United Theological Seminary

Master of Arts Directed Study

The MA Directed Study program will deepen your knowledge of an area of study that does not fall under the other four 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

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 in two years if you take a full-time course load (24 credits per year) and complete your thesis in approximately one trimester
  • All concentrations can be completed entirely via distance learning

Program Guide Sheet

LEARNING OUTCOME
 NUMBER OF COURSES COURSES
Formation 1 Intro to Spiritual and Personal Formation
Religious Texts 2 Hebrew Bible 1: Orientation

New Testament 1: Epistles, Acts, and Revelation
Theological Tradition 2 Religious and Theological Interpretation

Choose one:

  • History of Christian Theologies
  • History of Modern Theologies
  • Constructive Theology
Ethics/Justice 2 Choose two:

  • Christian Ethics
  • Comparative Religious Ethics
  • Theology for Social Transformation
CORE SUBTOTAL
 7
Academic Contextualization 4 Four Electives (as approved by advisor)
Academic Skills 1 MA Thesis
CONCENTRATION SUBTOTAL
 5
DEGREE TOTAL
 12

Learn More

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