This program educates and prepares men for service in a teaching capacity. It can be used as a terminal degree for those who desire a theological background and training for various callings other than full-time, ordained gospel ministry. It can also be used as a transitional degree to additional graduate studies, particularly a Ph.D. program in religion or theology. Students may choose an emphasis on Biblical Studies or on Theological Studies, allowing the them to focus on either familiarity with biblical materials or on a historical or theological perspective. In either case, the program provides a thorough grounding in the Scriptures, in Reformed theology, and in church history.
The goal of the program is for students to master how to:
- Exegete individual passages of Scripture accurately, employing their knowledge of the original languages, historical circumstances, and literary and theological relationships;
- Understand the major issues in faith and life that the church has confronted throughout its history, and the system of truth revealed in the Scriptures;
- Systematize exegetical, historical, and theological data into a consistent and coherent theology, and explain how that theology applies to personal beliefs and behavior; and
- Respond with discernment to contemporary trends in biblical interpretation and to contemporary and cultural movements.
The program requires a total of 67 credits, including Greek and Hebrew, and must be completed in five years or less (two is possible). The program requires the following:
12 credits from the Old Testament Department including:
111 Hebrew I (4 credits)
12 credits from the New Testament Department including:
201 Greek I (3 credits)
202 Greek II (3 credits)
12 credits from the Church History Department including:
313 Reformation Church History (3 credits)
322 Reformed Theological Research (2 credits)
324 Puritan Theology (3 credits)
12 credits from the Systematic Theology Department including:
411 Systematic Theology I: Prolegomena (2 credits)
415 Systematic Theology V: Soteriology (4 credits)
421 Introduction to Apologetics (3 credits)
Total credits of required coursework: 48
Total credits for M.A.R. comprehensive exam: 1
Additional elective credits required for completion of program: 18