University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and Theology Matters Collaborate on new Master of Arts in Reformed Theology

Apr 14, 2023 | University Relations

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (UDTS) and Theology Matters are proud to announce a new master of arts in Reformed theology, beginning August 2023.

The fully-accredited 36-credit degree, funded in part by the Lilly Endowment, will focus on a Reformed understanding of the Scriptures, study of classic texts and practices valued by the Reformed tradition, and congregational ministry. Instructors will include members of UDTS faculty and pastor-scholars whose knowledge has been tested in the academy and significant pastoral ministry. For courses offered in the fall 2023 semester, instructors will include Rev. Richard Burnett, PhD, executive director of Theology Matters and co-director of the master of arts in Reformed theology; Rev. Andrew Dearman, PhD, senior professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary; Rev. Bradley Longfield, PhD, professor of church history at UDTS and co-director of the master of arts in Reformed theology; Rev. Beth McCaw, DMin, associate professor of ministry at UDTS; and Rev. Timothy Matthew Slemmons, PhD, professor of homiletics and worship and director of the doctor of ministry program at UDTS.

"We are tremendously excited to offer this new degree in collaboration with Theology Matters and thankful for the generous support of the Lilly Endowment in this endeavor," said Mark Ward, PhD, dean of the seminary and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Dubuque.

Burnett likewise affirmed the strong support of this degree program and said, "Theology Matters has long had a passion for raising up lay and ordained leadership for Presbyterian congregations. This collaboration with Dubuque Seminary offers an exciting avenue for strengthening congregations in the Reformed tradition."

The courses in the master of arts in Reformed theology will include both online and face-to-face learning. This degree offers a pathway for those preparing for ordained or non-ordained leadership positions in the church or for those already serving in leadership positions, such as pastors, commissioned lay pastors (CLPs), those transferring into a Presbyterian denomination, or advanced lay teachers.

For more information, or to apply, contact Rev. Richard Burnett, PhD, executive director of Theology Matters and co-director of the master of arts in Reformed theology, at RBurnett@dbq.edu or 864.378.5416 or Rev. Samuel Felderman, MACL, director of seminary admission at UDTS, at UDTSadmission@dbq.edu or 563.589.3115.