The Master of Arts in Theology degree, Theology and the Arts format, is designed to prepare students with a strong background and/or interest in the arts to work as practicing artist/theologians or as those able to navigate the intersection between theology and the arts.  The goal is to produce graduates who will be shapers/interpreters of culture and/or theologically grounded artists.  Those who wish to pursue work as practicing artists, teachers, workers in related fields, or those intending further study will gain the historical, theological, biblical, and cultural preparation that will enable them to work as practitioners/theologians.  It is assumed that students entering into this area of study will have a strong background or interest in a particular art form and/or in the academic study of that art.  It is strongly recommended that the student cross-enroll in at least one graduate-level course at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena (or another institution, with approval of the faculty coordinators) to incorporate perspectives from the contemporary art world into their personal integration of theology and art.  The final thesis/art project will be designed individually as a learning contract between the student and his or her academic mentor. Faculty Coordinators: Dr. Robert Johnston and Dr. William Dyrness. 

96 Quarter Units

Biblical Studies (16 units)
New Testament (8 units)
           Introduction to Gospels or Introduction to Acts-Revelation
           New Testament Book Study

Old Testament (8 units)
          Pentateuch, Hebrew Prophets, or Old Testament Writings
           Old Testament Book Study

Ethics (4 units)

Choose one of the following (4 units)
           Contemporary Culture in Missiological Perspective
           Theology and Pop Culture
           Theology, Pop Culture, and the Emerging Church
           Core Philosophy course
           An Art Center College of Design course chosen in consultation with faculty coordinators

Choose one of the following Major Theologian courses (4 units)
           Ethics of Bonhoeffer
           Theological Ethics of Reinhold and H. Richard Niebuhr
           Karl Barth and Evangelical Theology
           Bonhoeffer: Life and Thought
           Theology of C.S. Lewis
           Theologian of Mission and Ministry: Lesslie Newbigin