Master of Arts in Theology (M.A.)

SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

ALEXANDER HALL

206-281-2342

THEOLOGY@SPU.EDU

SPU.EDU/THEOLOGY

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Theology program is a foundational degree in theological studies that prepares persons for various forms of ministry or further study.

Students may choose a general track (Christian studies) or several more specialized tracks in Christian Scripture, student ministry and culture, or business and applied theology.

The master of arts in theology degree at Seattle Pacific University supports SPU's vision to engage the culture and change the world with the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ.

The M.A. degree is built on the classical theological disciplines of Scripture, church history, theology, and ethics. The learning obtained from these fields of study is applied to the pressing needs of the contemporary church and the postmodern world.

This degree also integrates recent insights and methods from the humanities, social sciences, fine arts, education, psychology, and business and economics into the study of theology and the practice of Christian ministry. 

The result is a core curriculum of 11 general theology courses (42 quarter credits) followed by specialized tracks. This core curriculum consists of two, one-week intensive introductory courses in discipleship and mission, and three courses each in Bible, church history, and theology/ethics. The M.A. in theology degree consists of 78 quarter credits overall (which is equivalent to 52 semester credits).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

University and program requirements for admission into the M.A. in Theology program includes:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.  Applicants must have had a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in the last 45 quarter credits (30 semester credits) of course work completed before applying for admission or in all undergraduate work, whichever is higher.
• Successful submission of all other materials and documents required for admission, as detailed below.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applicants who desire to enroll in Seattle Pacific University's Master of Arts in Theology program must submit:

1. A graduate application for admission.
2. 2. A $50 processing fee.
3. Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions.
4. Two letters of recommendation: (1) one from a clergyperson, church staff person, or parachurch professional who will attest to the applicant's emotional, spiritual, and academic readiness for graduate theological study; and (2) one academic reference from a former professor who knows the applicant's academic work well.
5. A typed personal statement. Statements should be three to four pages in length. The statement should address career objectives, a narrative of personal Christian experience, rationale for seeking the degree and choosing to attend SPU, and other insights the applicant deems appropriate.

International Students

Applicants who do not speak English as their first language must submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test is required. 

Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States must provide an official confidential affidavit of financial support covering the first year of intended enrollment. Without this document, SPU cannot issue an I-20 immigration form.

Acceptance Into the Program

The School of Theology Graduate Admissions Committee will evaluate applicants on the basis of their application materials. The combination of previous coursework, academic achievement, professional experience, emotional and spiritual preparedness, and personal goals will be used in the evaluation.

Admission to the program will be made by the SOT Graduate Admissions Committee and communicated to the applicant in conjunction with The Graduate Center.

Transfer credits

Applicants who wish to apply graduate-level coursework completed at a regionally accredited university, divinity school, or seminary into the M.A. in Theology program must provide applicable transcripts and/or syllabi. Applicants may transfer up to 27 quarter credits from an ATS-accredited institution into the M.A. in Theology program.

To receive transfer credit:

• Each course must be at least three graduate-quarter credits and be equivalent to courses taught in the School of Theology at SPU.
• Each course will be considered on a case-by-case basis as to the fulfillment of specific curricular requirements.
• A minimum grade of B will be needed for transferred work. 
• All courses applied toward the graduate degree must be taken within seven years of admission.
• In all cases, the final 27 M.A. in theology credits must be taken at SPU.

Credit for prior coursework

Applicants who (1) have been granted a master's degree from another regionally accredited university or (2) have taken graduate level coursework in theology or a field related to the cross-disciplinary courses offered in the Student Ministry and Culture or Business and Applied Theology tracks will have their transcripts evaluated during the admissions process.

Application Deadlines

Applications are due May 15. It is recommended that students complete application materials before April 1 to be eligible for financial aid.

CONTACT INFORMATION

To request application materials, contact The Graduate Center at gradadmissions@spu.edu, or at 206-281-2888 or 800-601-0603 (toll free).  Online applications are also available.

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