The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) (MATS) is designed to provide the academic background and skills needed for engaging in advanced theological studies. The program seeks to provide the spiritual, intellectual, biblical, historical, and theological tools for sound theological research and teaching. The program is designed for students who wish to become better equipped for a focused ministry of teaching and/or research either in church, mission, or academic settings. The MATS is also well-suited for students who wish to go on for doctoral programs in Old Testament, New Testament, or theology.

Download "Recommended Reading List for MATS Old Testament and MABLE"

Thesis and Non-thesis Tracks

Students may complete the M.A. in Theological Studies degree following a thesis or non-thesis track. Students opting to follow the thesis track must maintain a 3.50 cumulative GPA and have the approval of the program coordinator. Non-thesis students are required to take a three-hour reading course plus two additional electives (typically in the area of their major).

Anticipated Outcomes

1. Articulate an evangelical theology that demonstrably arises out of Scripture and finds expression in all areas of life and ministry.
2. Be equipped for serving in the local church and its global mission.
3. Be recognized as a mature disciple of Jesus Christ.

MATS graduates will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate both astuteness and breadth of scholarship in their specific concentration.
2. Give evidence of their capacity to implement theological scholarship in a teaching and/or ministry context.
3. Articulate a spirituality of scholarship that describes their approach to integrating academic learning into personal formation.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete the 60 credit hour program of studies as outlined
• Achieve a minimum of a 2.50 cumulative grade point average on a 4.00 scale
• Maintain a 3.50 cumulative GPA if following the thesis track
• Complete at least 30 hours of this program through our seminary
• Successfully complete a Portfolio and Interview
• Receive the recommendation of the seminary faculty
• Complete all program requirements within seven years of beginning studies
• Meet all financial obligations to the seminary
• Fulfill all academic and financial requirements

Degree Requirements (60 credit hours)
 

Core (12 credit hours)

In consultation with the Program Coordinator, students choose one course from each of the following four areas of study:

*May include CM 600 Spiritual Formation for Ministry, CM 601 Philosophy and Foundation for Ministry; LE 605 Personal and Service Development

Theological Studies (30 credit hours)
 

Electives (18 credit hours)
 

* Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 and have the approval of the program coordinator in order to qualify to write a thesis. Students who do not qualify or wish to opt out of the thesis must include RD806 Reading Course (in the area of their concentration) and two electives (6) typically in the area of their concentration.

** Can include advanced Hebrew language classes.

David Guretzki, PhD
Program Coordinator & Faculty Advisor 

dguretzki@briercrest.ca
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David grew up at Onoway Evangelical Free Church where he came to know the Lord. He served as Assistant Pastor at Lacombe EFC from 1989-1992, after which he pursued further education and joined the faculty at Briercrest, where he has been seeking to equip people for ministry ever since. He teaches and researches on a broad number of topics, but focuses on the theology of forgiveness and reconciliation, on the nature of the Church and Kingdom of God, and the Christian's place in public life.

David serves as an elder at Caronport Community Church, is a national board member for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and past president of the Canadian Evangelical Theological Association. He is involved in regular preaching and teaching in various church contexts in Western Canada. David has been married to Maureen since 1989. They have three school-aged children. When David manages to find a few spare moments, he is involved in Amateur Radio, reading novels, and woodworking.

Susan Wendel, PhD

swendel@briercrest.ca
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Susan is married to Bruce Wendel, and they are the proud parents of four young adult children. Both Susan and Bruce are graduates of Briercrest Seminary and have served the church in various formal and informal capacities over the past twenty years.

Eric Ortlund, PhD

eortlund@briercrest.ca
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Eric, his wife, Erin, and their two children, Kate and Will, moved to Caronport in July 2006. He worked on an M.Div. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity Seminary in Chicago for two years and served as a youth pastor in a local Presbyterian church before sensing God's call to study the Old Testament. His interests focus in Isaiah and the Psalms, but he loves studying and teaching any part of the Hebrew Bible as well as the OT's Ancient Near Eastern environment, the history of interpretation, and the Hebrew language.