PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Whether you’re a recent religion graduate, clergy seeking professional development or a layperson interested in practical theological study — the Carson-Newman applied theology program welcomes you. Course content offers a unique model for doing theology at home and abroad, develops leadership skills, and enhances any vocation or ministry. A rich community in which to study.
Several metaphors mirror the multi-faceted dimensions of this degree: the lectern representing the rigorous academic study of texts and theological trends; the steeple symbolizing the commitment to take what is learned into the local church; a passport signifying the international scope, and the skyline of the city suggesting the application of theological learning in the workplace.
In the MAAT program, you’ll learn from an outstanding group of leading scholars and theologians from the US and around the world. Graduate seminars on the Jewish context of the Bible are held in Israel and spirituality explored in Southern Africa. Seminars such as “Ten Theologians that Speak from the Grave,” “In Search of Yourself,” “The Kairos Moments in Church History,” “The Voices of the Twentieth-Century Prophets,” and “Ethical Issues in the Twenty-First Century” also contribute to the unique character of the curriculum. Along with academic rigor, you’ll also be nurtured on a spiritual journey.
AT A GLANCE
36 credit hours
18-36 months
Combination of online classes and on-site classes
On-site classes meet bi-monthly on Saturdays at Carson-Newman’s Knoxville Education Center.
DID YOU KNOW?
M.A.A.T. seminars have been taught by theologians from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Several notable pastors, a leading Australian ethicist and lawyer, and a retired American Major General who served on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. are among our highly qualified faculty who have led seminars on Christian ministry, secular and spiritual trends in the post-Christendom city, and leadership.
VALUE
A graduate degree is an investment in your future, and we want to equip you to succeed.
• As a graduate student at Carson-Newman you’ll receive access to the full Microsoft Office suite.
• Graduate students enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours qualify to apply for federal financial aid. If you qualify, you can borrow up to $20,500 per year, which is more than enough to cover the total program cost.
• You’ll be assigned a personal faculty advisor, who will help draft a course plan tailored to your specific goals.
PAYMENT PLANS
Our no interest payment plans help reduce up-front costs. Enrolling in a payment plan allows you to make monthly payments on your direct charges instead of paying your full balance before classes start.
Our Office of Financial Aid is available to guide you through the many options available to graduate students at Carson-Newman.
COURSES
The Master of Arts in Applied Theology develops theological and philosophical literacy through the reading of significant, transformational texts and critical reflection on key theological ideas. With a focus on practice-oriented engagement, you’ll be challenged to apply theology to life issues in the marketplace and in the church. The program also offers you the opportunity to participate in national and international study and mission opportunities to develop social imagination and stimulate global awareness.
Coursework will include 24 hours of core seminars and 12 hours of elective seminars.
- The Old Testament Foundations for Christian Life and Service
- The New Testament Foundations for Christian Life and Service
- Themes in Biblical Theology
- Ethical Issues in the Twenty-First Century
- The Ideas and Kairos Moments of Church History through the Ages (annual Oxford University travel seminar)
- Foundations in Spirituality and Worship
- Love, Grief, and Anger
- The Art of Leadership
- The Social and Historical World of the Ancient Near East
- The World of Second Temple Judaism and the New Testament
- The Voices of the Twentieth-Century Prophets
- Ten Theologians that Speak From the Grave
- In Search of Yourself
- The Art of Communication
- Secular and Spiritual Trends in the Post-Christendom City
OR
- Elective Thesis (12 hours)
- Research and Writing (3 hours)
- A Readings Course in the Subject Area of Thesis (3 hours)
- Thesis (6 hours)
OR
- “Bi-vocational” elective (12 hours)
- Business (12 hours)
- Counseling (12 hours)
MASTER OF ARTS IN APPLIED THEOLOGY FACULTY
At Carson-Newman, faculty present a depth of theological knowledge along with diverse life experiences in ministry. Committed to living out the imitatio Christi, professors are here to guide you along your faith pilgrimage.
MASTER OF ARTS IN APPLIED THEOLOGY ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the common admission requirements for all C-N graduate programs, applicants to the applied theology graduate program (MAAT) must meet these minimum qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
- Minimum undergraduate grade point average of a 3.0*
- Letter of affirmation from the applicant’s pastor or similar written reference from an academic dean or chair of a school of religion if the candidate for admission is a ministerial student (on-line reference request form)
- An interview with the director of the M.A.A.T. program
- Written acceptance by the director of the M.A.A.T program
*Applicants not meeting the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 may submit a GRE score of at least 290 (contact GRE at www.ets.org/gre or 1-866-473-4373). Or, if the applicant has recently graduated from a regionally accredited law, medical, business or other professional, graduate or doctoral academic program, the equivalent class ranking or grade point average at such professional school will be considered.
Other factors that may be considered in the admission decision are:
- A demonstrated record of achievement
- Breadth and depth of work experience
- Leadership — demonstrated or potential
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
- Extracurricular and community involvement
- Current licensure(s)
