The Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) program is designed for students who prioritize academic preparation in the theological disciplines over professional preparation for ministry. EMS accepts students who propose to complete the MAR who have completed at least 12 undergraduate hours or 9 graduate hours in their are of study/research interest prior to degree candidacy. The emphasis in the MAR program is on concentrated study in a field of theological knowledge and on the development of analytical and reflective skills appropriate to that field. The clearest expression of the program’s academic emphasis is the thesis as the student’s capstone in the program.
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The MAR degree requires the completion of 60 semester hours of work. See MAR director or associate dean for the process of approving and transferring previously completed graduate or undergraduate academic credit into the MAR. A full-time student may complete this program in two year. A minimum of 30 hours shall be taken in residency.
Each MAR student's program of study consists of both a core taken by all students (a total of 30 hours) and a concentration which must be approved, before degree candidacy, by the Seminary Academic Committee. This approval must also include the agreement of a faculty member to supervise the development of thesis proposal, writing and defense. Concentrations which may be considered for MAR studies at EMU/S are biblical studies and theology, including peace, theology, intercultural studies and Christian history.
A unique strength of Eastern Mennonite Seminary is our formation program. We believe that focusing on one’s own formation is the best way to prepare students to be healthy and whole in their vocations, this is true for those pursing an academic degree no less than it is for those whose seminary degree will focus on the practice of ministry. For this degree, two formation courses, Formation in God’s Story I & II (2 credits each), are required. These courses are designed to help students understand their own lives in conversation with and connection to God’s story as found in Scripture and being written in the present in their own lives through spiritual practices. For more information, please visit the formation page.The various procedures toward the Master of Arts in Religion are outlined more fully in the MAR program manual.
Program of Study
Each student’s program of study consists of
- A required core of six courses taken by all EMS degree-seeking students, totaling 16 semester hours of credit.
- Designated electives in four additional areas, with twelve semester hours for a combined total of 28 required semester hours.
Biblical Studies elective 3 SH – Generally courses prefixed BVOT or BVNT and focusing on study of Biblical texts (but not the elementary or readings level Biblical languages courses).
Context of Ministry 3 SH – These two courses meet this requirement: CM 643 Missio Dei in Cultural Context , or CM 652 Churches and Social Transformationmeets this requirement. See the CM course listings for other courses that might meet this requirement as well.
Anabaptist/Methodist or other Denominational Studies 3 SH – Anabaptist-affiliated students take one of three courses: CTH 641 Mennonite History, CTT 633 Anabaptist Theology, or CTT 523 Anabaptism Today, or other approved courses. SH
Theological studies elective 3 SH – The courses prefixed CTT, CTH or CTE generally meet this requirement. - A concentration tailored to the interests of the individual student, consisting of 20 semester hours of coursework.
- A thesis anchored in the concentration, worth 6 semester hours.
- Electives totaling 6 semester hours which may be rolled into the concentration if there is a rationale showing that these courses directly enhance the concentration, and if so compiling a concentration of 32 semester hours in specialized study.
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