Master of Arts with Concentration in Theology

This is an archived copy of the 2016-2017 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://e-catalog.sewanee.edu.

The concentration is designed for those students who intend to pursue further graduate education in theology or its cognate disciplines or those who seek additional depth of knowledge in a particular field of study. It may be appropriate in some cases for those who do not plan to pursue doctoral study but who expect to teach in a specific discipline in institutions overseas.

Graduation from the School of Theology follows the successful completion of all requirements for the specified program of study and the approval of the degree by the Senate of the University upon nomination by the faculty of the School of Theology.

A Master of Arts (M.A.) student who has successfully completed all prescribed work, has completed all non-credit degree requirements, has submitted a complete portfolio if applicable, and who has a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.33, is eligible for the award of the degree of Master of Arts. Work toward the M.A. degree is to be concluded within four consecutive years from the date of matriculation.

Requirements

Students pursuing a concentration in theology complete a core curriculum, do additional coursework in the area of concentration, and complete a research paper in the area of concentration. They must also complete certain non-credit degree requirements. Courses taken in the core curriculum may be counted towards the hours required for a concentration.

Core Courses
BIBL 501Old Testament: Foundations I3
BIBL 502Old Testament: Foundations II3
BIBL 511New Testament: Foundations I3
BIBL 512New Testament: Foundations II3
CHHT 511Church History I: From the Formation of the Church to the Reformation3
CHHT 512Church History II: From the Reformation to the Present3
CEMT 511Introduction to Moral Theology3
THEO 511Systematic Theology I3
THEO 521Systematic Theology II3
THBR 531Bibliography, Research, and Writing1
Concentration
Select twelve additional hours in theology (THEO)12
Select six hours of electives (to include three hours in ethics)6
THEO 598Research Project 13
Total Semester Hours49
1

A research paper is required of those M.A. students pursuing a concentration. To undertake the research paper (and therefore a concentration), the student must complete THBR 531 in the first year of study. After completing the course, the student must gain the recommendation of the instructor of THBR 531 and the approval of the associate dean for academic affairs. The student must also have the endorsement of a faculty member in the area of concentration, who will serve as the project supervisor. The student registers for three credit hours of research (THEO 598). The student meets regularly with the project supervisor for guidance in research and writing. The research paper is to be a contribution to scholarly discussion. It is to be 5,500 to 7,500 words in length, exclusive of documentation and is to be submitted to the project advisor once it is completed. Once she or he approves the paper, the project supervisor submits a grade for the paper to the coordinator of academic affairs.

Non-credit Degree Requirements1

Safeguarding God's People Workshop
Safeguarding God's Children Workshop
Cultural Diversity Workshop
Education for Ministry Experience
1

For details on these workshops, see the Non-credit Degree Requirements for Graduation section.