Arts & Humanities

Master of Arts in Theology - Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies

The Master of Theology in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies is a specialised postgraduate programme that equips scholars to investigate and document Pentecostal and Charismatic phenomena in the Global South. The programme analyses characteristics, trends, and expressions of Classical Pentecostalism, Neo-classical Pentecostalism, and New Religious Movements dominant in the Global South.

Core areas include Pentecostal theology, Charismatic studies, Global South Christianity, Pentecostal history, Neo-classical Pentecostalism, New Religious Movements, biblical and theological foundations of Pentecostalism, and research methods. Students engage with both theoretical frameworks and empirical research.

The programme is offered by Pan Africa Christian University (PAC University) through its School of Theology. PAC University was established in 1978 as a Bible college by the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) and chartered as a university in 2008, marking a significant milestone as the first PAOC university in the world.

Students develop competencies in articulating the contextual nature of Christianity in the Global South, critically examining biblical and theological foundations for Pentecostal and Charismatic faith, employing theoretical and methodological approaches to Pentecostalism, and developing a theology of Pentecostal and Charismatic movement.

PAC University (private) charges approximately KES 90,189–282,150/year for master's programmes. The programme runs for 2 years with intakes in January, May, and September. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.70 or Second Class Upper Division.

Graduates pursue careers as Pentecostal theology educators, pastors, researchers, church leaders, and theological writers in churches, seminaries, theological institutions, and religious organisations.

Skills Required

Pentecostal Theology and Doctrine
Charismatic Studies and Analysis
Global South Christianity
Pentecostal History and Movements
New Religious Movements Analysis
Biblical Foundations of Pentecostalism
Theological Research Methods
Contextual Theology
Church Leadership and Ministry
Academic Writing and Publication

Key Subjects

Pentecostal Theology and Doctrine
Charismatic Studies and Movements
Global South Christianity
Pentecostal History and Origins
New Religious Movements
Biblical Foundations of Pentecostalism
Pentecostal Hermeneutics
Theological Research Methods
Contextual Theology in Africa
Pentecostal Mission and Evangelism

Certifications

SPS Pentecostal Studies Certification
ATS Theological Education Certification

Specializations

Classical Pentecostalism

Focuses on Classical Pentecostalism, Azusa Street Revival, Pentecostal denominations, Pentecostal theology, and understanding and analysing classical Pentecostal movements and theology.

Neo-Classical Pentecostalism

Examines Neo-classical Pentecostalism, charismatic renewal, neo-Pentecostal churches, prosperity gospel, and understanding and analysing neo-classical Pentecostal movements.

New Religious Movements

Covers New Religious Movements, NRM theology, NRM practices, NRM analysis, and understanding and analysing New Religious Movements in the Global South.

Pentecostal Biblical Hermeneutics

Focuses on Pentecostal biblical interpretation, hermeneutics, Spirit-empowered reading, Pentecostal exegesis, and interpreting biblical texts from Pentecostal perspectives.

Global South Christianity

Examines Global South Christianity, African Christianity, Asian Christianity, Latin American Christianity, and understanding and analysing Christianity in the Global South.

Pentecostal Mission and Evangelism

Covers Pentecostal mission, evangelism, church planting, missions theology, and understanding and practising Pentecostal mission and evangelism.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
Private, up to: Ksh 242,775
Job market: Low

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 12 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Pentecostal Theology and Doctrine
Charismatic Studies and Movements
Global South Christianity
Pentecostal History and Origins
New Religious Movements
Biblical Foundations of Pentecostalism
Pentecostal Hermeneutics
Theological Research Methods
Contextual Theology in Africa
Pentecostal Mission and Evangelism

