Questions and Answers
about the Master of Theology
Why ABTS?
ABTS believes in the holistic formation of leaders and seeks to help transform its students not only intellectually, but also affectively and behaviorally. The curriculum is not based on developing theologians who are detached from the realities of life and of the local church. Rather, it is based on the importance of theological reflection on the local context of the church so that it effectively serves its community. ABTS does not seek to create identical copies of students. Rather, it respects the individuality of each student’s thinking and personality as created by God. ABTS seeks to refine students’ characters through holistic formation, critical thinking, academic research, and theological training.How does studying at ABTS help students?
ABTS works with students through its theological program and faculty to theologically prepare them as best as possible, without requiring students to leave their ministry, family, or work. ABTS accompanies students throughout the whole period of study to enable them to reach the peak of their potential and fulfill God’s calling on their life. This will reflect positively at their church in its local Middle Eastern context. In order to achieve this desired outcome, ABTS works on developing postgraduate studies in theology (MTh and PhD) to develop local theologians and writers who serve the Church in its Arabic context.How does studying at ABTS help students?
ABTS works with students through its theological program and faculty to theologically prepare them as best as possible, without requiring students to leave their ministry, family, or work. ABTS accompanies students throughout the whole period of study to enable them to reach the peak of their potential and fulfill God’s calling on their life. This will reflect positively at their church in its local Middle Eastern context. In order to achieve this desired outcome, ABTS works on developing postgraduate studies in theology (MTh and PhD) to develop local theologians and writers who serve the Church in its Arabic context.Who is the Master of Theology designed for?
The Arab Baptist Theological Seminary has designed the Master of Theology for all up-and-coming theologians who want to further their theological and academic abilities to enrich the Arabic Christian library with local Arabic-language resources produced by Arab thinkers who are engaged with and understand their contemporary culture. The Master of Theology is also a preparatory degree for all those who would like to move on to the doctorate program later.What are the theological and biblical courses that I will study in the Master of Theology?
The Master of Theology at ABTS is based on two foundations: Theological studies and Biblical studies. These are supplemented by a Research Methodology course that sharpens the student’s skills in research and academic writing. These three foundational elements form the basis for the student’s thesis/final research project, which is the culmination of all that the student has gained during their studies. The Master of Theology is a 90-ECTS credit program.How long does it take to complete the Master of Theology?
ABTS provides two options for part-time study needed to complete the degree and is working on developing a full-time option.Option 1: Three years and a half of 15 hours of study per-week.
Option 2: Two years and a half of 25 hours of study per-week.
Option 3: A year and a half of full-time study. This option is still under consideration and is yet to be offered by the seminary.
What is the nature of the program?
The MTh is an online program that only encourages students to come to Lebanon for the graduation ceremony. The Seminary has designed this program to lighten the burden of travel and its costs on the students to provide students with an opportunity for higher theological education at the lowest cost possible.What are the needed student qualifications for the program?
Applicants must have completed a first degree in theology to qualify for the Master of Theology Program. Holders of undergraduate degrees in fields other than theology must have completed the equivalent of 60 ECTS credits or the equivalent of the first year of study in the Bachelor of Theology program to be able to apply for the MTh program.Is proficiency in the English language needed for the Master of Theology?
Yes, proficiency in the English language is needed for studying in the Master of Theology program. Applicants must have taken the TOEFEL exam or an equivalent language proficiency test to be accepted. The program is taught in Arabic, but the student needs to engage with theological resources in the English language for course readings and research. Seminars could be held in English and without translation, and the students need to understand the content, engage with the professor, and engage with other students.Is the degree accredited?
The Arab Baptist Theological Seminary is an accredited member of the European Council for Theological Education (ECTE) and the Middle East and North Africa Association for Theological Education (MENATE). Our current degrees were accredited in 2015 by the ECTE and were reaccredited in 2019. The Seminary will continue to work with ECTE to accredit the Master of Theology as well.What if a student wants to pursue higher education in theology?
Since the programs at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary are accredited by the European Council for Theological Education (ECTE) (review previous question), the Master of Theology allows students to continue their theological education worldwide, specifically with other seminaries that follow the educational standards of ICETE (International Council for Evangelical Theological Education).What other programs are provided at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary?
The currently provided degrees are:• Certificate in Ministry – Online
• Bachelor of Theology – Hybrid
• Master of Religion in Middle Eastern and North African Studies – Hybrid
• Master of Theology – Online
• PhD in Philosophy (under development)