Master of Arts in Theological Librarianship (MATL)

The Master of Arts in Theological Librarianship (MATL) is a 36-credit-hour degree program comprised of 18 credits in theological courses and 18 in librarianship courses that can be completed in 1.5 -2 years.

The MATL curriculum is designed to develop librarians with a foundational understanding of theological content and library science, equipping them to address the unique needs of theological libraries at Christian colleges, seminaries, and even churches. To support diverse educational paths, we offer multiple options, including a master’s degree, dual-degree program, and a certificate track in a flexible hybrid format. Librarianship courses will be offered as intensive 1-week courses with assignments due over the course of the following semester.

The program is rigorous and thorough, covering exegesis, church history, systematic theology, homiletics, pastoral theology (teaching, leadership, counseling, church order and discipline, and missions), biblical interpretation, and practical theology (human relationships, Christian living, and church administration).

Objectives

The aim of the MATL is for students to:

• Evidence research-level knowledge in the principal theological disciplines of Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Church History, and Practical Theology
• Demonstrate professional competency in the following areas: theological librarianship, leadership, communication, technology, organization, research, and collection management
• Cultivate and demonstrate spiritual and personal qualities that evidence the biblical principles of leadership necessary for ministry in the profession, the church, and the academy
• Recognize the distinctives of theological librarianship within the broader profession
• Demonstrate proficiency with the specific duties of the theological librarian in the library and within the broader institutional seminary

Admission Requirements

To apply for study in any of the master’s programs of the seminary, the applicant must ordinarily present the following application components:

1. A completed online application form.
2. Two letters of recommendation: an ecclesiastical letter of recommendation from the pastor or consistory (i.e., session or council) of the church of which the applicant is a member, and an academic letter of recommendation from a college professor under whose guidance the applicant has pursued studies.
3. Official transcripts of all academic work beyond high school. If more than one college was attended, transcripts from each institution must be sent. MATL applicants must have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree. If the bachelor’s program has not been completed at the time of application, a final transcript should be submitted before final admission can be granted. Applicants should have achieved a minimum average of 2.7 (B-) in college coursework.
4. Application essay(s). All applicants must submit a short essay (250–500 words) explaining why they are applying to PRTS. MATL applicants must also submit an essay describing their conversion and their calling to pursue the ministry. The specific details for these two essays can be found online when completing the general application form.
5. Academic writing sample. All applicants must submit an academic writing sample. This sample may be a previously written paper, article, or essay that demonstrates proper citation methods and ability to construct, in English, a graduate-level paper.
6. TOEFL or IELTS results. All ESL (English as a Second Language) students are required to submit their TOEFL or IELTS score. PRTS requires a minimum of 85 on the internet-based TOEFL. The IELTS equivalent required is 6.5. The PRTS reporting code is 0368.
7. Application fee of $30. The application fee is non-refundable.

Admission Consideration in Exceptional Cases

In exceptional cases, mature students (typically 30+ years) who feel a call to the profession later in life may be permitted to enter the MATL program without a four-year bachelor’s degree. Such a student could be admitted to the seminary by special approval, providing the applicant can demonstrate an equivalent academic background and/or evidence of current experience that prepares one for the MATL.

The seminary has chosen to limit its acceptance of mature students to a small percentage to maintain academic integrity and expectations at a master’s level.

Course Modalities

The majority of the MATL can be completed online. The program is currently structured to include several one-week intensive courses. Students choosing to complete the degree in residence will have additional opportunities to complete internship requirements at the William Perkins Library.

Tuition and Fees

• Application for admission (non-refundable): $30.00
• Enrollment deposit: $100.00 (applied to tuition)
• Tuition: $275.00 per credit
• Late registration fee: 5% of total semester tuition cost
• Distance Education fee: $75.00 per course that is taken from a distance
• Graduation fee: $75.00

Required Credits and Completion Time-frame

A total of 36 credit hours must be completed with a minimum 2.3 grade average (C+) for the completion of the MATL program. All credit hours for the MATL must be completed within four (4) years of matriculation; any exception must be approved by the academic dean.

The required courses for the MATL are as follows: