Masters of Arts in Religion

The Resurrection
Has Holbein

The MAR program at Concordia is an ideal way for those who work within the church to enhance their theological knowledge and expertise. The courses and degree may also appeal to laypersons wishing to enrich their understanding of the Bible and Christian theology. Students in the program may specialize in several areas including:

• Biblical Studies (including biblical languages--Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic)

• Systematic Theology

• Historical Theology

• Religious Education

• Specialized Ministry (parish, adult, family, counseling, gerontology)

• Student developed concentrations

In addition to regular requirements for admission, applicants should have undergraduate course work in biblical studies and Christian doctrine. Students enrolling in the Religious Education concentration are expected to have educational training or experience. Applicants deficient in these areas may be accepted with provisional status.

Pastors and others wishing to study for the STM degree at Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis may take courses in the MAR program at Concordia University for credit. Prior approval of the Director of Graduate Studies at Concordia Seminary is needed. This is an ideal way for Chicago-area pastors to study for the STM degree while reducing the time and travel needed.

The degree involves 33 semester hours of work, including a Capstone Experience. Fifteen of those hours are in theological foundations courses, one course chosen from each of five categories

• Old Testament Studies

• New Testament Studies

• Systematic Theology

• Historical Theology

• Church and Society or Religious Education

Three hours are devoted to a research course designed to enable students to conduct in-depth research in theology and related fields.

The remaining fifteen hours are devoted to the student's specialization and include a capstone experience.

For further details see the University's graduate catalog.

For general questions concerning graduate studies contact the graduate admissions office at Concordia.

For specific question concerning the MAR program contact the program director, Dr. Andrew Steinmann.