Master of Arts

The Master of Arts Program is designed for men and women who wish to engage seriously in theological studies at the graduate level, but who do not need the full range of courses required in the Master of Divinity Program. The goals of this course of studies include:

• the ability to demonstrate an integrated understanding of knowledge from various theological disciplines, or
• the ability to demonstrate a basic understanding of an issue within a specific discipline.

For those writing a thesis as part of their requirements, additional goals include:

• a capacity to use research methods and resources in the discipline, and
• the ability to formulate appropriate research questions.

Seventy-two (72) term hours of studies are required for the degree.

Normally, two years of full-time academic work are needed to complete the program. There is a five-year statute of limitations. Master of Arts candidates may apply for transfer to the Master of Divinity program at any time prior to the awarding of the Master of Arts degree; but once the degree has been awarded, courses credited toward the Master of Arts may no longer be used for the Master of Divinity.

All candidates are required to write either an integrative essay or a thesis. The integrative essay requirement can be fulfilled by writing a 5000-word essay on a topic that integrates the areas of Bible, historical studies, theology, and ethics. Three hours of credit can be awarded for the successful completion of the integrative essay. Alternatively, a student may elect the thesis option, which will normally be between 80-100 pages. Up to six hours of credit may be received for Independent Study done as research for this project under the direction of the thesis adviser, who must be a member or adjunct of the faculty. It is the responsibility of the candidate, with the assistance of the director of Master of Arts Studies, to select an appropriate adviser, who should agree to work closely with the candidate. Written agreement to do so should be in the hands of the candidate by the Spring preceding expected graduation, since the thesis will be due at the end of Term II of the graduation year.

Religious Education Emphasis

A special track emphasizing religious education is available for Master of Arts candidates who wish to prepare for educational ministries. Their courses of study should reflect the balance of studies described above. Some work can be taken at the School of Education of the University of Pittsburgh. Choice of such courses will be made in consultation with the education faculty of the Seminary. The Master of Arts thesis is required as above and will be completed with an adviser approved by the education faculty of the Seminary. At least six, but no more than nine, term hours must be taken in supervised field education.

Arrangements for such work will be made in consultation with the director of Field Education and the director of Master of Arts Studies, and credit will be granted as Independent Study courses taken with the education faculty.

For more information, please contact our Director of Admissions.

Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Arts and the Master of Divinity program are required to have completed their bachelor's at the time of enrollment. This undergraduate work should include a substantial foundation in the liberal arts (history, English, philosophy). It is normally required that an applicant achieved a 2.7 cumulative grade point on a 4.0 scale as an undergraduate or in the last degree program attempted.

Applications from those just completing their bachelor's degree will be considered after the student's junior year, with a transcript reflecting work to that point. Prior to enrollment the student must produce a final official undergraduate transcript reflecting the earned degree.

Those applying for Term I (Fall) should apply before Feb. 1 to be considered for Honors Scholarships. Applications will be accepted until six weeks before the beginning of the term in which a student wishes to enroll. All correspondence concerning admission to the Seminary should be addressed to the

Director of Admissions
616 N. Highland Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-924-1380
1-800-451-4194

The Admissions Process

Applications are considered by the Admissions and Standings Committee upon submission of the following materials:

• A formal application including names and addresses of references.
• Official transcripts of all college and university work attempted.
• A 500-1,000 word statement describing the applicant's religious background, sense of call, and reasons for seeking theological education.
• A personal interview with the Director of Admissions or person designated by the director.
• A non-refundable $40 application fee.

At the discretion of the Committee, an applicant may be required to undergo a battery of psychological and/or mental capacity tests. Such testing is utilized only when it is believed that the results will clarify ambiguities in the student's academic record or in the applicant's fitness for ministry

After admission is granted, a student is required to submit an Intent to Enroll Form and $50 fee within 30 days. This assures a student's place in the next entering class. This fee is non-refundable but is credited to the student's account upon enrollment. Request an application packet.