Master of Arts General Track
The General Track is intended for those who seek a broad grounding in the theological disciplines. Students on the General Track complete the core and distribution courses and take elective courses to further their knowledge.
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 student who has successfully completed all prescribed work, has completed all non-credit degree requirements, has submitted a complete portfolio if applicable, and has a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.33 is eligible to be awarded the Master of Arts degree. Work toward this degree is to be concluded within four consecutive years from the date of matriculation.
Additionally, a student must satisfy all financial obligations to the University. The University will neither confer a degree nor provide transcripts to any student or former student who has unsatisfied financial obligations to the University.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students demonstrate a knowledge of religious heritage.
- Students demonstrate academic proficiency in theological disciplines in order to produce a thesis or capstone project in their chosen field of study.
- Students demonstrate a broad academic grounding in theological disciplines.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| BIBL 501 | Old Testament I: From Prehistory to the Promised Land | 3 |
| BIBL 502 | Old Testament II: Prophets, Exile, and Aftermath | 3 |
| BIBL 511 | New Testament I: The Gospels in Context | 3 |
| BIBL 512 | New Testament II: The Bible after Jesus | 3 |
| CHHT 511 | Church Histories I: Asia and Africa | 3 |
| CHHT 512 | Church Histories II: Europe and North America | 3 |
| CEMT 511 | Introduction to Moral Theology | 3 |
| THEO 511 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| THEO 598 | Research Project | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Additional hours of approved electives | 21 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 48 | |
Non-credit Degree Requirements1
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bibliography, Research, and Writing Workshop | ||
| Cultural Diversity Workshop | ||
| Education for Ministry (EfM) Workshop | ||
| Safeguarding God's Children Workshop | ||
| Safeguarding God's People Workshop | ||
- 1
For details on these workshops, see the Non-credit Degree Requirements for Graduation section.
Portfolio
For purposes of program assessment and university accreditation, the faculty will collect copies of first-year student work for portfolio assessment.
Capstone Requirement
In their second year, general-track MA students must enroll in THEO 598.
In their second year, general-track MA students must complete a capstone research paper of at least 20-25 pages. This capstone paper ideally builds on coursework the MA student has already completed and represents an expanded version of insights gained, including further reading in their chosen subject. The essay is to be submitted to the faculty member and to the associate dean for academic affairs no later than April 15th, and will schedule a conference with both the faculty member and the associate dean by May 1st. The associate dean for academic affairs will submit the essay for portfolio assessment by the faculty.