Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Religion
| MDIV HOURS |
63 |
| MA RELIGION HOURS |
30 |
| TOTAL PROGRAM HOURS |
93 |
The MDiv/MA in Religion is designed to provide Divinity students with advanced research skills by permitting them to earn a second degree, the MA in Religion. This degree provides students with options for a broadened and deepened study of the biblical languages or other concentrations in consultation with the student’s advisor. Within the MA in Religion, the completion of a thesis is optional.
The MDiv/MA in Religion is housed in the School of Divinity. The MDiv/MA in Religion requires completion of 63 hours of MDiv courses, including the 51-hour MDiv core (see MDiv core requirements), six hours of biblical studies electives, three hours of historical/theological studies electives, and three hours of practical ministry electives, and the 30-hour MA in Religion for a total of 93 hours.
Dual-degree students must apply to the Gayle Bolt Price School of Graduate Studies as well as to the School of Divinity, following the admission requirements of the respective programs, and be accepted to each in order to pursue both degrees. Also, when academic policies and standards differ between the two schools (e.g., grades required for maintaining good academic standing and for graduation), the policies and standards of the appropriate school apply to the respective portion of the dual-degree. Students must also meet all requirements established by the departments/schools involved for taking courses outside of the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy.
The assessment of the MDiv/MA in Religion dual degree is performed within the School of Divinity (MDiv) and the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy (MA in Religion) using the set of program outcomes associated with each part of the degree.
Admission Requirements
Application for admission to the Master of Arts in Religion program is made through the Gardner-Webb University Office of Graduate Admissions. The following criteria will be used for consideration acceptance:
- Research Writing Sample;
- Official Transcripts;
- Three Professional References; and
- Statement of Purpose
Applicants for admission to the Master of Arts in Religion Program with a concentration in Biblical Studies/Languages will be required to demonstrate proficiency in Greek and Hebrew.
Graduates from the Dept of Religious Studies and Philosophy BA degree program in Christian Studies may be seamlessly admitted into the MA in Religion program within one year of graduation. For full admission, applicants need only apply to the program and their potential for graduate study will be determined by program faculty. Items 2 and 3 will be waived. For seamless admission candidates, full admission pending graduation may be offered. The application processing fee will be waived when students submit their application.
Purpose
The purpose of the program is the academic (rather than parish ministry) study of religion in order to prepare students for one or more of the following possibilities:
- Meeting PhD entrance requirements;
- College teaching on the freshman and sophomore levels; and/or
- Teaching in private schools.
Course Requirements
A. Common Core (18 Credit Hours)
Required Seminars
Electives
When pursuing the MA with thesis option, select two of the following five courses (along with six hours of RELI 695 Thesis); if pursuing the MA without a thesis, select four of the following courses:
B. Concentrations (12 hours)
Choose one of the following.
Religious Studies Concentration
Students will construct a concentration consisting of four courses in consultation with their advisor, selecting from courses offered by the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy or the School of Divinity.
Biblical Studies/Languages within the Department
Out-of-Department Concentration
Students will construct a concentration consisting of four courses in consultation with their advisor, selecting from courses outside of the Department. Possibilities include (but are not limited to) the English Department and the School of Psychology.
Total Credit Hours: 93