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Master
of Arts Degree in Theology
Purpose
The objective of this
degree is to provide the student a graduate-level mastery of theological
studies and research, i.e., sufficient familiarity with the major
theological disciplines to serve as a competent scholar and teacher. The
degree also prepares the student for the pursuit of doctoral studies.
Prerequisites for Admission to the Program
In order to apply, a
candidate must have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with a 3.0
average, or be currently maintaining a 3.0 average in the Master of
Divinity degree program.
Admission
A student must apply to
the Dean of the Athenaeum for admission either by May 1 for autumn quarter
admission or by October 1 for winter quarter admission. The Admissions and
Degrees Committee of the Athenaeum will decide on the application.
The student who is
matriculated in the Master of Divinity program ordinarily can apply for
admission to the Master of Arts in Theology program at the completion of
his second year of seminary-based study.
Candidacy
Before a student is
admitted as a candidate for the Master of Arts in Theology degree 1) the
student must have participated in the orientation to research in theology,
which is an introduction to theological research methodology, reference
sources and use of the library; and 2) at least 15 quarter hours of work
must be completed and reviewed by the Dean of the Athenaeum as
satisfactory.
Academic Requirements
A student must obtain a
minimum of 48 quarter hours of graduate work to earn the degree and must
have a 2.5 grade point average at the end of the first year of study for
the degree, or the first 18 credits, whichever comes last, and a
cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 at the end of each quarter
thereafter. Students falling below the required average are on probation
with regard to this program. More than two successive quarters on
probation will require faculty action for the student to continue in the
program. Each student will be assigned an academic advisor who must
approve all course registrations.
Course Requirements
The student must take the
following 48 quarter hours:
Philosophy for
Theological Studies (3hours)
PH 310
Biblical Studies (6
hours)
LPB 301 or B 231
LPB 302 or B 233,234
Christian Living (6
hours)
LPS 403 or CL 230
LPS 414, CL 234, 236 or
237
Historical Theology or
Church History (3 hours)
LPH 302 or H 301, 302, or
303
Systematic Theology (15
hours)
S 225
S 230
LPS 302 or S 240
LPS 303 or S 233
LPS 401 or LS 232
Electives (9 hours) -
additional courses chosen from above areas of the curriculum.
The student must identify
an area of major research which can be achieved in one of two ways: a
thesis (worth 6 credits) or two 500 level electives. If one chooses to do
a thesis (at least 50-60 pages) one must first find a full-time faculty
member from one of the required interest areas who agrees to be a
director. It is the director’s responsibility to approve the topic and
outline, to supervise the research, to recommend revisions in the draft
and to accept and grade the final text. If one chooses to take two 500
level electives, a guided research paper (of 25-30 pages) is required for
each course. The professor of the course acts as director. In either of
these options the student must follow the K. Turabian Manual for
Writers.
Comprehensive Examination
One must be admitted as a
candidate for the degree and complete all course requirements before one
can apply for the comprehensive examination. The exam is divided into two
parts. The first part is a written examination, consisting of essay
questions on theological study in the areas of biblical studies, Christian
living, church history and systematic theology, and the integration of
these areas of study. The second part is a 30-minute oral defense of one's
major research before a board of three faculty members, including the
director of the research. The student must pass both parts of the
examination.
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