Master of Arts Degree Programs
The Master of Arts degree is offered in four academic concentrations and one professional concentration. The purpose of the M.A. degree is to provide a graduate theological education for students not pursuing ordination in particular denominations.
Students pursuing a Master of Arts degree must complete requirements within four years or be subject to extension fees.
Master of Arts (Theological Studies)
The M.A. (Theological Studies) provides a broad background in theological study. It offers particular opportunities for multidisciplinary studies and may be crafted to suit the interests of individual students (e.g., lay ministries, feminist theological studies, urban ministries, social change). The goals of this degree include:
- Theological education to explore spiritual, vocational, or religious issues for personal or professional enrichment.
- Preparation for ministries within or related to churches that do not require practical specialization or ordination.
Master of Arts (Psychology and Religion)
The M.A. (Psychology and Religion) is designed for persons seeking an understanding of the relationship between the disciplines of psychology and theology. It is particularly appropriate for persons seeking a general introduction to the intersection of these two disciplines or wishing to pursue an advanced degree in this or related fields. It does not lead to licensure for counseling. The goals of the degree include:
- Engaging in interdisciplinary dialogue between psychology and theology.
- Cultivating a theological and spiritual foundation for human service professionals such as counselors, social workers, medical professionals, teachers and educators.
- Developing a psychological foundation and skills for people working in church-related ministry.
Master of Arts (Theological Research)
The M.A. (Theological Research) provides intensive study in a theological discipline or in interdisciplinary programs begun elsewhere at the college or graduate level. It requires a broad familiarity with the various theological disciplines, a substantial degree of specialization and the preparation and defense of a thesis of approximately 100 pages. To be admitted, students must be familiar with basic library research methods. Advanced skills for thesis preparation may be developed by directed study or in consultation with the librarians and faculty mentors. The goals of this degree include:
- Theological education for focused study in a field of scholarly interest
- Preparation for further graduate work beyond the M.A., such as a Ph.D. degree.
Master of Arts (Theology and the Arts)
The M.A. (Theology and the Arts) is designed to integrate the arts into the study, expression, celebration and transmission of the Christian faith. Broadly inclusive of many forms of artistic expression, it is intended for the enhancement of existing ministries or the exploration of emerging forms of ministry in communities of faith. It is also intended for practicing artists, preachers, worship planners, pastoral care givers, religious educators and others seeking to augment their professional preparation with a theologically coherent vision of the arts in the life of the church. The program is not intended to offer professional training for practicing artists in their chosen medium or form; however, opportunities for non-professional artists and persons without developed skills to practice the arts in the context of faith are provided.
The goals of this degree include:
- Enhancing existing ministries with a theoretical and practical grasp of the arts and their relation to the expression and celebration of the Christian faith
- Deepening theological and spiritual dimensions of creative endeavors in which practicing artists are engaged
- Fostering ministries that renew faith and transform communities through the arts.
Master of Arts in Religious Education (M.A.R.E)
The Master of Arts in Religious Education (M.A.R.E.) offers a degree with a professional emphasis. This program is designed for men and women with a special interest in the ministries of religious education within the contexts of the local church and the larger community. It provides education in the basic theological disciplines as a base for special training in religious education. The goals of this degree include:
- Preparing men and women for educational ministries within churches, schools, denominations, agencies, or the wider community.
- Equipping persons for creative and critical theological reflection on educational thought and practice.
- Fostering understanding of social, psychological, and educational sciences that support effective educational practice.
- Encouraging spiritual imagination in teaching and educational planning.
- Enhancing previous educational or theological training with focused study in religious education.
Updated May 10, 2007