Religious Education, MA

MA: Religious Education

Kathleen Beagles, Director

The Master of Arts: Religious Education is an interdisciplinary academic program that prepares individuals for leadership roles as scholars and specialists in discipleship in settings where religious, moral and spiritual nurture and growth are primary concerns. The curriculum is designed with core courses, electives and a selected area of emphasis. Students electing to obtain a graduate certificate in campus spiritual leadership may continue their studies to complete requirements for the MA: Religious Education. The master’s program generally requires attendance during the regular academic year, but many classes are taught over the summers as intensives with post-campus academic and fieldwork assignments.

Program Outcomes

1.  As a Christian Apologist - Articulates a philosophy of religious education.

2.  As a Pastor-Teacher - Uses appropriate methodologies to disciple.

3.  As a Servant-Leader - Applies the principles of servant leadership.

4.  As an Evaluator/Researcher - Understands basic terminology, potential contributions, and limitations of scholarly research in the evaluation and implementation of discipleship initiatives.

5.  As a Maturing Christian - Engages consistently with Scripture in biblical and spiritual disciplines to be open to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in his or her life.

6.  As a Lifelong Learner - Pursues personal and professional development.

7.  As an Area Expert - Demonstrates the ability to apply all relevant core competencies to the area of emphasis.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MA: Religious Education program is based on the student’s meeting the general admission requirements for all graduate students Graduate Academic Policies , and the general Seminary admission requirements Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary . In addition, students must have earned a baccalaureate degree and have a minimum GPA of 2.75. Official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test taken within the last five years should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Enrollment Management. Applicants must also complete and return the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire as directed.

English Language Requirement

For those applicants whose native language is not English, the following is required:

• MELAB - score of 81 (must achieve a passing score on each section: written, verbal and comprehension) or
• TOEFL - score of 565 (paper based) or score of 85 (computer based with a minimum of 20 on each section: written, verbal and comprehension) and
• A personal interview with the program director or designee

Applicants who fail to meet any of the above may be admitted only after departmental consideration of the specific circumstances.  Additional coursework in English may be required.  A student who graduated from a four-year English-speaking high school, college or university may be exempted from all or parts of the above requirements.

Degree Requirements

The MA: Religious Education is an academic degree awarded upon successful completion of 48 credits of interdisciplinary study in the Seminary and School of Education. Candidates with advanced theological or educational study or with prior extensive undergraduate studies in religion, religious education, or education may submit a petition requesting advanced standing of up to 16 credits. Evaluation of advanced standing is calculated as follows:

• 15 or more credits of undergraduate or graduate religion or theology credit may qualify for advanced standing of up to 11 credits in appropriate areas of the course plan. Advanced standing based on less than 15 credits of prior undergraduate or advanced studies is prorated at a ratio of 0.72:1.
• 7 or more credits of undergraduate or graduate education or religious education may qualify for advanced standing of up to 5 credits in appropriate areas of the course plan. Advanced standing based on less than 7 credits of prior undergraduate or advanced studies is prorated at a ratio of 0.72:1.

Transfer credits for graduate studies other than by petition as noted above are permitted under the regular transfer policies based on a 48-credit curriculum, but only to the extent that the combined credits for prior learning and graduate transfers do not exceed 16 credits. A minimum of 32 credits must be from Andrews University Religious Education degree program courses.

To remain in regular standing, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00. Courses with a grade below B- do not count toward the degree.

Advancement to Candidacy. In the semester that students will complete 50 percent of their course work, they must apply for advancement to candidacy. See p. 60 of the Graduate Programs Academic Information section of this bulletin.

Degree Completion.  Candidates for the MA degree may exercise one of the following two options to complete their degree:

• Comprehensive Examinations: Must pass comprehensive examinations given at the published times.  The one-day exams entail a three-hour morning session and a two-hour afternoon session.
• Thesis: Do a thesis (minimum 3 credits). A two-member faculty committee guides the student in developing the project and evaluates the defense. Students who complete a thesis are exempt from writing comprehensive examinations but are required to make a portfolio presentation.

Time Limits. A student must complete the requirements for the MA: Religious Education degree and graduate within six years of first enrolling in the program regardless of admission classification.

Family Life Education Emphasis - 48 credits

This emphasis will allow the student to obtain the NCFR certification. If student is not seeking NCFR certification, more credits toward the degree can be from Advanced Standing when applicable (up to a maximum of 16 cr only, as specified in the degree requirements section)

Students planning to enter the PhD in Religious Education should also take EDRM 611 Applied Statistical Methods I (3). Depending on how the distributed courses are configured, taking EDRM 611 may increase the total credits required for the MA degree.

Campus Spiritual Life Emphasis - 48 credits

Students planning to enter the PhD in Religious Education should also take EDRM 611 Applied Statistical Methods I (3). Depending on how the distributed courses are configured, taking EDRM 611 may increase the total credits required for the MA degree.

Customized Emphasis - 48 credits

This emphasis will have the same prerequisite and core credits as the Family Life, and Campus Spiritual Life Emphases. The customization will be reflected in the emphasis credits (12 credits) and the advance standing courses (0-16 credits). The customization option is to be planned in consultation with an advisor.