Master's Degree Programs
The M.A. degree program is appropriate for students seeking either a terminal degree or a degree that will prepare them to pursue a doctoral degree. Applicants can be admitted to the program on a part-time basis. Many courses are conveniently scheduled during evening hours.
Length of Program:
Full-time students usually complete the program in two years.
All M.A. students must pass a four-hour comprehensive examination. No thesis is required.
Concentrations:
M.A. students may currently choose between the following concentrations.
Biblical Studies. The Biblical Studies concentration consists of thirty semester hours, including:
- At least five courses in Biblical Studies
- One course in Constructive Theology
- One course in Christian Ethics
- Three elective courses
Biblical Languages and Literature. The concentration in Biblical Languages and Literature consists of thirty-six semester hours, including:
- At least four courses in Biblical Studies, two of which must be Old Testament courses and two of which must be New Testament courses
- One course in Constructive Theology
- One course in Christian Ethics
- Four courses in a major biblical language (Hebrew or Greek)
- Two courses in a minor biblical language (Hebrew or Greek)
Christian Ethics. The concentration in Christian ethics requires students to do half (fifteen hours) of their course work in this subfield. Normally, students also take:
- Two courses from the field of Constructive Theology
- Two courses in the area of Biblical Studies (one in Old Testament and one in New Testament)
- One elective
Theological Studies. This thirty-hour concentration emphasizes exposure to the full range of theological investigation. Students pursuing this specialization normally complete two courses in each of the following areas:
- Biblical Studies (one course in Old Testament and one in New Testament)
- Constructive Theology
- Christian Ethics
The remaining four graduate courses are then chosen from other offerings in theology or other relevant fields such as philosophy, classical studies, history, medieval studies, pastoral studies, or the social sciences.
