Master of Arts in Religion and Theology

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 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; many courses can be taken completely asynchronously