The Master of Arts is a program designed to prepare men and women for a wide variety of ministries including advanced graduate study in one of the theological disciplines.  It introduces students to the main theological disciplines, provides opportunity for some specialization, and requires a thesis relevant to the student’s goal.  It is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate preparation for a variety of vocational goods.  Unlike the Master of Divinity degree students in the Master of Arts degree may opt to exchange work in a ministry setting for additional traditional academic work.  MA students receive letter grades for their work in courses.

Curriculum Overview                                                                                                                   Credit Hours

3 credit hours of Required 500-level Courses in EACH of these areas:                              15

Interpreting Scripture:  Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

Interpreting Scripture:  New Testament

Interpreting the Past

Interpreting the Faith

Interpreting the Church’s Behavior

Required 500-level Courses from among the following areas:                                                3

Leading the Church through Care

Leading the Church in Worship

Leading the Church in Mission

Leading the Church in Formation

Hours in any areas from among Required and Optional Courses                                        5.5

Competency exercise                                                                                                                              1.5

The student may choose a competency exercise that involves
a contextual component or may choose to combine at least two areas
in a more traditional academic assessment.

Electives                                                                                                                                                        17

At least 12 hours must be at the 600 level.  Other credits may come
from among 500 level courses.

Thesis                                                                                                                                                               6

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TOTAL HOURS                                                                                                                                             48

Download the MA Curriculum Worksheet »

Download the MA Thesis Cover Sheet »

♦ UPDATED: August 14, 2012