Master of Arts

Historical and Theological Studies

Pursue
Theological Truth

Would you like to develop a firm grounding in the core aspects of your Christian faith? Whether you’re interested in theological studies to pursue teaching, research or further graduate education, the Master of Arts (Historical and Theological Studies) will equip you to understand and apply theological truth in your context. Our supportive staff and engaging coursework teach you dependence on Christ as you apply your newly-developed skills to your ministry approach.

Our program equips you to understand and communicate the pivotal history and doctrines of the Christian faith. Through your studies, you will be able to give a systematized summary of Christianity’s theology and development throughout time. Your coursework will encourage you to engage personally in your relationship with Christ as you complete research using critical interpretation, historical integration and theological reflection. Learn from world-class scholars who have decades of ministry experience.

What to Expect

Through the MAHTS, you will learn how to interpret and apply Scripture responsibly in your ministry or professional setting. You will also establish communal and personal disciplines designed to nourish your life with Christ. Our program equips you to engage in critical theological and historical reflection that is faithful to the Bible, grounded in history and relevant to your context. Coursework reflects ongoing practices of justice bearing witness to the kingdom of God within multi-cultural contexts.

Coursework

55 Credit Hours

The Master of Arts (Historical & Theological Studies) degree is intended to prepare students for further graduate study in history, theology, or ethics; to equip leaders for teaching in denominational or local church contexts; and to serve Christians who do not plan to teach but who desire a deeper understanding of their faith. The degree is flexible to serve these different purposes. It can be completed through online courses, face-to-face courses, or a combination of both. A master’s thesis is optional.

Having completed the Master of Arts (Historical and Theological Studies), students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate critical and faithful interpretation and responsible use of Scripture in appropriate ministry and professional settings
  2. Establish communal and personal disciplines that nourish Christian spiritual and moral formation
  3. Form a missional vision of kingdom ministry within multi-cultural and multi-faith contexts
  4. Demonstrate critical theological reflection that is biblically faithful, historically grounded, contextually relevant, and integrated with life and ministry
  5. Develop ongoing just and moral practices that bear witness to the full scope of the kingdom of God
  6. Demonstrate skill in historical and/or theological research


All of your studies can be completed online or in-person and are designed for you to easily integrate into your life and ministry. If you are considering pastoral ordination, our MDiv degree will likely be a better fit for you.

Summative Coursework
CHS/CTH 7799 Thesis 3 hours

Spiritual Formation Courses
SPF 5540 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 4 hours

Core Courses
BSG 5501 Engaging Texts and Contexts 3 hours
CHS 5500 Story of the Christian Faith 3 hours
CTH 5520 Christian Theology for the Kingdom of God 3 hours
ETH 5530 Christian Ethics 3 hours
MSS 5501 Kingdom Mission in a Global Community 3 hours
NTS 5511 Introduction to the New Testament 3 hours
OTS 5511 Introduction to the Old Testament (Part 1) 3 hours
OTS 5512 Introduction to the Old Testament (Part 2) 3 hours

Historical and Theological Studies Courses
CHS 6620 Varieties of Early Christian Thought OR
NTS 6652 New Testament Theology 3 hours
CHS 6630 History and Thought of the Reformation 3 hours
CHS 6640 Contemporary Theological Perspectives 3 hours
CHS/CTH Electives 6 hours
ETH Elective 3 hours

Elective Courses
Open Electives 6 hours

Total Hours 55 hours

Click here to download a PDF of required courses.

You can complete your Historical and Theological Studies coursework online or in-person using any combination of the following modalities:

Attend class live from your location when you connect virtually through a Traditional Access class.

Complete weekly coursework independently online and engage with your professor and peers regularly.

Complete weekly coursework on-demand and join scheduled meetings online with your professor and peers.

Attend class in person less than 50% of the time. Complete the rest of your coursework independently online.

Attend class live and in-person with your professor and peers at our historic campus in Ashland, Oh.

Study with scholars who have decades of real-world ministry experience. Our faculty are called to train faithful followers for effective ministry and are personally invested in you.

Step Into Your Calling

Develop a firm grounding in the core historical and theological aspects of your Christian faith.

Hear from Students

David Van Hal

2019 ATS Graduate

Ashland gave me the opportunity to explore the Bible and the Faith with incredible professors and classmates from a variety of church backgrounds. I am beyond grateful for the lifelong tools, experiences and growth it has provided.

Mary Kaufman

2008 ATS Graduate

I will forever treasure my experience at Ashland Theological Seminary. Through my studies, I developed the ability to not only know the truth but to live by the truth. The other students became like family to me and we truly locked arms by learning and growing in our faith together.

Theological Education You Can Afford

One of your main concerns with theological education may be the costs involved. For a limited time, we’re offering a $6,000 scholarship to the first 100 new students matriculating in fall 2022. In addition, all returning students will receive 15% off the total cost of tuition for fall & spring semesters to ensure you can access the ministry preparation you need. 

Request More Information

We’re here to support you as you follow God’s call on your life. When you complete this form, we will personally reach out to discuss our Master of Arts (Historical and Theological Studies) program. We’re here to support you as you discern which path of ministry at Ashland Theological Seminary is right for you.

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