Master of Arts Program Purpose
The Master of Arts program is a two-year master’s degree designed for students who wish to acquire a background for teaching at the secondary level, attain a foundation for further studies in religion at the doctoral level, or explore the religious disciplines for personal interests. This degree is not designed to lead to ordination and does not presuppose any particular faith stance.
MA Program Objectives
The specific goals of the Master of Arts degree will be worked out in consultation between the student and the academic advisor. Students will generally opt either to attain a broad knowledge of various theological disciplines or to develop a focused knowledge in a specific discipline. It is expected that all students in the MA program will develop:
- The ability to reflect critically on both primary and secondary source materials
- The ability to use research methods and resources appropriately to the task at hand
- The ability to formulate productive scholarly questions
MA Program Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or from an equivalent international institution. Academic work should have been rich in the liberal arts, offering general knowledge of human culture through studies in the humanities, including religion, languages, and the natural and social sciences. Applicants must be able to write clearly and effectively.
Applicants should have demonstrated the capacity to do above average academic work, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or above (on a 4.0 scale) in a previous degree program. The student may choose to submit GRE scores to further indicate academic capabilities.
The applicant must present transcripts for all academic study beyond secondary school.
The completed application form must be accompanied by a statement of purpose by the applicant explaining the reasons and goals for pursuing the MA degree and by three letters of reference from persons qualified to evaluate the applicant’s intellectual competence and promise.
MA Program Curriculum
The Master of Arts program shall consist of 44 academic credits. Further requirements for the MA include proficiency in one foreign language, determined by examination. (Students may petition to substitute an additional six credits of course work for the language exam. Students in the social sciences may petition to substitute a statistical methods course for the foreign language requirement).
Each student will work out an appropriate course of study in consultation with the academic advisor, which will culminate in an integrative project. For this project, students will elect to write either an extended paper linked to a course, or a traditional academic thesis of some 60-70 pages. The thesis option earns 6 credits in the final semester of study, and is strongly recommended for those who expect to undertake doctoral work. All MA students are required to take two one-credit courses that are intended to prepare them for academic research and writing, Research Skills 1 in their first semester and Research Skills 2 in their third semester.
Program Duration and Location
The program is designed to be completed in two years or four semesters of full time study. All requirements must be completed within five years from the date of initial matriculation. Students must complete a minimum of 24 credits at Drew Theological School. Students with credits earned elsewhere at the graduate professional level and not applied toward another earned degree may apply for a maximum of 12 credits of advanced standing. Transfer credit is not granted for credits earned earlier than 10 years prior to the date of matriculation.
