Religion, Master of Arts
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Religion program is the academic 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.
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 of 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 Department 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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who study in the MA in Religion will demonstrate:
- Research and writing skills essential for scholars in the field of religious studies;
- An understanding of the classical and modern theories, and current research in the field of religious studies; and
- An understanding of undergraduate pedagogy.
General Information
The MA in Religion is a thirty (30) credit-hour program.
Eighteen (18) hours are taken from a common core offered by the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy:
Six (6) hours (two courses)
Students choose thesis or non-thesis:
- Thesis option includes a choice of two out of five common core courses plus six (6) hours of thesis. The student is enrolled in RELI 695 Thesis for two semesters (or more if additional time is needed to complete the Thesis). The first semester is focused on research and producing a 6-10 page thesis prospectus. In the second semester, the student will work toward the completion of an 80-120 page thesis.
- Non-thesis option includes a choice of four out of five common core courses.
Twelve (12) hours are selected from one of three concentrations:
- 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 Concentration: Students will take the following four courses.
- Advanced Hebrew Exegesis Seminar
- Advanced Greek Exegesis Seminar
- Old Testament Seminar
- New Testament Seminar
- 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 Department of English Language and Literature and the School of Psychology.
Exit Criteria
Students who choose the thesis option must pass a successful oral defense of their thesis.
MA in Religion Curriculum (30 hours)
Required Courses (6 hours)
Elective (12 hours)
Choose two of the following five courses plus six hours of thesis OR four of the following five courses:
| RELI 605 | Biblical Studies Seminar | 3 |
| RELI 630 | Historical Studies Seminar | 3 |
| RELI 640 | Theological Studies Seminar | 3 |
| RELI 650 | Philosophy of Religion Seminar | 3 |
| RELI 660 | World Religions Seminar | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Thesis (optional)
Concentrations (12 hours)
Choose one of the following concentrations.
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. RELI 661 may be cross-listed with any DRSP or Div. School course and will be renamed as appropriate (may be used multiple times).
| RELI 661 | Special Topics in Religious Studies and Philosophy | 3 |
Biblical Studies/Languages
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 Department of English Language and Literature and the School of Psychology.
Total Credit Hours: 30