Master of Arts in Religion
The MAR program combines flexibility, balance and integration. Two tracks are offered: a concentration track and a general studies track. Students may take a concentration in one of the following subjects: Old Testament, New Testament, Church History or Historical Theology, Ethics, Theology, Hispanic Church Studies, Pastoral Theology, Liturgics, Church Music, and Christian Education. Students in both tracks may select from a variety of courses within each broad area of study. All general studies and concentration track students complete a project or a thesis as a degree requirement.
Through courses in Biblical studies, history, theology, liturgy, ethics, pastoral theology and either a ministry or art project or a research thesis, students will learn:
- To identify and describe the content and theological perspectives of Biblical authors in major literary genres in the Bible and be able to describe the history of the canon;
- To evaluate critically theological perspectives in the Biblical texts in light of contemporary theological and ethical realities and with attention to the effects of cultural contexts upon interpretation;
- To read appreciatively and critically diverse and influential texts in the history of Christian theology, liturgy, and ethics, with a view to their present significance for Christian faith and practice;
- To recognize and interpret the relationships between Christian beliefs, practices, rituals, and cultural contexts;
- To conduct integrative research involving various theological disciplines, historical periods, or traditions, or involving theology and non-theological disciplines;
- To identify and deploy effective research methods appropriate to a chosen area of specialist study; and
- To establish, explore, and defend a thesis by way of an extended essay or a project involving either field work or an alternative form of presentation, e.g. drama, film, fictional work.
The MAR requires 51 credits. The degree may be completed in two years of full-time study or up to five years of part-time study. MAR students participate in all aspects of community life at the seminary. They may take courses from the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, Master of Arts in Counseling, and Master of Arts in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care sequences, and they also take part in the worship and community life of the school. While maintaining its identity as an institution of the Episcopal Church, SSW welcomes students from a broad range of denominations.
Prior to being awarded the degree, each candidate must fully discharge all financial obligations to the seminary and all requirements for this degree must be completed within five years from the date of entry into the program.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CONCENTRATION STUDIES TRACK
Biblical Studies (6 credits)
Historical Studies (6 credits)
Theological Studies (6 credits)
Theological Ethics Studies (3 credits)
Area of concentration (12 credits, including distribution credits)
Project or Thesis (6 credits) (includes 1 semester of preparation for 3 credits and 1 semester of writing/creating for 3 credits)
Electives (12 credits)
COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GENERAL STUDIES TRACK
Biblical Studies (6 credits)
Historical Studies (6 credits)
Theological Studies (6 credits)
Theological Ethics Studies (3 credits)
Project or Thesis (6 credits) (includes 1 semester of preparation for 3 credits and 1 semester of writing/creating for 3 credits)
Electives (24 credits)
