Master of Arts in Religion

 

How the Master of Arts in Religion Works

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The MA in Religion program is designed to accommodate the schedule of a full-time pastor and involves a combination of both online classes and summer intensives. 

  • Online classes are primarily offered during the fall and winter semesters. The summer intensives are offered over one to two-weeks on campus during the summer, with prior reading, followed by a significant writing assignment.  
  • Online classes are offered during the regular fall and winter semesters. The recommended load is two to three courses per year for those in full-time ministry and up to six classes every year for those in part-time work. Degrees can be completed in two to six years, depending on the course load. The MA degree requires either a thesis or a project as well as comprehensive exams.

Tuition Assistance

Southern Union pastors:  Pastors may receive a tuition waiver by submitting a signed Conference Authorization Form each academic year (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes.

Conference Authorization Form

North American Division pastors:  Pastors in Division Conferences outside of the Southern Union may receive tuition assistance by submitting a signed Tuition Assistance Form each academic year (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes.

Tuition Assistance Form

 

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Applying to Southern’s Master of Arts in Religion

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Master of Arts in Religion Eligibility and Prerequisites

  • Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Religion courses: A minimum of 12 semester hours in religion (waivers may be requested for some or all of this requirement, based on the applicant's full-time ministry experience).
  • GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25  OR  for an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 to 3.24, applicants may request to be admitted on a provisional basis. A formal academic paper to demonstrate academic competency may be required of the candidate.
  • Emphasis in Old Testament Studies or New Testament Studies:  Applicants to either of these emphases must have six semester hours of credit in a biblical language with a minimum grade of C. Applicants to Old Testament Studies must have six semester hours of biblical Hebrew, and applicants to New Testament Studies must have six hours of biblical Greek. This may be counted as part of the required 12 hours in religion.

Application Deadlines

Applications can be accepted year-round. Due to the reading requirements for summer intensives, which must be completed in advance, students need to apply at least six weeks before the start of the summer semester to apply for a summer intensive. Online courses follow the university application deadlines. With School of Religion approval, students may take up to 6 hours of coursework on non-degree or provisional status.

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Term

U.S. Residents

Summer

April 1

Fall

July 1

Winter

November 1

How to Apply

Submit an application (with non-refundable fee of $40.)

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Resources for Getting Your Master of Arts in Religion

Master of Arts Religion

Choose your area of interest.

M.A. Religion Course Guide

New Testament Studies Emphasis

See the course list

MAR New Testament Studies

M.A. Religion Course Guide

Old Testament Studies Emphasis

See the course list

MAR Old Testament Studies

M.A. Religion Course Guide

Theological Studies Emphasis

See the course list

MAR Religious Studies

Faculty

Greg King, PhD headshot

Greg King, PhD

Dean


423.236.2975
gking@southern.edu

Stephen Bauer, PhD headshot

Stephen Bauer, PhD

Professor


423.236.2981
sbauer@southern.edu

David Hartman, DMin headshot

David Hartman, DMin

Professor


423.236.2980
dhartman@southern.edu

Michael Hasel, PhD headshot

Michael Hasel, PhD

Professor


423.236.2986
mhasel@southern.edu

Jud Lake, ThD headshot

Jud Lake, ThD

Professor


423.236.2985
jslake@southern.edu

Alan Parker, ThD headshot

Alan Parker, ThD

Professor


423.236.2683
parker@southern.edu

Barry Tryon, DMin headshot

Barry Tryon, DMin

Professor


423.236.2025
btryon@southern.edu

William Paroschi, PhD headshot

William Paroschi, PhD

Professor


423.236.2979
wparoschi@southern.edu

 

 

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Kerre Conerly

Kerre Conerly

Graduate Program Manager
kconerly@southern.edu
423.236.2033

Let's Talk About You

Welcome! I’m here to help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re exploring program options or have questions about application deadlines, feel free to call or email. I’m happy to assist. Let’s take the next step in your journey together.

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