“United is a place that is a very big tent. [It] has space for all faith traditions, for all kinds of people, space for all kinds of beliefs, and that is appealing.”
Dwayne Dixon – MA, Directed Studies
Master of Arts Concentrations
United’s MA degree offers the following areas of concentration:
Theology and the Arts
Eco-Justice
Ethics and Justice
Religion and Theology
Biblical Studies
Interreligious Studies
Directed Study
Master of Arts Degree FAQs
What can you do with a Master of Arts at United Seminary?
With an MA degree, you can pursue academic or teaching roles, especially in biblical studies and academic theological research. Our MA program also prepares students for doctoral-level research, ministry-context teaching, or leadership in faith-based and justice-focused organizations—including those working at the intersection of eco-justice and eco-theology, the arts, ethics, or interreligious dialogue.
What is the difference between an MA and an MDiv?
At United, the Master of Arts (MA) is scholarship-oriented—emphasizing critical analysis, theory, a thesis component, and preparation for teaching or doctoral study. In contrast, the Master of Divinity degree (MDiv) is practice-oriented, tailored toward pastoral leadership and professional ministry.
How long does it take to earn a Master of Arts?
The 36-credit structure can be completed in approximately two years of full-time study—typically 9 credits per trimester, with either eleven 3-credit courses plus a 3-credit thesis or ten courses plus a 6-credit thesis.
Is a Master of Arts worth it?
For those intending to pursue further graduate study, teaching, or critically engaged work in theology—especially in areas like ethics and justice, interreligious studies, or theology and the arts—this MA is an excellent value. Its focus on thesis-based master’s work and academic theology makes it particularly strong as a foundation for doctoral programs.
Can you get a Master of Arts online?
Yes, at United Theological Seminary, we offer distance-learning options, including asynchronous, hybrid, and live Zoom formats. All MA concentrations are accessible online, with many courses offered fully asynchronously.
Do you need an MA before a PhD?
While not strictly required, an MA degree—especially one with a thesis-based structure—provides essential preparation for doctoral study. At United, the MA’s emphasis on scholarly research, critical theological inquiry, and thesis completion provides a solid pathway to PhD programs.
How many credits is a Master of Arts program?
The MA degree requires 36 credit hours, structured as either eleven 3-credit courses plus a 3-credit thesis, or ten courses plus a 6-credit thesis.
Is a Master of Arts a terminal degree?
No, it’s not typically considered terminal. The MA degree at United is thesis-based and research-focused, serving as a stepping-stone to doctoral study or academic careers rather than an endpoint.
What jobs can you get with a MA degree?
Graduates often become seminary or college faculty, public theologians, academic researchers, or ministry leaders in areas of justice, the arts, or interreligious work. Others move into roles in museums, cultural institutions, or nonprofit organizations. The program’s flexibility also offers tailored preparation based on concentration, such as Theology and the Arts, Ethics and Justice, or Interreligious Studies.
What is the difference between an MA and an MTS?
The MA degree is deeply academic and thesis-based, designed for those pursuing doctoral study or teaching, while a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) offers broader theological exposure but typically lacks the intensive research and thesis component of the MA.
