The MA in Religion and Theology degree program will prepare you for doctoral work in religion and theology or to become a religious or theological educator and thought leader in a variety of contexts. The MA in Religion and Theology program is designed for people who are interested in a non-ordained, academic career. People who wish to combine the academic study of religion and theology with ordination or preparation for ministry should pursue the MDiv in Religion and Theology.
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
- Religion or theology teacher in a private school or church
- Public theologian (i.e., a theologian whose primary audience is the society or wider culture)
Concentration Learning Outcomes
In addition to achieving the core MA degree learning outcomes, a graduate of the Religion and Theology program will be able to:
- construct a theory of religion and articulate the ways in which it shapes their religious and theological commitments, as well as their vocational practice or academic study;
- critically interpret, analyze and reflect on a selected 1st–17th Century Christian OR 18th–20th Century theological text or perspective in its historical context as well as through the lens of modern questions and challenges; and
- construct a theological perspective that is rooted in their particular context and faith tradition, is meaningfully engaged with other perspectives, and is creatively responsive to the contemporary situation.
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 2026–2027
| PRIMARY OUTCOME |
NUMBER OF COURSES | COURSES |
| Theology | 2 |
Invitation to Theology: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty
Choose one:
History of Early Christian Theologies
History of Modern Christian 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 |
What is Religion?
Constructive Theology
Three elective courses (as approved by advisor)
|
| Research and Communication | 1 |
MA Thesis
|
| DEGREE TOTAL |
12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MA in Religion and Theology?
An MA in Religion and Theology is a graduate degree for those who take a focused academic approach to religion and theological thought. Students who pursue this degree path will develop skills to construct and articulate different theological perspectives, learn about religious traditions across a spectrum of historical and contemporary contexts, and engage in meaningful theological scholarship and public discourse.
Can I earn a Master’s of Arts in Religion and Theology Online at United?
Yes. United’s MA in Religion and Theology degree is available completely online or on campus. Courses are offered in synchronous and asynchronous formats. Learn more about our fully accredited online MA in Religion and Theology program via our distance learning options.
Who is the MA in Religion and Theology designed for?
This program is meant for those who are interested in a non-ordained, academic career in theology or religious studies. It is excellent for anyone preparing for doctoral study, seeking to teach in seminaries or colleges, or aspiring to engage theology as thought leaders or public intellectuals. Anyone looking to combine academic theological study with ordination or pastoral preparation is encouraged to explore the MDiv in Religion and Theology instead.
What can you do with a Master’s in Religion and Theology?
Graduates of this program have a lot of different opportunities to pursue. Just a few careers they could consider include a professor or instructor at a seminary, divinity school, or college; a religion and theology teacher in a private school or church; a public theologian who chooses society or a wider culture as their audience; or a religion writer, editor, or researcher. This program also acts as a strong preparation for doctoral study in religion and theology.
How is the MA in Religion and Theology different from the MDiv in Religion and Theology?
The main difference between these two degree programs is vocational focus. The MA in Religion and Theology is meant for someone seeing an academic, non-ordained path. This option is ideal for those going after doctoral study or teaching roles. The MDiv in Religion and Theology is a professional degree that prepares students for ordained ministry, pastoral leadership, or ministerial positions with an emphasis on theological education within the congregation or religious community. If you believe ordination is in your calling, the MDiv in Religion and Theology may be the path for you.
How long does it take to earn an MA in Religion and Theology?
United’s MA in Religion and Theology degree requires 36 credit hours, which is often completed in two years of full study, taking 9 credits per trimester and completing a thesis in another trimester. There are part-time options that are also available for those who are balancing work, ministry, or other commitments in life.
What topics are covered in the MA in Religion and Theology program?
Students within this program regularly engage with foundational and contemporary questions in theology and religion studies, like the study and interpretation of Christian theological texts in historical contexts, the theories of religion and how they can shape commitments within religion, critical analysis of religion and ethics across different perspectives, and the development of personal theological positions in response to a contemporary world. This program encourages extensive research and thesis-based scholarship to prepare students for their academic careers.
Why do students choose United for a religion and theology master’s degree?
United offers an accredited, academically rigorous theological education within a community that is inclusive and interreligious. We welcome students across faith traditions, backgrounds, and vocational paths. The option to design your attendance your way, through online and in-person courses, means that you do not have to uproot your life to seek a deeper theological education. United’s expert faculty offer both scholarly depth and real-world ministry experience, and the students here benefit from our dedicated advisors, passionate learning community, and a progressive mindset that takes a serious approach to faith, justice, and the modern world.
Are financial aid and scholarships available for the MA in Religion and Theology program?
Yes, United offers financial aid and scholarship options for students. In fact, 95% of new master’s students at United receive some form of financial aid or scholarship support. United offers several funding opportunities for anyone looking to make theological education accessible and affordable for themselves.
Learn More
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