You take seriously the history, theology, and biblical interpretation unique to the Black Church. Deepen your understanding in order to pursue compassion and justice.
The Master of Arts in Black Church Studies (MABCS) degree is designed to equip men and women to be scholars, church practitioners, and competent leaders in congregations and other settings within African American culture.
Is the Master of Arts in Black Church Studies program right for me? If you want to…
- Engage in ministries of justice, mercy, compassion, and love in Black communities of faith
- Explore the history, theology, and biblical interpretation unique to the Black Church
- Apply critical and responsible interpretation and use of Scripture in the Black Church
- Transform the historic place of the Black Church by addressing individual and systemic injustice in local and global contexts
- Become equipped to pursue further scholarship in this field of study
... then the Master of Arts in Black Church Studies program is right for you.
What to expect in the Master of Arts in Black Church Studies program:
- 55 semester hours of coursework
- A rigorous mix of core theology, spiritual formation, Black Church Studies courses, and electives
- Analysis of Black customs and culture within the church and family
- In-depth biblical study in the context of African American history and interpretation
- Examination of Black Theology and Black Church History
MABCS DOWNLOADS
MABCS Degree WorksheetDegree Design
CLASS NAME | CREDIT HOURS |
Preliminary and Summative Coursework | |
| BCS 7700 Internship in Black Church 1 | 1 hour |
| BCS 7705 Internship in Black Church 2 | 2 hours |
Spiritual Formation Courses | |
| Choose any 2 of the following 4 courses: | |
| BCS 5520 Spiritual Formation in the Black Tradition: Readings and Reflections | 2 hours |
| BCS 5521 Spiritual Formation in the Black Tradition: Readings and Reflections | 2 hours |
| BCS 5522 Spiritual Formation in the Black Tradition: Workshops/Retreat | 2 hours |
| BCS 5523 Spiritual Formation in the Black Tradition: Workshops/Retreat | 2 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 |
Black Church Studies Courses | |
| BCS 5500 Introduction to Black Church Studies | 3 hours |
| BCS 5505 History of the Black Church | 3 hours |
| BCS 5511 Black Theology | 3 hours |
| BCS 5527 Dynamics of the Black Church, Black Family & Black Minister | 3 hours |
| Choose any 1 of the following courses: | |
| BCS 5515 African American Biblical Interpretation | 3 hours |
| BCS 5530 Womanist Hermeneutics and Literature | 3 hours |
Elective Courses | |
| Open Electives | 9 hours |
Total Hours | 55 hours |
Dig Deeper
Our admissions staff are equipped as guides to listen to your concerns, evaluate your options, and help you decide what program or pathway is right for you.
Contact us today to begin your journey.
Start Your Journey
The link below will direct you to the Ashland University Graduate School online application to apply to the Master of Arts (Black Church Studies) program.
ASHLAND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY | 910 CENTER ST, ASHLAND, OH 44805
PH 866-ATS-OHIO | FX 419-289-5969 | ATS-OHIO@ASHLAND.EDU