Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.)

Mission
The 60-credit hour M.A.R. degree is a graduate level program designed primarily for those who wish to prepare themselves for more effective biblical and theological services in their church ministries. It provides in-depth study of the Bible and theology beyond that of the undergraduate level.

Objectives
Students who successfully complete the M.A.R. curriculum will:

1. Demonstrate a solid evangelical understanding and knowledge of the Bible, including an in-depth knowledge of selected books.
2. Have a deeper knowledge of evangelical Christian theology.
3. Be able to present their biblical and theological knowledge in diverse teaching settings in local churches.
4. Have advanced skills to use the Bible effectively in ministry.
5. Demonstrate competence in pursuing higher degrees in pastoral and missionary ministries.

The M.A.R. may be a terminal degree or serve as preparation for other higher degrees.

Course requirements
The courses for major requirements for M.A.R. are as follows (all courses are 3 credits):

FIRST YEAR

FALL SEMESTER
BIB501 Introduction to the Old Testament I 3 credits
PHI511 Religious Philosophy 3 credits
HIS601 Church History I 3 credits
Electives 3 credits
Total 9 credits or more

SPRING SEMESTER
BIB502 Introduction to the Old Testament II 3 credits
MSS501 Introduction to Missions /or/
MSS612 History of World Mission 3 credits
HIS602 Church History II 3 credits
Electives 3 credits
Total 9 credits or more

SECOND YEAR

FALL SEMESTER
BIB601 Introduction to the New Testament I 3 credits
BIB603 Biblical Hermeneutics 3 credits
THL511 Systematic Theology I 3 credits
Electives 3 credits
Total 9 credits or more

SPRING SEMESTER
BIB602 Introduction to the New Testament II 3 credits
THL611 Systematic Theology II 3 credits
MSS601 Evangelism & Practicum 3 credits
Electives 3 credits
Total 9 credits or more

THIRD YEAR

FALL SEMESTER
CHM711 Church Leadership 3 credits
HIS601 Baptist Heritage 3 credits
One Bible Exegesis Class 3 credits
Electives 3 credits
Total 9 credits or more

SPRING SEMESTER
ETH601 Christian Ethics 3 credits
REL631 Comparative Religions /or/
REL621 World Religions 3 credits
THL845 Religion and Science /or/
THL751 The Bible and Western Civilization 3 credits
Electives 3 credits
Total 9 credits or more
60 Total Credit hours