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 28 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.
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