The Master of Arts degree is designed to prepare women and men for advanced graduate study in a specific theological discipline, or alternatively, to educate the laity who want a knowledge of theological disciplines. The M.A. degree requires the successful completion of 16 courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B). Admission to the Master of Arts program requires a bachelor’s degree attained with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B).

For students preparing for advanced graduate study, a curriculum is developed in consultation with their advisor, who is assigned according to the discipline in which the student will concentrate. Students are required to take seven courses in the area of their concentration, one course in each of the four curricular areas, two courses as thesis writing, with three open electives. All students preparing for advanced study must evidence competence in at least one theological language (usually Hebrew, Greek, Latin, German, French, or Spanish) and undertake research in this language as a constituent part of thesis writing.

For students who want a more general knowledge, the M.A. curriculum includes three courses in Christian Scriptures (including at least one Old Testament and one New Testament), three courses in Christian Faith (including one Church History, one Theology and one Ethics), three courses in Multi-cultural Society (including one Black Church, one Women & Gender, one Interfaith), two Practical Theology as related to their ministry, and five open electives. Completion of the degree includes an integrative examination, both written and oral.