The online Master of Arts (MA) degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Theology and Religion, offered by ABTS in collaboration with the Marina Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Religion (MCISR), is a 64-credit hour program providing in-depth investigation into the basic content areas of theology and religion. The capstone of the program is a 6-credit hour thesis, where social research methods are employed to investigate real-world issues pertaining to Christian life and ministry.
This program is accredited through both Cornerstone University and the Asian Theological Association.
Course List
CORE STUDIES
55 CREDIT HOURS
Introduction to Graduate Theological Education
Bible
Biblical Hermeneutics
Old Testament Biblical Theology
New Testament Biblical Theology
Theology
Christian Worldview
Systematic Theology 1
Systematic Theology 2
Systematic Theology 3
Christian Ethics
Practical Theology
Spiritual Formation
Theology & Culture
Organizational Leadership
Digital Media and the Church
Homiletics
Introduction to Christian Counseling
Religion
Understanding Church History
Understanding Hinduism
Understanding Islam
Understanding Buddism
1 credit hour
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
RESEARCH AND WRITING
9 CREDIT HOURS
Social Research Methods
Thesis
3 credit hours
6 credit hours
TOTAL REQUIRED
64 CREDIT HOURS
Learning Outcomes
Specialized Knowledge
ABTS students will demonstrate knowledge of, and proficiency in, the terminology, theories, concepts, practices and skills specific to the field of ministry leadership.
Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning
ABTS students will exhibit competency in applying their knowledge to address real-life problems through both individual and group effort.
Intellectual Skills
ABTS students will demonstrate their ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.
Global and Civic Engagement
ABTS students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues. This will include issues related to understanding diversity and developing cultural awareness in ministry leadership.
Biblical Worldview Integration and Action
ABTS students will be able to articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues. In particular, students will demonstrate an understanding of the integration of Christian worldview and culture from a ministry leadership perspective.