Admission procedures and policies
When applying for admission, each applicant must submit the following materials:
· Undergraduate transcripts
· MAT/GRE scores
· TOEFL scores (International students/students who speak
English as a second language)
· 2 letters of recommendations
· Application
· $25 non-refundable application fee
· Philosophy of ministry statement
Admission decisions are based on the total picture prescribed by the applicants. No one item will necessarily lead to a denial of admission.
(1) Undergraduate degree
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution evidenced by an official transcript which should be mailed directly from the institution to Trevecca Nazarene University, School of Religion. All non-English transcripts must have an accompanying English translation. Student copies are not considered official. Please have your academic institution mail your transcript directly to the address below:
Trevecca Nazarene University
Graduate Religion Program
333 Murfreesboro Road
Nashville, TN 37210
(2) Nationally recognized aptitude measurement
All applicants are required to complete the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The MAT is offered for a fee of $65.00 on Trevecca's campus by appointment, please call (615-248-1346) to schedule your appointment. Scores will be accepted from tests taken within the previous five years. You can also contact The Psychological Corporation at 1-800-622-3231 for a testing site nearest you. All international Students are required to take the TOEFL. Any student for whom English is a second language may also be required to take the TOEFL before regular admission. (International students, see the Admissions section of the Online Catalog for TOEFL requirements.)
(3) Letters of recommendation
Two recommendations must be provided by each applicant. These should be from former teachers, with one being from a teacher in the field of religious studies, if possible. Forms will be provided to the applicant.
(4) Acceptance of application
All credentials must be accepted by the director of the Graduate Religion Program. A review of the application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other relevant data will be conducted. Final approval for admission or denial is determined by the Graduate Advisory Committee, and applicants will be notified in writing prior to the beginning of classes. Students may not take courses beyond the first semester until all admission requirements have been met.
Admission status
Students will be classified in the following ways.
1. Regular admission
Admission file is complete and acceptable with no restrictions.
2. Admission with academic restriction
Prospective students who do not meet all requirements for Regular Admission may be granted Admission with Academic Restriction. The Admission with Academic Restriction status may become Regular Admission when the applicant completes nine (9) semester hours in the M.A. graduate program at Trevecca Nazarene University with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Failure to meet all requirements for regular admission during the first nine (9) consecutive semester hours may result in disenrollment. Appeals may be made to the Graduate Religion Advisory Committee.
3. Candidacy status
Students who have earned 24 hours of credit with a 3.0 GPA or better will be considered as candidates for the M.A. degree.
4. Graduate transfer students
An applicant who has earned graduate credit from another accredited institution may transfer a maximum of 9 semester hours into the student's approved degree program. Transfer credits must carry a grade of B or higher in order to apply directly to the M.A. in religion program at Trevecca.
5. Dual admission
Undergraduate students may begin their graduate work if they are within twelve hours of receiving their B.A. and are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in religion. Students in this category will be admitted with “academic restriction.”
6. Academic probation
Any graduate student in religion will be placed on academic probation when his or her cumulative GPA falls below 3.0. The student will be informed in writing of the probation by the director and given no more than two semesters to raise the cumulative GPA to at least a 3.0. If the student does not raise the GPA within two semesters, he or she will be dismissed from the program.
Academic counseling
Each student admitted to the program may select a member of the graduate faculty in religion for academic advising. The advisor will assist the student in planning his/her course of study.
Course structure
The M.A. program at Trevecca Nazarene University is designed to provide advanced study and training for those who wish to pursue such programs beyond the baccalaureate degree. Its goal is to provide the depth of training, the specialized skills, and the sense of creative independence that will allow students both to practice and to contribute to their profession and to develop competence in methods of study appropriate to their areas of interest.
Two types of instruction are available in the M.A. program.
First, the primary course structure for the M.A. program 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 will be preceded and followed by extensive preparation and research on the part of the students in order to maximize the time with the instructor. This special course structure is provided to allow 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.
Second, certain courses in the undergraduate curriculum are designated as available to graduate students. A clear distinction will be made between undergraduate and graduate work in these classes, and provision will be made for personal guidance to the graduate student who will normally be involved in a research project related to the subject area of the class, one which will go significantly beyond the normal undergraduate requirements. No more than 9 hours may be taken from the undergraduate curriculum to apply towards the M.A. degree.
Typical master of arts seminar schedule
Monday 2:00– 5:00 Class Session I
Tuesday 8:00– 12:00 and 1:00 – 5:00 Class Session I
Wednesday 8:00– 11:00 Class Session I
Wednesday 2:00– 5:00 Class Session II
Thursday 8:00– 12:00 and 1:00 – 5:00 Class Session II
Friday 8:00– 11:00 Class Session II
Major
Three areas of study are available for students to choose from for their major.
- Biblical Studies
- Theological Studies
- Preaching
Academic load
Six (6) semester hours is considered a full load per term with a recommended maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.
M.A. in religion degree requirements
To receive the master of arts degree in religion a student must earn thirty-six semester hours of credit with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a four-point scale in total work attempted while he or she is registered in the program, including any work transferred into the program. No more than three (3) grades below a B will be counted towards the degree (but will be counted towards the GPA). No grade below C- will count toward the degree.
Course hour requirements
The requirements for completing the M.A. in religion are the following:
Major: 18 hours - either Biblical Studies, Theological Studies, or Preaching*
Electives: 18 hours
Total 36 hours
*Preaching majors must take 6 hours in theology and 6 hours in Bible.
Comprehensive examination
Each student must successfully pass a comprehensive examination in order to receive the M.A. in religion. A student must have a GPA of 3.0 before being approved to take the comprehensive exam. When all coursework is complete with at least a 3.0 GPA and the comprehensive examination is judged to be either a pass with distinction or pass, the student will be recommended for the master of arts in religion by the director.
Below are samples of the master of arts course descriptions for each concentration.
BIBLICAL THEOLOGY/ BIBLICAL STUDIES
BIB 5711 Genesis (3)
A study of the first book in the Bible, with particular emphasis on major sections, themes, or theological issues.
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY/HISTORICAL THEOLOGY
THE 5820 Theology of Holiness (3)
A study of the biblical, historical, theological, and practical implications and applications of the doctrine of holiness.
PREACHING AND PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
PRA 5945 Transformational Preaching (3)
A careful examination of the basic paradigms for effective preaching of the gospel in a post-modern culture with special emphasis on transformational models and the varieties of homiletical methods that can be utilized as means of change.
