Master of Arts in Religion
Some people sense—maybe even for a long time—that God is calling them to ministry but the way forward doesn’t seem clear to them.
If that sounds like you, we are glad you are here exploring options today. God calls us in many ways and He equips us for the work we will do in many ways. Seminary and apologetics training are strong preparations for engaging with our culture and the questions our neighbors and co-workers have about Christianity. Southern Evangelical Seminary offers a host of degree options that are all rooted in thorough apologetics training, but the Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) program is a unique opportunity for students like you.
The M.A.R. is special because it gives students two great options: a broad, solid master’s degree for a wide range of ministry, or a master’s degree that can be applied toward continued studies for a more specialized degree in the future. This 36-credit hour program is offered via our immersive digital campus to maximize its flexibility for your life and other responsibilities. Whether you choose to move directly into ministry after graduation or use your degree as a stepping stone to completing a larger degree, you’ll have a great education and many options in the future.
As a Student in the SES Master of Arts in Religion Program, You Will:
- Cultivate a useful general knowledge of the Old and New Testaments
- Get a cohesive, synthetic understanding of how Scripture is developed through the whole Bible
- Gain a general application for Systematic Theology connecting Biblical doctrine and cultural issues today
- Develop a strong basic foundation in Christian Apologetics
- Grow in Christlikeness and your ability to reach many people and subcultures with the hope of the Gospel
Courses of Interest
Introduction to Christian Apologetics
In this course, you will grapple with how to understand and defend basic elements of the Christian faith. You will be equipped to engage in conversations or debates about things such as the existence of God, the validity of miracles, the deity of Christ, and why we hold to the inspiration of the Bible.
Pneumatology, Ecclesiology and Eschatology
What exactly is the church and where did it come from? What can we know about the future for believers and unbelievers? Are heaven and hell real? In ministry, you will need to answer these questions and many more. This course is a vital part of your Systematic Theology training to help you respond and engage.
Take a Deeper Look at This Degree Today — Download Your Program Preview Now!
Real-World Applications for Ministry
Since the M.A.R. gives graduates a strong, broad foundation for ministry, there are many potential applications. You could serve in:
Full-Time Ministry
The M.A.R. equips men and women in full-time ministry with a high level of competence in apologetics, evangelism, and outreach. Students in the program are prepared for church leadership in a culture where members are being influenced by secular perspectives more than ever before.
Campus Ministry
Work with teens and young adults struggling to mature in their faith or find the hope of the Gospel for the first time.
Missions Work
Bring the grace and truth of Christ overseas or here at home.
Pastoral Ministry
Support or lead Christian education programming in a church, serve in children’s or youth ministry, spearhead community outreach, and many other pastoral roles.
Speaking and Teaching
Use this degree to become equipped for a wide variety of public speaking engagements, formal teaching, and more.
Personal Edification
Each of us has a personal ministry, and the M.A.R. will strengthen your ability to engage with many kinds of people, right where they are today.
When I first started attending Southern Evangelical Seminary, it did not occur to me that a Socratic Logic class would contribute much towards an evangelism centered ministry. Now that I am serving in an evangelism & apologetics centered ministry…I am amazed with how just some basic training in logic has helped me to be more effective at sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ…The enemy is a master deceiver, but logic enhances our ability to contrast the Truth from the lies even when the lies appeal to our flesh. I can honestly say that learning Socratic Logic has contributed much to my personal walk and also the ministry that The Lord has entrusted to me. If I was not obedient to The Lord in learning how to think correctly, I would have limited effectiveness in sharing my faith with others.
Greg Walker, SES Alum
Admissions & Tuition
Southern Evangelical Seminary offers a simple, four-step application process. Prospective students can apply online, submit a personal statement, provide official transcripts, and pay a nonrefundable application fee to be considered for admission. Read more about our application process, deadlines, and tuition.
Why Southern Evangelical Seminary?
If you’re just starting to explore SES, you might not know exactly why we are such a compelling choice for so many students like you. One way to sum it up is our commitment to teaching, and equipping every student with an integrated approach to theology, philosophy, and apologetics. We believe this is an uncommon but utterly vital core commitment at SES. There is much more to share with you. You can start right now by downloading our e-book, 3 Reasons for Seminary.
REQUIRED COURSES
PREREQUISITE COURSE – 3 hours Pass/Fail
SM501 Writing & Research Skills (3)
APOLOGETICS – 3 hours
AP501 Introduction to Christian Apologetics (3)
BIBLICAL STUDIES – 12 hours
OT501 Old Testament Survey 1 (3)
OT502 Old Testament Survey 2 (3)
NT501 New Testament Survey 1 (3)
NT502 New Testament Survey 2 (3)
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY – 12 hours
ST501 Prolegomena & Bibliology (3)
ST502 Theology Proper & Creation (3)
ST503 Hamartiology & Soteriology (3)
ST504 Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, & Eschatology (3)
ELECTIVES – 9 hours
a) AP Elective (3)
b) Electives (6)
TOTAL HOURS: 36 hours
