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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