Portland Campus
Prospective StudentsCurrent StudentsFriends and GuestsActivities CalendarLibrarySyllabiFacultyFaculty PapersFinancial AidStudent Information System

CounselingCLLDoctor of MinistryDoctor of MissiologyIntercultural StudiesSpurgeon FellowshipWomen's Center

 

  

Master of Arts in Exegetical Theology (M.A.) Program

Program Objectives
Western Seminary offers the Master of Arts in Exegetical Theology degree for students seeking specialized, graduate, theological education. In addition to the Seminary’s general educational goals, the M.A. in Exegetical Theology program endeavors to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Cultivate skills in the efficient study and interpretation of Scripture;
  2. Provide theoretical and practical skills in one area of focused specialization; and
  3. Promote growth in Christian maturity demonstrated through effective interpersonal relationships.
The M.A. in Exegetical Theology program focuses upon graduate level education in the biblical and theological disciplines. It is ideal for students with various academic goals including individuals with a Bible school background who have been in full- time ministry for five years or more and realize the need for graduate study in theological and biblical disciplines; persons seeking a solid theological education to enhance their chosen professions and prepare them to fill a vital lay ministry role; students building a solid academic foundation for doctoral studies; and for men and women serving with parachurch organizations or other specialized ministries who desire advanced biblical/theological competency.

The program is not recommended for those preparing for a ministry where ordination is expected or required (e.g., the pastorate, chaplaincy, evangelism, and church planting) or for those who anticipate subsequent Doctor of Ministry studies.

M.A. in Exegetical Theology Core Outcomes
In addition to the Seminary’s general educational goals, the M.A. in Exegetical Theology program attempts to achieve specific outcomes:

  1. Be a person whose Christ-like character and dependence upon the Holy Spirit are worthy of being emulated, and whose integrity imparts credibility to his/her ministry.
  2. Be a person who understands his/her role in the furthering of God’s purposes.
  3. Be a person who experiences interdependency with other believers
  4. Be a person with a global vision who thinks, acts and prays strategically.
  5. Be able to engage in research in exegetical theological areas at an advanced level.
  6. Be able to interpret and apply biblical texts using sound hermeneutical principles and the biblical languages.
  7. Know the major themes and developments of God’s redemptive activity revealed in Scripture.
  8. Know the historical tenets and contemporary significance of evangelical theology and practice.
  9. Be able to think biblically and critically so that various truth claims can be effectively evaluated.
  10. Be able to communicate God’s truth clearly, accurately, and convincingly.
  11. 11. Be a true life-long learner, building upon his/her seminary training.

Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Seminary given on pages 18-19, applicants for the M.A. program are expected to present an accredited baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), including a breadth of liberal arts. Applicants who do not meet these general academic requirements may petition the Admissions Committee for consideration. A recommendation from the applicant’s pastor and three personal recommendations regarding the applicant’s Christian character and leadership potential also are required.

Top of Page

 
Copyright 2008 Western Seminary
Western Seminary Portland San Jose Sacramento