About the Master of Arts

The Master of Arts (MA) program offers professional competence in theology to students who are not preparing for pastoral ministry. It is ideal for parochial school teachers and others who are interested in formal theological study. 

Admission Requirements

Both men and women may apply for the Master of Arts degree. 

  • Bachelor’s degree or the educational equivalent from an accredited college or university.
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must submit an acceptable TOEFL or DuoLingo English Test score that is fewer than two years old. 

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Your Next Step

Take the first step toward your vocation. Submit your application now and join a community committed to rigorous study and faithful service.

Students must complete 60 hours of coursework to receive a Master of Arts. Students with more than 30 credits in religion or theology at the bachelor’s or master’s level may be eligible for a 36-hour program. Enrollment in the 36-hour program is subject to approval. 

Bibliography & Technology

MA Essay

EXEGETICAL THEOLOGY – 9 HOURS (36-HR. – 6 HOURS)

Gospels I, II, III

Pentateuch I, II

Pauline Epistles

Major Prophets

Psalms

HISTORICAL THEOLOGY – 6 HOURS (36-HR. – 3 HOURS)

Church History I, II, III, IV

PASTORAL MINISTRY AND MISSIONS – 6 HOURS (36-HR. – 3 HOURS)

Confessing Christ in Today’s World

Catechetics

Ministry in a Pluralistic Context

Theological Ethics

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY – 9 HOURS (36-HR. – 6 HOURS)

Dogmatics I, II, III

Lutheran Confessions I, II

Theologia I: Baptism

Theologia III: Lord’s Supper

GENERAL ELECTIVES – 27 HOURS (36-HR. – 15 HOURS)

A graduate of the MA program 

  • understands and articulates the faith of the Holy Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions
  • interprets biblical texts christologically
  • articulates Lutheran teaching in church and in public
  • understands and articulates church history and the history of Lutheranism
  • demonstrates research and writing competence in theology
  • responds to trends that affect American and global Christianity
  • sees theological study as an ongoing pursuit of truth and an engagement with the world

MA Cost of Attendance (COA)

You can see a breakdown of the costs associated with this program by clicking here. Interested in using our cost of attendance (COA) calculator? Click the button below to get started.