Master of Arts in Religion

The Master of Arts in Religion (30 graduate semester hours) provides a strong academic foundation in biblical studies, Christian history, and theology. These subjects offer essential preparation for Christian ministry and/or doctoral study in religion.

The Master of Arts in Religion provides a unique blend of religious theory and practical studies that can meet the needs of students with a variety of learning objectives. The classes in the program will be offered either totally online or online with a face-to-face session at the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri during the fourth week. The faculty is composed of scholars and professionals in the field of religion with the academic and applied backgrounds to make the study of religion stimulating and worthwhile.

Participation Requirements

1. A student must maintain at least a 3.0 CUM GPA and cannot submit more than nine semester hours of C for graduation. Students will be required to repeat courses in which C grades were earned above the maximum and must repeat any course in which a D or F has been received.
2. Students must complete the requirements for the degree in no more than four years.
3. Students must attend residential one-week focus sessions which are scheduled twice per year; focus sessions run Monday - Friday.
4. The following curriculum (30 semester hrs.) must be completed:

   RELG5011 Christian Theology 3 s.h.

   RELG5022 Introduction to the Hebrew Bible 3 s.h.

   RELG5040 New Testament I 3 s.h.

   RELG5050 New Testament II 3 s.h.

   RELG5060 History of Christian Thought I 3 s.h.
   RELG5070 History of Christian Thought II 3 s.h.

   *RELG5330 Community of Christ I: 1820-1914, History-Scripture-Theology 3 s.h.
   *RELG5340 Community of Christ II: 1914-Present, History-Scripture-Theology 3 s.h.

   RELG6115 Ministry Practicum  3 s.h.
   RELG6240 Contemporary Culture and Theologies 3 s.h.
   RELG6500 Portfolio 0 s.h.

   *Students from other denominations may substitute approved denomination-specific course work.

Transfer of Credits

Students transferring from other graduate institutions may request the transfer of a maximum of nine hours of credit, provided that the courses transferred have equivalents in the Master of Arts in Religion curriculum and the grades in those courses are “B” or above. The request must be accompanied by an official transcript from the institution where the credit was earned.