Graduate Ministry Programs

Master of Arts in Theology and Culture

The purpose of the Master of Arts in Theology and Culture (MATC) is to enable effective witness and service both within the Christian community and to the larger society. Through exploration of the various influences on contemporary culture and theology, you will come to a better understanding of your own assumptions and those of your faith tradition.

The program encourages the development of the necessary understanding and skills for effective engagement with cultural trends, social transformation, and the attendant challenges facing the church. The goal is to develop thinking and practice that is biblically informed and creatively faithful to the historic mission of the Christian faith.

Overall Objective

The overall objective of the MATC is to immerse graduate students in an integrated, comprehensive arts approach to theological graduate education that draws from the best of theology, philosophy, history, and biblical studies, thus enabling the student to engage in theological and spiritual reflection within a vibrant, Christian community.

Program Structure

Courses are offered on a scheduled rotation with one core offered each semester plus a couple of electives. A half-time student taking six credit hours per term can complete the program in seven semesters provided they follow the prescribed sequence, with courses scheduled across three annual terms. Our program is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals.

Core courses during the year are taught in Friday/Saturday intensives once a month. Three weekends complete one course. During the summer term core courses are offered in four day intensives: Tuesday-Friday (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Elective courses are offered either in Friday/Saturday intensives or on weeknights, typically from 6:00-10:00 PM.

Introductory Component (12 credits) (May be Waived)

The Introduction Component replaces some elective credits and is for those who have not already taken the undergraduate equivalent of those courses.

BIBL 5103 OT Introduction: Background and Theology
BIBL 5203 NT Introduction: Background and Theology
THEO 5213 Christian Theology: An Introduction
BIBL 5553 Reading the Bible: Exegesis and Interpretation

Core Courses (18 credits)

Students should give priority to taking the specific core courses offered each semester since they are only offered on a rotational basis.

BIBL 5303 Entering the Biblical Narrative
BIBL 5423 Biblical Interpretation and Modernity
THEO 5313 Philosophy for Understanding Theology
THEO 5423 Christianity in Conversation with Contemporary Worldviews
THEO 5533 A Theology of Vocation
CMIN 5363 The Meaning of Christian Community

Track (24 credits)

Choose either the Thesis Track or Comprehensive Examination Track

Thesis Track

Elective Courses (18 Credits)

MATC Electives (chosen from the list below)

Research (6 credits)

THEO 6203 Methods Seminar

THEO 6943 Thesis

Comprehensive Examination Track

Elective Courses (21 Credits)

MATC Electives (chosen from the list below)

Comprehensive Examination (3 credits)

THEO 6XX3

Electives (18 credits)

The following electives are periodically offered; other elective courses are also offered based on faculty availability and student demand.

LANG 5303 Biblical Languages: Method and Interpretation
THEO 6423 A History of Christian Theology
CMIN 6333 Church and Society in America
CMIN 6543 Theology and Contemporary Media: Interpreting the Hollywood Narrative
CMIN 6453 The Spirituality of Christian Worship
BIBL 6843 Texts Within Context: Special Topics and
BIBL 6913 Texts Within Context: Special Topics
THEO 6393 Biblical Imagery and Theological Imagination
LANG 6413 Hebrew I and
LANG 6423 Hebrew II
LANG 6513 Greek I and
LANG 6523 Greek II

Total Credits: 42

For more information or any questions that you might have about the M.A. in Theology & Culture program please contact our Graduate Enrollment Counselor for the College of Ministry:

Aaron Oosterwyk
aaron.oosterwyk@northwestu.edu
425.889.7792

Programs