Master of Arts with Concentration in Theology
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.
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| BIBL 501 | Old Testament: Foundations I | 3 |
| BIBL 502 | Old Testament: Foundations II | 3 |
| BIBL 511 | New Testament: Foundations I | 3 |
| BIBL 512 | New Testament: Foundations II | 3 |
| CHHT 511 | Church History I: From the Formation of the Church to the Reformation | 3 |
| CHHT 512 | Church History II: From the Reformation to the Present | 3 |
| CEMT 511 | Introduction to Moral Theology | 3 |
| THEO 511 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| THEO 521 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| THBR 531 | Bibliography, Research, and Writing | 1 |
| Concentration | ||
| Select twelve additional hours in theology (THEO) | 12 | |
| Select six hours of electives (to include three hours in ethics) | 6 | |
| THEO 598 | Research Project 1 | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 49 | |
| 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 supervisor 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
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |