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Why ATS?

Discover Asian Theological Seminary's mission, history and message.

Academic Department

Discover Asian Theological Seminary's academic departments and their respective thesis requirements.

Academic Emphasis

The institution is dedicated to a rigorous academic emphasis that unites Bible Exposition, Systematic Theology, and Christian Ministry as the core of ministerial preparation. The Bible Exposition program trains students to interpret, apply, and proclaim the Scriptures with precision, employing sound hermeneutical and exegetical principles. Systematic Theology provides a comprehensive study of the doctrines of the Christian faith, examining their biblical foundations, historical development, and theological coherence. Christian Ministry courses equip students to apply biblical truth in leadership, pastoral care, discipleship, evangelism, and cross-cultural missions. This integrated approach ensures that graduates are both theologically grounded and practically equipped for service in diverse ministry contexts.

Student Specialization

Within the broader discipline of theology, students may pursue a specific field of study that reflects their vocational calling and academic interest. Areas of specialization include, but are not limited to, Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies, Historical Theology, Pastoral Theology, Missiology, Comparative Religions and Christian Education. Through advanced coursework, directed research, and faculty mentorship, students deepen their expertise in their chosen area while integrating biblical exegesis, theological reflection, and ministry application. This focused academic development prepares graduates to make meaningful scholarly and practical contributions to the church and the wider theological community.

Thesis Paper

The thesis paper represents the culminating academic requirement for students in the program and serves as evidence of their ability to conduct advanced theological research. Each student selects a thesis topic within their specialization and submits a detailed research proposal for faculty approval. The research process involves engagement with primary sources, including the biblical text in its original languages, historical theological writings, and church documents, as well as secondary scholarly literature. The completed thesis must demonstrate exegetical precision, theological depth, and ministry relevance. Upon submission, the candidate will defend the thesis before a faculty panel, demonstrating both mastery of the subject matter and the capacity to articulate and defend their findings with clarity and conviction.

Thesis Proposal Guidelines

  • Proposed Title: Clearly state the working title of your thesis.
  • Research Problem/Topic: Describe the specific problem, question, or subject you will address.
  • Purpose and Objectives: Explain the aim of your research and the objectives you intend to achieve.
  • Significance of the Study: Indicate why your study is important and how it contributes to theological scholarship and ministry.
  • Biblical and Theological Basis: Provide the scriptural foundation and theological relevance of your topic.
  • Methodology: Outline the approach, research methods, and resources you will use.
  • Preliminary Outline: Provide a tentative chapter-by-chapter outline.
  • Preliminary Bibliography: Include a list of at least 30 scholarly sources you plan to use.

Important Details

  • Submission Deadline: 30th November, One year prior to the expected date of graduation.
  • Format: Typed, Times New Roman, 12-point font, double spaced, using [insert citation style, e.g., Chicago/Turabian] format.
  • Length: 6-8 pages (excluding bibliography).
  • Submission Method: Submit a printed copy to the Academic Affairs Office.
  • Note: Students may not begin writing their thesis until their proposal has been reviewed and officially approved by the Academic Affairs Committee.

Final Thesis Submission

The final thesis draft must be submitted to the department faculty no later than the first Sunday of November in the student’s graduation year. Submissions received after this deadline will not be counted toward graduation requirements unless the student has received prior written approval for an extension from the Academic Affairs Committee. In exceptional circumstances, the Committee may grant an extension of up to two weeks to allow the student to complete the thesis. This provision does not permit students to postpone their graduation in order to join the next cohort.

Non-Thesis Degree Option

Students who are unable to submit their master’s thesis on time may opt to pursue a Master of Ministry (M.Min) or Master of Biblical Studies (M.B.S.) in place of the Master of Divinity (M.Div) or Master of Theology (M.Th) degree. This option is available only to students who have fulfilled all other graduation requirements except the thesis component and does not extend the student’s expected graduation date.

Thesis Defense

Upon approval of the final draft, the student will be scheduled for an oral thesis defense before a faculty panel. The defense will assess the student’s:

  • Mastery of the subject matter.
  • Ability to present findings clearly and logically.
  • Capacity to respond to questions and critiques with theological accuracy and academic integrity.

A successful defense is required for the thesis to be accepted as part of the student’s graduation requirements. Students who do not pass the defense may be granted an opportunity for revision and re-examination at the discretion of the Academic Affairs Committee.

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