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Courses

In many theology graduate programs, a clear division exists between the academic side of education and the practical side of education, between classroom activities and the practice of spiritual discipline, between traditional subjects, such as church history, and practical ministry. 

Whitworth's M.A. in Theology Program is designed to unite what has often been divided. For example, students study traditional academic disciplines; at the same time, they explore how these disciplines inform practical ministry. In short, the program unites academic and professional, theory and practice, academy and church, traditional curriculum and practical application. It provides a rigorous academic program for the purpose of renewing the church and its ministry in and to the world.

The Master of Arts in Theology Program features courses taught primarily by Whitworth University's theology faculty members, whose contributions to the program spring from their deep commitment to fostering Christian leadership among pastors and lay leaders, both within the church and in the community.

Whitworth professors will be joined by members of the Christian professional community who offer expertise in their key specialties.

Core Courses:
Christian Leadership (1 credit)
An introduction to the  program, focusing especially on the opportunities and challenges of leadership in the church and in Christian organizations.

The Great Tradition: History of Christianity I (3 credits)
The history, thought, and practices of the Christian church from its beginning to the dawn of the Reformation, with special attention given to pastoral, ecclesiastical, and cultural issues.  

Christian Theology (3 credits)
An examination of the major topics of Christian theology.  Attention will be given to the core content of each doctrine, the coherence of the doctrines with one another, and the practical relevance of these doctrines to our lives and ministry.  

Reformation and Renewal: History II (3 credits)
The history, thought, and practices of the Christian church from the beginning of the Reformation to the present, with special emphasis on church reform and spiritual renewal.

Pastoral Ministry (3 credits)
An exploration of the demands and needs of pastoral ministry and the spiritual resources, practices, and strategies pastors can use to do their work well.

Christian Spirituality (3 credits)
The history, theology and practice of Christian spirituality, and its implications for how students live, serve the church, and reach the world.  

Life of Jesus and the Early Church (3 credits)
The pivotal events and major teachings of Jesus as recorded in the four gospels and the growth of the church as recorded in the book of Acts, with special application to the church today. 

Letters of the New Testament (3 credits)
A detailed study of the Pauline epistles, Hebrews, the general epistles, and Revelation, with primary focus on theology and ethics, development of exegetical skills, hermeneutical understanding, and practical application to the life of the church.

Old Testament Theology (3 credits)
The content and theology of the Old Testament in light of its literary, historical and religious background, with a view to gaining a good working knowledge of Old Testament theological themes.  

Christianity and Culture (3 credits)
An examination of the intersection of Christianity and contemporary culture, with special attentive given to Christian cultural influence.     

Teaching and Preaching the Scriptures (3 credits)
The study and practice of communication in ministry, including preparation and delivery of biblical messages, audience analysis, and small group leadership.

Electives: 6 semester credits

Total program:  37 semester credits