MASTER OF ARTS IN TRANSFORMING SPIRITUALITY (MATS)

This degree educates and forms men and women in the area of spirituality. The degree balances a rootedness in the Christian tradition with an openness to the wisdom of the world’s spiritual beliefs and practices and to the spiritual hunger of those who may not identify with any religious tradition. It seeks to explore both the mystical and prophetic dimensions of spirituality. The degree is holistic and interdisciplinary in method, ecumenical and multicultural in scope, and recognizes the interfaith context of contemporary spirituality. It seeks to address the human and spiritual questions that arise within our 21 st century pluralistic society; pays special attention to the distinctive sensibilities that inform spirituality in the Pacific Northwest (a hunger for the Sacred, an appreciation for creation, openness to informal ways of belonging to spiritual communities and the pioneering spirit, which seeks a more just and peaceful world), while at the same time taking seriously communal and ecclesial realities that question and challenge the cultural value of individualism.

Specializations

Studies in Spirituality Specialization
In this specialization, a foundation in theology, scripture, and pastoral skills enables students to pursue in-depth studies in psycho-spiritual development, historical and contemporary spiritualities, and elective courses that enhance their particular goals in ministry.

Spiritual Direction Specialization
Those with a history of spiritual practice, of receiving spiritual direction, and of experience in listening to the faith journeys of others may apply for the specialization in spiritual direction. This program of study includes a supervised internship in spiritual direction. Admission into this specialization is dependent on demonstrated readiness.

Degree Requirements - Spirituality

I. Scripture

Six credits:

STMM 526 Hebrew Scriptures (3)

STMM 527 Christian Scriptures (3)

II. Systematic and Historical Theology

Nine credits:

STMM 500 Christian Anthropology (3)

STMM 563 History of Christian Spirituality (3)

Choose one of the following courses (3)

STMM 501 Christology (3)

STMM 503 Theology in an Ecumenical Context (3)

STMA 504 God, Creation and Trinity (3)

STMA 593 Images of God (3)

III. Spirituality, Ethics and Justice

Eighteen credits:

STMM 547 Christian Sexuality (3)

STMM 560 Ministry in a Multicultural Context (3)

STMM 561 Contemporary Christian Spirituality and Prayer (3)

STMA 561 Psycho-Spiritual Development (3)

STMA 570 Spiritual Discernment (3)

Elective in Ethics or Justice (3)

IV. Pastoral Skills and Ministerial Formation

Twelve credits:

STMM 548 Theological Reflection in Ministry (3)

STMM 553 Pastoral Care Skills (3)

STMM 554 Fostering Communities of Faith (3)

STMA 574 Spirituality Synthesis (3)

V. Electives (27)

MINIMUM CREDITS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE ................. 72

Degree Requirements - Spiritual Direction

I. Scripture

Six STMM credits, including:

STMM 526 Hebrew Scriptures (3)

STMM 527 Christian Scriptures (3)

II. Systematic and Historical Theology

Nine credits:

STMM 500 Christian Anthropology (3)

STMM 563 History of Christian Spirituality (3)

Choose one of the following courses (3)

STMM 501 Christology (3)

STMM 503 Theology in an Ecumenical Context (3)

STMM 505 Sacramental and Liturgical Theology (3)

STMM 510 Theology and Practice of Worship (3)

STMA 504 God, Creation and Trinity (3)

STMA 593 Images of God (3)

III. Spirituality, Ethics and Justice

Twenty-one credits:

STMM 547 Christian Sexuality (3)

STMM 560 Ministry in a Multicultural Context (3)

STMM 561 Contemporary Christian Spirituality and Prayer (3)

STMA 561 Psycho-Spiritual Development (3)

STMA 570 Spiritual Discernment (3)

STMA 571 Critical Issues in Spirituality (3)

Elective in Justice (3)

IV. Pastoral Skills and Ministerial Formation

Twenty-seven credits:

STMM 553 Pastoral Care Skills (3)

STMM 554 Fostering Communities of Faith (3)

STMA 574 Spirituality Synthesis (3)

STMM 557 Ministerial/Theological Integration I (3)

STMM 558 Ministerial/Theological Integration II (3)

STMM 559 Ministerial/Theological Integration III (3)

STMM 571 The Art of Spiritual Direction (3)

STMA 553 Art of Spiritual Direction Practicum I (3)

STMA 554 Art of Spiritual Direction Practicum II (3)

V. Electives (9)

MINIMUM CREDITS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE ................. 72