Master of Arts in Theological Studies — Lay Leadership (School of Theology)

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Program Snapshot

48 Credit Hours 16 Classes
2 Years to Complete
$310 Per Credit Hour Learn more
On Campus
or
Online Learn more
Next Start Date December 2

Your church deserves the very best leaders, teachers, and members.

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies is designed to offer ministry training for those persons who are not preparing for a professional ministry vocation. The purpose of this degree is to provide biblical, theological, historical, and practical training to laypersons who desire to be better equipped to do ministry in the local church.

Serve your church with excellence

Biblical and Theological Studies
Course Number Description Credit Hours
20200 Introduction to the Old Testament I 3
20220 Introduction to the Old Testament II 3
22100 Biblical Hermeneutics 3
22200 Introduction to the New Testament I 3
22220 Introduction to the New Testament II 3
25100 Introduction to Church History I 3
25120 Introduction to Church History II 3
27060 Systematic Theology I: Theological Prolegomena, and the Nature and Works of God 3
27070 Systematic Theology II: Christ, Salvation, and the Holy Spirit 3
27080 Systematic Theology III: Baptist Theology of Scripture and the Church, and Eschatology 3
29250 Survey of Christian Ethics 3
Total 33
Missions Evangelism and Ministry
Course Number Description Credit Hours
28700 Christian Apologetics 3
32100 Personal Evangelism & Devotion 3
32960 Introduction to Missiology 3
Total 9
Elective
Course Number Description Credit Hours
Unrestricted Electives 6
Total 6
Cooperative Program
Course Number Description Credit Hours
42490 The Cooperative Program1 0
Total 0

Total Master of Arts in Theological Studies — Lay Leadership (School of Theology): 48

  1. The Cooperative Program Course is a (one-time) non-curricular requirement. Students should enroll in the class during their first year of study.
  2. Continuing students should consult the Academic Catalog for the year in which they started for course requirements as the current requirements may have changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Front of Norton Hall

The M.A. in Theological Studies is for students who desire to serve the church in a lay capacity (not in a full-time or primary role).

Students who are serving (or plan to serve) in full-time ministry are encouraged to consider the Master of Divinity program, as it contains a more robust core of bible, theology, and ministry training.

Applicants must indicate that they desire to serve in a lay-leadership capacity in their church.

Students with an accredited bachelor’s degree (in any field/major) are eligible to apply for this concentration. It is not required that applicants have an academic background in biblical or ministry studies.

Click here to learn more or start your application.

Yes. Students with previous divinity credit may be able to transfer their credit into programs at Southern Seminary. See our Transfer Credit page for more information.

Theological Studies faculty include:

Terry J. Betts

Professor of Old Testament Interpretation

Research Interests

Old Testament Interpretation
Hebrew
Preaching the Old Testament

Jarvis J. Williams

Professor of New Testament Interpretation

Research Interests

Galatians
Romans
Ephesians
Pauline Theology
Second Temple Judaism

Shawn D. Wright

Professor of Church History

Research Interests

Puritans
The Reformation

Bruce A. Ware

T. Rupert and Lucille Coleman Professor of Christian Theology

Resources as a Southern Seminary student

Academic Support

Access academic advising, writing assistance, language tutoring and more as a Southern Seminary online or on-campus student.

Flexible Course Options

With multiple course delivery options you’ll find classes that fit around your schedule.

  • 100% online degrees
  • Main campus courses
  • Hybrid campus intensive options

Financial Aid

We are committed to making your education affordable. Our Financial Aid office can connect you with institutional & outside sources of aid.

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Questions?


Contact Admissions

Phone: (502) 897-4200

Text: (502) 305-3554

Email: admissions@sbts.edu

Are you ready to become a pastor, counselor, or church leader who is Trusted for Truth?

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Preview Day

Friday, Oct. 11