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

 

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

Program Guide Sheet

LEARNING OUTCOME
 NUMBER OF COURSES COURSES
Religious Texts 2
Hebrew Bible 1: Orientation
Choose one:
New Testament 1: Epistles, Acts, and Revelation
New Testament 2: Four Gospels
Theological Tradition 2
Religious and Theological Interpretation
Choose one:
History of Christian Theologies
History of Modern Theologies
Ethics/Justice 2
Choose one:
Christian Ethics
Comparative Religious Ethics
Choose one:
Queer and Trans Theologies
Black and Womanist Theologies
CORE SUBTOTAL
 6
Academic Contextualization 5 Five electives (as approved by advisor)
Academic Skills 1 MA Thesis
CONCENTRATION SUBTOTAL
 5
DEGREE TOTAL
 12

Learn More

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