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines Pentecostal and Charismatic studies, Classical Pentecostalism, Neo-classical Pentecostalism, New Religious Movements, and understanding Pentecostal and Charismatic phenomena.
Pentecostal Theology and Doctrine
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers Pentecostal theology, Spirit baptism, gifts of the Spirit, divine healing, prosperity theology, and understanding and systematising Pentecostal doctrine.
Theological Research Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines theological research methods, design, methodology, academic writing, and conducting Pentecostal studies research, preparing students for their thesis.
History of Pentecostalism
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers Pentecostal history, Azusa Street Revival, Pentecostal origins, Pentecostal denominations, African Pentecostalism, and understanding Pentecostal historical development.
Global South Christianity
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines Global South Christianity, African Christianity, Asian Christianity, Latin American Christianity, and understanding and analysing Christianity in the Global South.
Pentecostal Biblical Hermeneutics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers Pentecostal biblical interpretation, hermeneutics, Spirit-empowered reading, Pentecostal exegesis, and interpreting biblical texts from Pentecostal perspectives.
New Religious Movements in the Global South
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines New Religious Movements, NRM theology, NRM practices, NRM analysis, and understanding and analysing New Religious Movements in the Global South.
Charismatic Movements and Neo-Pentecostalism
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers charismatic renewal, neo-Pentecostal movements, prosperity gospel, megachurches, and understanding and analysing charismatic and neo-Pentecostal movements.
Pentecostal Mission and Evangelism
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines Pentecostal mission, evangelism, church planting, missions theology, and understanding and practising Pentecostal mission and evangelism.
Contextual Theology in Africa
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers contextual theology, African theology, inculturation, African Pentecostal theology, and understanding and doing theology in African context.
Thesis Proposal
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Preparation of thesis proposal, including research design, literature review, methodology, and proposal presentation for thesis.
Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original thesis on a Pentecostal and Charismatic studies topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Classical Pentecostalism
Focuses on Classical Pentecostalism, Azusa Street Revival, Pentecostal denominations, Pentecostal theology, and understanding and analysing classical Pentecostal movements and theology.
Neo-Classical Pentecostalism
Examines Neo-classical Pentecostalism, charismatic renewal, neo-Pentecostal churches, prosperity gospel, and understanding and analysing neo-classical Pentecostal movements.
New Religious Movements
Covers New Religious Movements, NRM theology, NRM practices, NRM analysis, and understanding and analysing New Religious Movements in the Global South.
Pentecostal Biblical Hermeneutics
Focuses on Pentecostal biblical interpretation, hermeneutics, Spirit-empowered reading, Pentecostal exegesis, and interpreting biblical texts from Pentecostal perspectives.
Global South Christianity
Examines Global South Christianity, African Christianity, Asian Christianity, Latin American Christianity, and understanding and analysing Christianity in the Global South.
Pentecostal Mission and Evangelism
Covers Pentecostal mission, evangelism, church planting, missions theology, and understanding and practising Pentecostal mission and evangelism.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MTh in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies programme at PAC University combines lectures, seminars, research, and ministry formation. Sessions cover Pentecostal theology, Charismatic studies, Global South Christianity, and Pentecostal history. Pentecostal theology sessions examine Pentecostal doctrine, Spirit baptism, gifts of the Spirit, divine healing, and understanding and systematising Pentecostal theology. Charismatic studies sessions cover charismatic renewal, neo-Pentecostal movements, prosperity gospel, and understanding and analysing charismatic movements. Global South Christianity sessions examine African Christianity, Asian Christianity, Latin American Christianity, and understanding and analysing Christianity in the Global South. Pentecostal history sessions cover Azusa Street Revival, Pentecostal origins, Pentecostal denominations, African Pentecostalism, and understanding Pentecostal historical development. New Religious Movements sessions examine NRM theology, NRM practices, NRM analysis, and understanding and analysing New Religious Movements. Biblical hermeneutics sessions cover Pentecostal biblical interpretation, Spirit-empowered reading, Pentecostal exegesis, and interpreting biblical texts from Pentecostal perspectives. Mission sessions examine Pentecostal mission, evangelism, church planting, and understanding and practising Pentecostal mission. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering theological research, design, methodology, and academic writing. The programme uses a trimester system with intakes in January, May, and September. Guest lectures from Pentecostal scholars, pastors, and church leaders provide real-world insights. The programme culminates in a thesis on a Pentecostal and Charismatic studies topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme is unique in Kenya, offered only at PAC University, providing specialised skills in Pentecostal and Charismatic studies.
PAC University was established by the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, providing direct links to global Pentecostal networks and scholarship.
Programme focuses on Global South Christianity, addressing the shift of Christianity to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Pentecostalism is the fastest-growing Christian movement globally, creating demand for qualified scholars and leaders.

