Religious Education MA

Total Credits - 48 credits

Additional Requirements

Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00. Courses with a grade below B- do not count toward the degree.

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

1. Comprehensive Examinations: Must pass comprehensive examinations  arranged through the departmental administrative assistant. The one-day exams entail a three-hour morning session and a two-hour afternoon session.
2. Thesis: Prepare 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. The thesis may add 3 credits to the 48 credit degree requirements, making a total of 51 credits.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MA (Religious Education) program is based on the student’s meeting the general admission requirements for all graduate students as outlined in the School of Graduate Studies & Research, and the general Seminary admission requirements Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. In addition, students must have earned a baccalaureate degree or equivalent 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.

Advanced standing is determined at the time of admission.

Prerequisite - 3 credits

For the Family Life Education focus, an undergraduate or graduate course in psychology that includes the study of human development.  For other focus areas, an undergraduate or graduate course in psychology or sociology.

English Language Requirement

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

1. MELAB - score of 80 (must achieve a passing score on each section: written, verbal and comprehension) OR
2. TOEFL - score of 550 (paper based) or score of 80 (computer based with a minimum of 20 on each section: written, verbal and comprehension) and
3. 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- medium high school, college or university may be exempted from all or parts of the above requirements.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing may be obtained for up to 12 credits of religion and theology and up to 5 credits of education or religious education for a combined maximum total of 12 credits. These credits are dependent upon a background of advanced theological or educational study or prior extensive undergraduate studies in religion, theology, religious education, or education as well as the particular MA (Religious Education) focus area chosen. Advanced standing is calculated at the time of admission as follows:

• 18 or more credits of undergraduate religion or theology credit may qualify for advanced standing of up to 12 credits in appropriate areas of the course plan. Advanced standing based on less than 18 credits of prior undergraduate studies is prorated at a two-thirds ratio.
• 8 or more credits of undergraduate 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 8 credits of prior undergraduate studies is prorated at a two-thirds ratio.

Transfer Credits

Prior graduate study in religion, theology, education, or religious education appropriate to the chosen focus area may be applied as transfer credits under the regular graduate transfer policies based on a 48-credit curriculum, but only to the extent that the combined credits for advanced standing and graduate transfers do not exceed 12 credits. A minimum of 36 credits must be from Andrews University Religious Education degree program courses.

Additional Information

Student Learning 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.