Purpose & Distinctives
The Master of Arts in Christian Studies (MA/CS) is fully accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA).
This program is designed to build a solid theological foundation and practical competence for Christian leaders serving in churches, academic institutions, and parachurch organizations. The curriculum provides a broad range of topics allowing students to cultivate specialized interests for future theological research.
100% Transferable to Master of Divinity (MDiv):
Graduates can transfer all 60 credits completed in the MA/CS directly into the 92-credit Master of Divinity (MDiv) program. Students intending to pursue the MDiv should intentionally select required MDiv courses (such as original Biblical Greek and Hebrew languages and Expository Preaching) for their elective credits.
Target Audience & Admission Prerequisites
Designed for church leaders, ministry staff, and dedicated lay leaders holding an associate, bachelor's, or equivalent degree, with at least two years of active ministry experience:
Church Deacons & Elders
Missions Co-workers
Worship Leaders & Directors
Sunday School & Bible Study Teachers
Campus & Youth Counselors
Curriculum Framework & Degree Requirements (60 Credits)
Composed of 6 core modules, credits valid up to 7 years. Fully transferable to MDiv.
| Curriculum Module & Course Details |
Credits |
| 1. Foundational Courses (3 Credits) |
| Theological Reading & Critical Reflection (ID5110) |
1 |
| Theological Research & Academic Writing (ID5120) |
1 |
| Sermon Preparation (ID5130) or Teaching Preparation (ID5140) |
1 |
| 2. Biblical Foundations (15 Credits) |
| Old Testament Survey (OT5000) |
4 |
| New Testament Survey (NT5000) |
4 |
| Hermeneutics & Biblical Interpretation (HBL5000) |
4 |
| Inductive Bible Study Method & Practice (HBL5090) |
2 |
| Introduction to Lectio Divina (HBL5001) |
1 |
| 3. Concentration Electives (16 Credits) |
| Department Electives (Must include at least one Bible Book Study course) |
16 |
| 4. Theology & Church History (12 Credits) |
| Systematic Theology |
4 |
| Church History: New Testament to Modern Era (CH5020) |
4 |
| World Religions & Cultural Engagement (MI6702) |
4 |
| 5. Practical Theology & Leadership (12 Credits) |
| Missions, Counseling & Educational Ministry Electives |
8 |
| Pastoral Core: Spiritual Formation (PM5010) & Intentional Discipleship (PM6100) |
4 |
| 6. Supervised Ministry Practicum (2 Credits) |
| Supervised Ministry Practicum I (PM6901) |
2 |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation |
60 Credits |
8 Key Academic Guidelines & Policies
1. Non-Bachelor Applicant Evaluation
Applicants without a bachelor's degree will be evaluated for prerequisite credit requirements (contact admissions at ruxuezu@timotai.org).
2. Returning Student Credit Evaluation
Existing coursework may be evaluated toward degree candidacy via the registrar (jiaowuzu@timotai.org).
3. Mandatory 3 Foundational Courses
ID5110, ID5120, and ID5130/5140 are mandatory prerequisites assessing academic readiness.
4. Standard Bible Contents Test
Passing students may substitute survey courses with advanced book studies.
5. Practicum Prerequisites
Practicum I (PM6901) requires 40 credits: 3 foundational, 15 biblical, and 22 degree course credits.
6. Program Time Limit
Course credits are valid for up to 7 years from matriculation.
7. Minimum Graduation GPA
Minimum GPA is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (3.3 for associate degree admits without extra credits).
8. Practical Theology Elective Policy
8 credits in Missions, Counseling, or Education; PM5010 and PM6100 are core requirements.