturity in personal and spiritual life, with two recommendations from church pastors or leaders. (Applicants in Mainland China must have at least one overseas referee and one church pastor to make recommendations).
- The ability to understand Mandarin. (An interview will be given to assess the listening comprehension)
- Proof of English proficiency is required. Minimum TOEFL score of 470 / 52 (TOEFL iBT). Or IELTS with a score of 5.5. (TOEFL and IELTS valid scores are only limited to two years, more than two years must be retaken) (Applicants with a Bachelor or higher degree from English speaking schools; or those who have lived in North America for more than 20 years are exempt from this requirement).
Program Requirements
Students are required to complete 52 units of coursework. This includes 40 units of core courses and 12 units of elective courses.
Duration and Location
The program must be completed between 2 to 7 years. Students may petition The program must be completed in time frame between 2 to 7 years. Students may petition for an extension on a case-by-case basis if pass 7 years. All courses can be completed via online (except for F1 international students in the United States).
Core Courses
1. Biblical Studies (15 units)
| NTS501 | 新約綜覽 I / NT Survey I | (3) |
| NTS502 | 新約綜覽 II / NT Survey II | (3) |
| TSS500 | 釋經學 / Hermeneutics | (3) |
| *以下課程四選二 / Choose any of 2 from below | ||
| OTS542 | 摩西五經 / The Pentateuch | (3) |
| OTS528 | 歷史書研究 / Historical Literature | (3) |
| OTS554 | 詩歌智慧書 / Poetic Books and Wisdom Literature | (3) |
| OTS559 | 先知書研究 / Prophetic Literature | (3) |
2. Theological & History Studies (12 units)
| TSS504 | 圖書資訊研究法 / Library Information Research Method | (1) |
| TSS510 | 神學綜覽 / Theology Overview | (3) |
| TSS536 | 聖靈、成聖與門訓 / Pneumatology, Sanct., & Discipleship | (3) |
| TSS538 | 教會論 / Ecclesiology | (2) |
| CHS510 | 教會歷史 / Church History | (3) |
3. Practical Theology (11 units)
| PTS519 | 靈命塑造與操練 / Spiritual Formation & Practicum | (3) |
| MCS528 | 救恩論與佈道法 / Soteriology and Evangelism | (3) |
| PTS572-A | 亞美事工 / Asian American Ministry (AAM) | (3) (簡稱AAM) |
| *以下課程四選一 / Choose one of four from below | ||
| PTS521 | 講道學 I / Preaching I | (3) |
| CES501 | 基督徒塑造概論 / Christian Formation | (3) |
| MCS521 | 宣教學概論 / Intro to Missiology | (3) |
| TSS573 | 職場神學 / Workplace Theology | (3) |
4. Field Education (0 unit)
FES521 Short-term Mission (0)
5. Capstone Project (1 unit)
TSS570 Capstone Project (1) Last Semester elective.
| M.A.C.S. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-year Track Curriculum Schedule | |||
| First Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| Library Information Research | 1 | Theology Overview | 3 |
| Hermeneutics | 3 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| Pentateuch / Prophetic Books | 3 | Intro. Missiology / Chirstian Formation / Elective | 3 |
| New Testament Survey I | 3 | Church History | |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| __ | 2 | ||
| 13 | __ | ||
| 14 | |||
| Short-term Mission | 0 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| Ecclesiology | 2 | New Testament Survey II | 3 |
| Soteriology & Evangelism | 3 | Pneumatology, Sanctification & Discipleship | 3 |
| Preaching I / Elective | 3 | Historical Books / Ps & Wisdom Lit. | |
| AAM | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 2 | Capstone | 2 |
| __ | 1 | ||
| 13 | __ | ||
| 12 |
| M.A.C.S. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Four-year Track Curriculum Schedule | |||
| First Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| Library Information Research | 1 | Theology Overview | 3 |
| Hermeneutics | 3 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| New Testament Survey I | 3 | __ | |
| 7 | 6 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| Pentateuch / Prophetic Books | 3 | Intro. Missiology / Chirstian Formation / Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Church History | |
| 6 | 3 | ||
| 6 | |||
| Short-term Mission | 0 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| Soteriology & Evangelism | 3 | New Testament Survey II | 3 |
| Preaching I / Elective | 3 | Pneumatology, Sanctification & Discipleship | 3 |
| 6 | 6 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| Ecclesiology | 2 | Historical Books / Ps & Wisdom Lit. | 3 |
| AAM | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Capstone | 1 |
| 8 | 7 |
Church Life
Students are required, with the exception of the first semester, to participate in local church activities.
Transfer Students
- All transfer students from our school or theological seminaries with ATS or ATA accreditation must have a GPA of at least 3.0 (B or 83.5%), and apply according to the Scholastic Regulations.
- Please refer to the Transfer of Credits in the Scholastic Regulations.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete 52 units of coursework with a GPA of at least 3.0 (B).
- Attend the seminary retreat at least once during the program.
- Obtain academic clearance.
- Students who have 3 or less credit units remaining towards the complete of their degree program may still attend the commencement. Such students must show proof of registration for the remaining units in the following summer term.