Find us on campus
Marin Campus
Master of Arts in Theological Studies
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) fosters development of theological understanding as part of educational, professional, and spiritual growth. This two-year degree program is a general academic degree, providing balanced exposure to theological disciplines while allowing for focus on an area of interest.
Degrees Offered
Master of Arts
Program Types
Graduate
Mode of Study
Hybrid
School / College
San Francisco Theological SeminaryWhat is a Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree?
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) at the San Francisco Theological Seminary fosters the development of theological understanding as part of educational, professional, and spiritual growth. This two-year degree program is a general academic degree, providing balanced exposure to theological disciplines while allowing for focus on an area of interest.
Why this program at SFTS?
The M.A.T.S. offers the same breadth as the M.Div., but with greater flexibility. M.A.T.S. students develop a final paper integrating their learning and are not required to complete an internship. The M.A.T.S. may also be pursued part-time, and with the option to study online, on campus, or a combination of the two. It is ideal for those looking to enrich personal or professional development through theological education.
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) fosters development of theological understanding as part of educational, professional, and spiritual growth. This two-year degree program is a general academic degree, providing balanced exposure to theological disciplines while allowing for focus on an area of interest.
This degree is designed for students who:
- Are not seeking ordination, but wish to work in a church setting
- Are ordained, but desire further academic work in theological studies
- Wish to enhance their understanding of theological perspectives, religious practices, and/or principles of compassion to their vocations and professions
Additional program information
This program allows for concentration in a field of study to a greater extent than the M.Div. requirements generally permit. The faculty and disciplines are organized into the following curricular areas:
- Biblical Studies
- History/Theology/Ethics
- Ministry/Spirituality
- Spiritual Care/Chaplaincy through the Shaw Chaplaincy Institute
- Or design your own!
The Graduate Theological Union (GTU)—the largest interfaith and interreligious consortium in North America—is an essential part of the SFTS student experience. As part of your master’s program at SFTS, you can study world religions and faith traditions with over 200 faculty in mainline Protestantism and Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism, as well as interdisciplinary topics such as art and religion or theology and science.
- Two years full-time; up to four years part-time
- 16 courses; 48 units
Program highlights
Flexible program offering
In-person in Marin campus or online in Fall and Spring
48
Credits
16
Courses
4
Concentrations
2 years
Full-time program completion
4 years
Part-time program completion
Graduate application deadlines
Upcoming
Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025. Students are encouraged to submit their application by the priority application date in order to expedite processing and ensure a smooth enrollment experience.
Request for Information
Get in touch with our admissions team.
Loading...