BMA Seminary

DEGREE PROGRAMS

MASTER OF ARTS (RELIGION)

(M.A.R.)

The Master of Arts (Religion) is a two year (36 or 39 semester hours)* program of studies. Fields of emphases provide opportunity for students to complete studies in the following fields: Biblical Studies, Theological-Historical Studies, Church Ministries, and Christian Education. The curriculum requires 18 hours of Theological-
Historical Studies, 6 hours of Biblical Studies, 3 hours of evangelism and 9 to 12 hours of electives. The program is predicated upon advanced theological study or prior extensive undergraduate studies in religion and/or other
appropriate foundational areas. Students lacking such background will be required to take up to 24 hours to make up any deficiency (6 hours in Church Ministries, 6 hours in Religious Education, 6 hours in Theological-Historical, and 6 hours in Biblical Studies).**

PERSONAL OBJECTIVES
Upon satisfactory completion of the Master of Arts (Religion) program the graduate should be able to accomplish the following objectives:
1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of theological disciplines for further graduate study or for general educational purposes.***
2. Understand and communicate biblical and theological truths in the context of Christian ministry.

VOCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The Master of Arts (Religion) program allows the student to prepare for several ministerial opportunities. The program is recommended for those who are planning to function in any of the following ministries: Bible Expositor; Professional Educator; Theologian; Church Historian. The candidate for the Master of Arts (Religion) must complete a minimum of eighteen semester hours of classroom work in residence at Baptist Missionary
Association Theological Seminary.

*In lieu of a 6-hour thesis, the student may choose to take 9 hours of electives and a comprehensive program exam.
**Courses to make up deficiencies may include: OT 511/512; BI 514; NT 511/512; TH 611/612; CH 511/512; PM 511; PR 611; RE 512/535/536; Grk 411/412; EV 311.
*** Most doctoral programs require more than a 36 hour master's degree as a prerequisite.

M.A.R. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

THEOLOGICAL-HISTORICAL FIELD Electives (18 hours)

BIBLICAL STUDIES FIELD Electives (6 hours)

CHURCH MINISTRIES FIELD (3 hours)

ELECTIVE (3 hours)

THESIS and/or ADDITIONAL ELECTIVES**

TOTAL (36 or 39 hours) 

*Ev 311 is a prerequisite to these studies in evangelism.
**In lieu of a six-hour thesis (Th 632), the student may choose to take nine hours of elective courses and a comprehensive program exam (i.e., 39 hours for the program).