The Directed Study Master’s Degree program will deepen your knowledge of an area of study that does not fall under the other MA concentrations offered at United (Biblical Studies, Ethics and Justice, Religion and Theology, and Theology and the Arts). This flexible, self-designed concentration can prepare you for doctoral studies, teaching, or various specialized ministries.
This program may be a good fit for you if you are interested in pursuing a career as:
- A professor in a seminary, divinity school, or college
- A teacher or program leader in a private school, church, or religious community
Concentration Learning Outcomes
In addition to the core MA degree learning outcomes, the outcomes for the MA Directed Study program will be based on the elective courses that the student selects in consultation with their advisor.
United’s MA at a Glance
- 36 credits
- Eleven 3-credit courses plus a 3-credit thesis, or ten 3-credit courses plus a 6-credit thesis
- Can be completed within two years if you take a full-time course load of 9 credits per trimester and complete your thesis in one trimester
- All MA concentrations can be completed entirely via distance learning; many courses can be taken completely asynchronously
Program Course Guide Sheet for Academic Year 2025–2026
| PRIMARY OUTCOME |
NUMBER OF COURSES | COURSES |
| Theology | 2 |
Invitation to Theology: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty
Choose one:
History of Christian Theologies
History of Modern Theologies
|
| Textual Hermeneutics | 2 |
Introduction to Religious Texts
One 2000-level Religious Texts course |
| Ethics and Justice | 2 |
Choose one:
Christian Ethics
Comparative Religious Ethics
Choose one:
Queer and Trans Theologies
Black and Womanist Theologies
|
| Concentration | 5 |
Five elective courses (as approved by advisor)
|
| Research and Communication | 1 |
MA Thesis
|
| DEGREE TOTAL |
12 |
Learn More
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