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 the thesis or non-thesis track, although students interested in pursuing 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 the Director or Mitch Krohn in Admissions at mkrohn@cmu.ca
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
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 hoursThesis Option: Students may propose to write a thesis equivalent to 6 credit hours of course work. Credits earned by way of the thesis will reduce the elective requirement. See note 2, below.
History of Christianity—6 credit hours
Theology—6 credit hours
Christianity and Culture/Practical Theology—6 credit hours
Methodology—3 credit hours
Electives—as required to reach a total of 60 credit hours
Notes:
1. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (‘B’) to remain in the program.
2. Students who wish to write a thesis must submit a proposal by April 30, one year before the student expects to graduate. Acceptance of the proposal will depend on the following criteria: (i) the strength of the proposal, (ii) the student’s overall academic performance, and (iii) the availability of a faculty member to serve as thesis advisor. The normal length of a thesis will be 25,000 to 30,000 words. Information regarding procedures for thesis writing can be found at (insert link to Thesis Writing ) or obtained from the Director of Graduate Studies.
3. Normally, students wishing to write a thesis in the area of biblical studies must demonstrate an appropriate level of competence in the appropriate biblical language.
4. Areas in which courses will be offered and theses may be written include Anabaptist and Mennonite Studies, Biblical Theology, Christian Worship, Christianity and Culture, Christianity and the Arts, Ethics, History of Christianity, New Testament, Old Testament, Peace Theology, Philosophical Theology, Practical Theology, Spirituality, and Systematic Theology.
5. Students admitted to the program will be assigned a faculty advisor to assist them in selecting courses and negotiating their program.
