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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- training for teaching or writingintegration of theoretical underpinnings for practical ministry
- preparation for further graduate/doctoral studies – see final sentence in this paragraph
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The MAR degree requires the completion of 60 semester hours , requiring two years of vigorous study when enrolling as a of work. See below for the process of approving and transferring previously completed graduate or undergraduate academic credit. A full-time student . The total number of hours required for the degree may be adjusted for a student who brings extensive undergraduate studies in religion or has done graduate-level theological study. In the case of undergraduate studies, only courses at the junior and senior level (usually numbered between 300 and 499) are applicable toward reduction of MAR requirements at the ratio of four undergraduate credits translating to three hours of graduate credit. Fifteen semester hours is the maximum reduction permitted. In the case of a student who has already completed another post-baccalaureate degree in theology, the required hours may be reduced to as few as 30 semester hours if there is sufficient overlap in course content. Such adjustments in any student’s degree requirements are formalized only after the student has been admitted to degree candidacy by the EMS facultymay 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.
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- 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).
Church & Society electiveContext of Ministry 3 SH – These two courses meet this requirement: CM 643 Missio Dei in Cultural Context, or CM 652 Churches and Social Transformation.
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.
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.
Students may craft MAR concentrations within the classical disciplines of the seminary curriculum or pursue interdisciplinary approaches. Interdisciplinary programs of study may draw from the various programs of the seminary as well as the university’s other graduate programs.
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- study
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A minimum of 30 - hours shall be taken in residency. (see See residency requirements).
Core Courses
FS 501 Formation in God’s Story I (2)
FS 502 Formation in God’s Story II (2)
CTH 501 Christian Tradition I (3)
CTH 511 Christian Tradition II (3)
BVOT 511 Old Testament: Text in Context (3)
BVNT 512 New Testament: Text in Context (3)
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