Master of Arts Academic Programs

The Master of Arts (MA) degree is considered an academic degree in general theological studies designed to provide a basic understanding of particular theological disciplines for further graduate study or for general educational purposes. It is designed on a two-year model for program completion, dependent upon prerequisites completed. Often the MA is a prerequisite degree for enrolling in a public university-based terminal degree or doctoral program, though this is not always the case. Many universities accept students into a master’s/doctoral program track that will award the student a master’s degree while admitting them later to a doctoral program. Students anticipating future terminal degree work are advised to consult with the institution where they anticipate undertaking doctoral studies to ensure that their graduate-level preparation will be appropriate for doctoral admission. Often such students may be required to devote the capstone project in their master’s program to the writing of a thesis that demonstrates ability to do academic research.