Master of Arts
The School of Religion also provides advanced and specialized study by offering a master’s of arts degree in religious studies (36 hours of study).
The graduate student may focus in one of three areas:
Graduate study in the School of Religion presupposes a broad background of knowledge and preparation at the undergraduate level for the desired graduate program.
This program is designed to meet the needs and goals of three specific groups:
- Mature ministers who want to sharpen their skills through a sustained program of religious studies;
- Recent college graduates who wish to do graduate work in the area of religion;
- Thoughtful laypersons who desire to understand the Christian faith and ministry more clearly.
Two types of instruction are available to the student in the Graduate Religion Program:
- The primary structure is offered in the form of a concentrated seminar consisting of three days per session with at least two sessions required per semester. These sessions are preceded and followed by extensive preparation and research by the student in order to maximize the time with the instructor. This special structure allows ministers as well as others who are actively engaged in their professions to be involved in the program without seriously interfering with their normal responsibilities;
- Certain courses in the undergraduate curriculum are designated as available to the graduate student. A clear distinction is made between undergraduate and graduate work in these classes. No more than fifteen hours may be taken from the undergraduate curriculum to apply towards the graduate degree.
