M.A. students will develop their skills in interpreting Scripture and in theological reflection by completing courses in a variety of theological disciplines and by focusing on an area of concentration.
Students may choose either a 48 credit hour thesis track (prerequisite of 12 credit hours of undergraduate courses in biblical and theological studies), or a course track of 60 credit hours. Although students may choose either track, those interested in doctoral studies would do well to choose the thesis track.
Students may pursue either degree on a full-time or part-time basis. Most full-time students will complete the degree in two to three years.
The M.A. program is flexible in that it allows students to focus on an area of concentration or on interdisciplinary concerns and questions. Students are encouraged to bring their biblical and theological reflection to bear on specific topics raised from earlier studies, from life-experience, or from work and professional contexts.
Areas in which courses will be offered and theses may be written include: Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Theology, Systematic Theology, Historical Theology, Spirituality, Christian Ethics, Peace Theology, Christian Worship, Practical Theology, History of Christianity, Theology and the Arts, Christianity and Culture, Mennonite Studies, and Philosophical Theology.
Qualified occasional students may take courses on a part-time basis.
Application Due Dates
- April 30th—To begin classes in September.
- August 31st—To begin classes in January.
- If you have missed the due date, contact Karl Koop, the Director or Julie Rempel in Admissions
Students seeking admission must be qualified to engage in graduate-level theological study. Normally, successful applicants will have completed a baccalaureate degree from a recognized university or college and will have attained a minimum average of ‘B’.
Go here for an application formAdvanced Standing
Students may be eligible for advanced standing if they have completed a four-year Bachelor of Arts with a major in Biblical and Theological Studies (or its equivalent) or courses at the graduate level. The amount of advanced standing is limited by the residency requirement.
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies
course Track
Admission requirements:
A baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (‘B’).
Residency requirement:
Must take 30 credit hours at CMU.
Curriculum requirements:
A minimum of 60 credit hours
Distribution Requirements—30 credit hours:
- Bible—9 credit hours
- History of Christianity—6 credit hours
- Theology—6 credit hours
- Christianity and Culture—6 credit hours
- Methodology—3 credit hours
- Interest Area—15 credit hours
- Electives—15 credit hours
Thesis Track
Admission requirements:
- A baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (‘B’)
- A minimum of 12 credit hours in upper-level biblical and theological studies with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (‘B’)
Must take 24 credit hours at CMU.
Curriculum requirements:
A minimum of 48 credit hours
Distribution Requirements—15 credit hours:
- Bible—3 credit hours
- History of Christianity—3 credit hours
- Theology—3 credit hours
- Christianity and Culture—3 credit hours
- Methodology—3 credit hours
- Interest Area—12 credit hours
- Electives—15 credit hours
- Thesis—6 credit hours
1. Students applying for the Thesis Track, who have not fulfilled the minimum of 12 credit hours in biblical and theological studies may still apply. They will be accepted into the Masters of Arts Theological Studies with the understanding that they will be formally accepted into the Thesis track after meeting all the requirements of that program.
2. Students specializing in biblical studies must fulfill language requirements in Greek or Hebrew, including a second-level language course. One second-level language course may count toward the degree.
3. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (‘B’) to remain in the program.
4. The thesis: Under the guidance of a Thesis Advisor, students in this program will write a thesis of approximately 25,000 to 30,000 words. Information regarding procedures for thesis writing can be obtained from the Director, Faculty Advisor, or Registrar’s office.
5. Student Advising: When a student is admitted to the program, a faculty advisor will be assigned to assist in selecting courses and specific track.
