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MASTER OF ARTS (RELIGION)
(88 QUARTER HOURS)
Purpose of the Master of Arts (Religion) (M.A.R.) Degree
The Master of Arts (Religion) degree is designed for those who desire a survey
knowledge of the biblical, historical, and theological disciplines and the opportunity
to develop critical thinking skills. According to the Association of Theological
Schools, the purpose of the M.A.R. is “to provide a basic understanding of the
theological disciplines for further graduate study or for general educational
purposes” (Standards of Accreditation, § E.1.0).
Students earning the Master of Arts (Religion) degree must complete 88 quarter
hours with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 grading scale.
Students will take 44 quarter hours of core courses and 8 quarter hours of M.A.R.
Core (PM 706 Person in Ministry and IT 790 Senior Seminar). The rest of the degree
is composed of elective courses, which are structured as follows: 4 quarter hours of
Spiritual Formation; 8 quarter hours of courses in the Biblical Studies Department; 8
quarter hours of courses in the Department of Christian History, Theology, and
Philosophy; and 16 quarter hours of courses in either department. Students can
choose to take most of their elective courses in a single focus area (for example, Old
Testament, New Testament, Church History, Theology) or take a broader range of
courses from different areas.
All courses taken in the Biblical Studies and the Christian History, Theology, and
Philosophy Departments to fulfill the 32 credit hours for either track will be
considered elective hours. There are no required courses.
Students taking courses in the Biblical Studies Department may take the biblical
languages but are not required to do so. All M.A.R. students will take a senior
seminar (see IT 790 course description).
Learning Outcomes for the Master of Arts (Religion) Degree
Graduates of Ashland Theological Seminary will be able to:
Articulate and critically reflect upon their understanding of:
CORE IDENTITY, rooted in Christ, as the source from which life and ministry
flow.
CHARACTER that reflects maturity in Christ.
CALLING that is foundational for servant leadership in the church, community,
and world.
Demonstrate COMPETENCE in the disciplines and skills relevant to Christian
ministry.
Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in the areas of Bible, Church
history, and theology.
Interpret the Bible responsibly.
Think critically about issues in biblical and theological studies.
Integrate biblical study and theological reflection.
Master of Arts (Religion) Requirements
M.A.R. students must complete 88 credit hours from the following:
ATS Institutional Core
44 hours
M.A.R. Core
8 hours
Spiritual Formation Elective
4 hours
Biblical Studies Electives
8 hours
Christian History, Theology and Philosophy Electives 8 hours
Electives from either department
16 hours
ATS Institutional Core (44 credit hours):
IT 500 Introduction to Theological Education 4 hours
IT 502 Foundations of Bible Study
4 hours
IT 503 Theology of Scripture in Ministry
4 hours
OT 511 Old Testament I 4 hours Prereq.: IT 502
OT 512 Old Testament II 4 hours Prereq.: OT 511
NT 511 New Testament I 4 hours Prereq.: IT 502
NT 512 New Testament II* 4 hours Prereq: IT 502
CH 500 Survey of Church History
4 hours
Church History Elective 4 hours Prereq.: CH 500
CT 601 Christian Theology I 4 hours Prereq.: IT 502
or IT 503
CT 602 Christian Theology II 4 hours Prereq.: IT 502
or IT 503
M.A.R. Core (8 credit hours):
PM 706 Person in Ministry
4 hours
IT 790 Senior Seminar
4 hours
M.A.R. Electives (36 credit hours):
Refer to pages 195-273 for courses.
SF Elective (1) 4 hours
OT/NT Electives (2) 8 hours
AP/CH/CT/CP Electives (2) 8 hours
AP/CH/CT/CP/NT/OT/SF Electives (4) 16 hours
*It is recommended that student take NT 511 before NT512, although not required.
Refer to pages 195-273 for course descriptions. 167
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Refer to pages 195-273 for course descriptions.