Against it

Programme is only offered at PAC University (private), providing no public university option.
Tuition fees range widely (KES 90,189–282,150/year) and the exact fee structure is not easily accessible.
Job market demand is low, with career paths primarily in religious institutions, seminaries, and academia.
Programme is highly specialised, limiting career flexibility compared to broader theology degrees.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public171k to 221k

171k at Maseno University221k at University of Nairobi

Private90k to 243k

90k at Pan Africa Christian University243k at Africa International University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

AIU Masters 95.5K/sem. PAC MTh Pentecostal existing value. UoN 220.5K/yr. Maseno unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. PAC University offers scholarships to continuing students after at least two trimesters, though currently only available to undergraduate students. Work-study opportunities are also available. SPS supports Pentecostal scholarship globally. The programme's Pentecostal focus attracts church, seminary, and religious organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
PAC University Scholarships
SPS Research Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate theology studies at recognised universities.
PAC University Work-Study
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
PAC University offers work-study opportunities to students, providing financial support through campus work.
SPS Research Funding
GrantKsh 200,000
Society for Pentecostal Studies supports Pentecostal scholarship globally, providing research grants for Pentecostal studies scholars.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: PAC University offers Master of Theology in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies through its School of Theology. The programme runs for 2 years with intakes in January, May, and September. PAC University uses a trimester system. The programme is designed for scholars, pastors, church leaders, and those interested in Pentecostal and Charismatic studies. Application fee is KES 2,000. Contact PAC University admissions for specific requirements and procedures.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, theological papers, exegetical studies, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering Pentecostal theology, history, Global South Christianity, and research methods.
Ministry Practicum
Practical40% of the mark
Practical assessment through ministry practicum, supervised church involvement, ministry reflection, and demonstrating ministry competencies and formation.
Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original thesis on a Pentecostal and Charismatic studies topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). PAC University is a chartered university (2008) offering Master of Theology in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies through its School of Theology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate theology training with specialisation in Pentecostal and Charismatic studies.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. PAC University is a chartered university (2008) offering Master of Theology in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies through its School of Theology. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate theology training with specialisation in Pentecostal and Charismatic studies.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Pentecostal Theology Lecturer
Low demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Teaches Pentecostal theology in universities and seminaries, conducting research and training future Pentecostal scholars and church leaders.
Senior Pastor
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 400,000
Leads Pentecostal church ministry, overseeing worship, preaching, pastoral care, church administration, and supporting church congregation and growth.
Theological Researcher
Low demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts Pentecostal studies research, overseeing research projects, publications, analysis, and supporting Pentecostal scholarship and knowledge generation.
Church Planter
Low demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 350,000
Plants and leads new churches, overseeing church planting, evangelism, discipleship, and establishing and growing new Pentecostal congregations.
Christian Author
Low demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 300,000
Writes theological and Christian literature, overseeing research, writing, publication, and producing Christian books, articles, and resources.
Mission Director
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 350,000
Directs mission programmes, overseeing mission strategy, evangelism, church planting, and supporting Pentecostal mission and outreach.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as Pentecostal theology educators, pastors, researchers, and church leaders in churches, seminaries, and religious organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Logos Bible Software
SoftwarePrimary
Digital theological library software for biblical studies, Pentecostal theology research, sermon preparation, and accessing theological resources and references.
BibleWorks
Software
Bible study software for biblical exegesis, original languages, Greek and Hebrew, lexical analysis, and biblical research and interpretation.
EndNote
Software
Reference management software for theological research, citations, bibliographies, and managing research references and sources for thesis writing.
NVivo
Software
Qualitative data analysis software for Pentecostal studies research, interviews, document analysis, and qualitative data analysis in theological research.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Pentecostal studies is just about speaking in tongues.
Pentecostal studies involves rigorous theological analysis, historical research, sociological study, and biblical scholarship, far beyond speaking in tongues.
A master's in Pentecostal studies is only for Pentecostal pastors.
Graduates pursue careers in academia, research, writing, interfaith dialogue, church leadership, and theological education across various institutions.
Pentecostal studies is not a serious academic discipline.
Pentecostal studies is a growing academic field with rigorous research methods, critical analysis, and scholarly publication, recognised by universities globally.
The programme is only about African Pentecostalism.
The programme covers Pentecostalism globally, including Classical Pentecostalism, Neo-classical Pentecostalism, and New Religious Movements across the Global South.
Pentecostal and Charismatic studies is the same as general theology.
While grounded in theology, this programme specifically focuses on Pentecostal and Charismatic phenomena, movements, theology, and practice, distinct from general theology.
There are no career opportunities with this specialisation.
Pentecostalism is the fastest-growing Christian movement globally, creating demand for qualified scholars, educators, and leaders in Pentecostal studies.