MASTER OF ARTS IN RELIGION (MAR)
Purpose and Intended Students:
The Master of Arts in Religion degree builds on a basic framework of classes that makes certain the student will receive a biblical and theological foundation and experience studies in Practical Ministry. The flexibility of the overall design with a large percentage of elective hours allows the student to prepare for ministry in general or to concentrate preparation in one area of specialty. This maximizes the student’s freedom to pursue a program that results in being of practical use for a future vocation.
The Master of Arts in Religion assumes no prior coursework in any specific field other than the student having earned a bachelor’s degree. Students who might desire to pursue this degree include those who desire to enter a vocational ministry of varied types such as in a campus or Para church ministry, in evangelism, in social outreach, in a specialized position on a church staff, or with a mission organization. Individuals who aspire to further study beyond the master’s degree level in a specific academic discipline can concentrate their electives in the area of desired specialization.
Objectives:
- To equip the student with a broad foundation of understanding in the theological disciplines of Biblical Studies, Church History, and Theology.
- To impart resources and skills for understanding and reflecting on Christian faith and applying that faith to life.
- To prepare the student for service in a variety of ministry roles through exposing the student to areas of Practical Ministry that will prove useful in future vocation.
- To allow the opportunity for focused elective coursework in an area of study that will become a specialization in ministry or serve as a foundation for pursuing further advanced study of an academic area.
Program Requirements:
Required Core |
26 hours |
Interdisciplinary |
|
| GN 500 Introduction to Graduate Research and Study | 0 |
| GN 700 Integrative Seminar | 2 |
Biblical Studies |
|
| BI 501 Old Testament Survey | 3 |
| BI 502 New Testament Survey | 3 |
| BI 600 The Bible: Unity, Canon, and Method | 3 |
Christian History and Thought |
|
| CH 501 History of Christianity 1 | 3 |
| CH 502 History of Christianity 2 | 3 |
| TH 501 Theology 1 | 3 |
| TH 502 Theology 2 | 3 |
Practical Ministry |
|
| Any 3 hours selected from the following:
FM 501, 502, 503 |
3 |
Electives |
22 hours |
| Of the 22 hours of electives, at least 4 must be taken from courses in Practical Ministries. A student in the Master of Arts in Religion degree program may take the 22 hours of electives by selecting from courses in all three of the academic areas. Alternatively, the student may choose to concentrate coursework mostly in one area of specialization. | |
Total Semester Hours Required |
48 hours |
| Master of Divinity Graduate Certificate of Christian Studies |
|
