Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.)

Our new M.A.T.S. program, admitting students for the 2018-2019 academic year, responds to the complex realities of our global context through academic exploration. Our current world highlights the need for more nuanced engagements around the role of religion in political, legal, and social spheres.

Students are invited to attend to the question of how we theologically and ethically engage the changing world, especially as it shapes and is shaped by religious identity in new ways. Drawing on faculty training and their cutting edge research, students will learn to think critically about faith, culture, and ethics in relation to vocation, texts, and contemporary issues.

M.A.T.S. degree holders may use this degree in non-profit leadership and other non-traditional ministries. The M.A.T.S. often enhances work the graduate is already doing, as well as preparing students for new vocations as public theologians.

Admissions

Candidates for the M.A.T.S. program normally must have received a bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university accredited by one of the nationally-recognized regional accrediting agencies in the United States, or hold an equivalent educational credential from another country.

Required steps for a complete M.A.T.S. application include:
1. Completed application
2. Application fee
3. Three letters of reference
4. Transcripts
5. Background check
6. Personal Disclosure Statement
7. Faculty interview
8. Conversation with Admissions Director

Visit our applications page for forms and moreinformation about the M.A.T.S. application. M.A.T.S. applications cannot be submitted online.

Faculty interviews can be conducted in person on either campus, by Skype, or by phone. You may contact Janice Dougherty, Admissions Assistant, at 804-278-4221 or by email at jdougherty@upsem.edu to arrange your interview.

The M.A.T.S. program ordinarily takes two years to complete.

Course Requirements

The degree requires 51 total credit hours. These include 18 required hours, 6 hours toward a summative project, and 27 elective hours chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor.

Core course 1: Orienting and Socially Locating Ourselves  (3 credit hours)

Core course 2: Observing and Knowing  (3 credit hours)

Core course 3: Embodying and Acting  (3 credit hours)

Core course 4: Current Events Course OR Intercultural Travel Seminar  (3 credit hours)

Core course 5: Reflecting and Reimagining  (3 credit hours)

Core Course 6: Project Construction   (6 credit hours)

Core course 7: Summative Project Workshop  (3 credit hours)

Electives
Students may choose 9 general elective courses from among Union courses  (27 credit hours)

Total  51 credit hours