Program Objectives
- Exhibit an understanding of hermeneutical principles by using proper methodology in biblical interpretation.
- Build a strong emphasis on understanding the Bible.
- Recognize and evaluate in light of biblical revelation the major schools of thought in historical and contemporary theology.
- State and defend a worldview that is consistent with biblical revelation and stated in theological terms.
Graduate with MA
Following completion of the MA in the Spring of the academic year, a student would then be eligible to continue on into the Ph.D. program in the Fall of the same year, provided they completed the MA degree with a GPA of 2.9 (B-) or better.
Career and Other Education Opportunities:
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Religious Studies may pursue various paths, including:
- Advanced Degrees: Preparation for doctoral studies, including Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programs or other advanced theological degrees in religious studies and theology.
- Religious Leadership: Advanced positions in pastoral roles, church ministry leadership, chaplaincy, or denominational leadership.
- Education: Opportunities to teach at the undergraduate or associate level in religious studies, theology, or Bible-related subjects, as well as potential roles in curriculum development for religious programs.
- Non-Profit Sector: Leadership or senior positions in faith-based organizations, community outreach programs, or mission work, with an emphasis on theological and biblical education.
Program Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core Curriculum | 27 |
| Concentration | 15 |
| Total Hours | 42 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum | ||
| ATH 613 | Theological Research & Writing (must be taken in first year) | 3 |
| BI 501 | Old Testament Bi 501 | 3 |
| BI 502 | New Testament Bi 502 | 3 |
| TH 503 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| TH 513 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| TH 601 | History of Christian Thought I | 3 |
| TH 602 | History of Christian Thought II | 3 |
| TH 607 | Hermeneutics | 3 |
| ATH 698 | Religious Studies Capstone | 3 |
| Subtotal | 27 | |
| Religious Studies Bible/Theology Requirements | ||
| Select three of the following courses with BI/TH prefix: | 9 | |
| Isaiah | ||
BI 604 | ||
BI 605 | ||
| Romans | ||
BI 615 | ||
BI 616 | ||
| Survey of Genesis | ||
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Religious Studies Electives | ||
| Select two of the following courses with BI/TH, ATH, L, SP prefix: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Pastoral Care ATh | ||
ATH 602 | ||
| Ethics and Society ATh 603 | ||
| Ethics of Pastoral Leadership | ||
| Spiritual Formation ATh 614 | ||
| Introduction to Global Chaplaincy | ||
| Prison/Jail Chaplaincy | ||
| Ministry Response to Crises and | ||
| Grief and Loss Counseling | ||
ATH 623 | ||
| Expository Preaching | ||
SP 615 | ||
| Women in Theology | ||
| Introduction to World Religions | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
Course Cycle
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester (August) | Hours | |
| ATH 613 | Theological Research & Writing | 3 |
| BI 501 | Old Testament Bi 501 | 3 |
| TH 503 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| BI/TH | Course | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Spring Semester (January) | ||
| TH 607 | Hermeneutics | 3 |
| BI 502 | New Testament Bi 502 | 3 |
| TH 513 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall Semester (August) | ||
| TH 601 | History of Christian Thought I | 3 |
| BI/TH | Course | 3 |
| BI/TH | Elective | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring Semester (January) | ||
| TH 602 | History of Christian Thought II | 3 |
| BI/TH | Course | 3 |
| BI/TH | Elective | 3 |
| ATH 698 | Religious Studies Capstone | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |