Master of Arts in Religion.

 

Master of Arts in Religion

Follow your Curiosity

How does religion make and remake the world?

This is one of the most urgent questions of our time—and a complicated one with no easy answers. For those ready to tackle it, the Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) degree invites you to study the world as it is shaped by religious inheritances, ideas, passions and ways of life.

The MAR is for:

  • Those preparing for doctoral studies
  • Professionals seeking to develop subject credentials for fields including education, administration, journalism or librarianship
  • People in a variety of vocations who want to follow their curiosity about the big questions of meaning, values and the world

MAR students pursue specialized study in a field or more broadly in Theological Studies. Because the real world is not divided according to academic disciplines, MAR students can also self-declare an interdisciplinary area that combines courses in Drew’s signature interdisciplinary fields.

University in The Forest

Students at the Theological School can take advantage of the resources and opportunities in the University at large. Study education, conflict resolution, humanities, and, yes, even religion with faculty in the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. Do research at the United Methodist Archives and History Center or an internship in the Drew University Library. MAR students often join the experiential or off-campus learning of the Theological School Community Garden, the Center for Global Education, the Center for Civic Engagement, or the Partnership for Religious Education in Prisons.

Program of study: Disciplinary depth. Transdisciplinary breadth.

Master of Arts in Religion coursework consists of 43 credits of disciplinary and transdisciplinary study, the development of effective research and communication skills and specialized capstone experiences.

1. Required Courses (7 credits)

  • Studying Religion and Theology
  • Research Methods in a Digital Age
  • Critical Pedagogy and Religion
  • Public Writing and Media Communication
  • One interdisciplinary seminar

2. Area of Study (15 credits)

MAR students choose one area from the following five:

3. Electives (15-21 credits)

4. Capstone (0-6 credits)

MAR students complete a capstone that demonstrates their learning in the degree. There are two tracks: Thesis Track (6 credits) or Non-thesis Track (0-3) credits.

5. Optional Concentrations

An optional concentration may be added to the degree by completing nine credits in any of the areas of study listed above (including the interdisciplinary areas) or by completing courses in the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies for concentrations in Liberal Studies or Teaching and Learning.