Master of Arts in Theology (MA)

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Theology degree program requires forty-five credit hours: thirteen graduate level courses and a research thesis. This degree allows for further concentration beyond the MTS degree in one particular area chosen by the student (e.g., Biblical, Spiritual, Moral, etc.) and includes an extensive research project concluding in a thesis paper (60-100 pages long).

For students completing their MTS in residency, nine additional hours of coursework in the concentration area and a six-hour thesis must be completed.

Application to the MA program will be accepted only after successful completion of the MTS comprehensive exams. Formal admission to the thesis requires successful completion of the MA comprehensive examination. Reading competency in an appropriate foreign language is not a formal requirement for admission to the thesis. It is normally required for a Biblical thesis and is at the discretion of the thesis director for a thesis in other concentration areas.

Transfer students with an MTS or equivalent degree, such as an MDiv, from another college may also build on their degree to attain the MA, with a residency requirement (minimum hours taken through Spring Hill College) of twenty-one hours. Students with the MTS or equivalent transfer degree must complete all requirements for the MA degree within four calendar years of initial enrollment.

Delivery:

On Campus, Online

Credits:

48 Credits

Faculty Count:

7

Average Class Size:

13

Program Goals

The MA program is designed for students who have earned a Master of Theological Studies degree, or an equivalent, from Spring Hill or a regionally accredited institution. The MA program builds on that degree and allows the student to engage in more focused research in their additional course work. The program culminates in an MA thesis (6 credit hours) in a specific topic in theology.

Career Outlook

This program provides several opportunities for employment after graduation in ministries, churches, non-profits, and other religious organizations as spiritual leaders. This program provides a deeper understanding of the Christian faith which will be of great importance in the workplace to make ethical and just decisions.