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Degree Requirements/Courses

The M.A. in theology program requires completion of 37 semester credits of study that includes THG 501, Christian Leadership (one-credit introductory course); eight required core courses for 24 credits; and 12 credits of approved electives.

The program is designed with flexibility to allow students to concentrate their elective credits on specific areas of interest in ministry, such as pastoral care and counseling, youth ministry, and Christian culture. There are several options available for completing elective credits, including independent studies and directed reading.

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.

Curriculum

Core (Required) Courses – listed in recommended sequence

THG 501  Christian Leadership (one credit).  An introduction to the program, focusing especially on the opportunities and challenges of leadership in the church and in Christian organizations.

THG 510  The Great Tradition: History of Christianity I (three 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. 
 
THG 560 Old Testament Theology (three 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.

THG 540 Life of Jesus and the Early Church (three 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.

THG 520  Reformation and Renewal: History II (three 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.

THG 550 Letters of the New Testament (three 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.

THG 515  Christian Theology (three 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 the lives of the students and to ministry.  

THG 530 Christian Spirituality (three credits).  The history, theology and practice of Christian spirituality, and its implications for how students live, serve the church, and reach the world.

THG  525 Leadership in the Christian Community (three credits).  An exploration of the demands and needs of Christian ministry and the spiritual resources, practices, and strategies Christians can use to do their work well.

Possible Elective Course Options:

THG 570 Christianity and Culture (three credits).  An examination of the intersection of Christianity and contemporary culture, with special attentive given to Christian cultural influence.    
 
THG 580 Teaching and Preaching the Scriptures (three credits).  The study and practice of communication in ministry, including preparation and delivery of biblical messages, audience analysis, and small group leadership.

Congregational Renewal
Organizational Leadership
Youth and Family Ministry
The Global Christian Movement
Church Planting
Theology and Practice of Worship
Pastoral Care and Counseling
Independent Study
Directed Readings

Electives: 12 semester credits

Total program: 37 semester credits