Who should consider an MAR?

The MAR program is designed for students who prioritize academic preparation in the theological disciplines over professional preparation for ministry. Theological study, research and reflection skills combine with opportunities for formational development and mentoring. MAR students have the option of taking courses in other graduate programs at EMU. Interdisciplinary study is encouraged.

The MAR prepares students for

• teaching or writing
• further graduate/doctoral studies*

*Given significant diversity in the admissions expectations for doctoral programs, students choosing between the MAR and MDiv programs as preparation to apply to such programs are urged to consult the admissions requirements of specific programs to which they aspire.

Why EMS?

• The connection to the university allows for a wide-range of interdisciplinary thesis options, in addition to classical seminary disciplines through study with other graduate programs at EMU.
• MAR students who wish to publish scholarly works often use the MAR thesis as a starting place.
• Focus on your own formation as a scholar, creating healthy leadership habits and practices. 

Curriculum (60 SH)

18 credits of required courses:

• FS 503 Formation in Spiritual Practices (3)
  
• FS 504 Formation in Narrative Identity (3)
  
• CTH 501 Christian Tradition I (3)
• CTH 511 Christian Tradition II (3)
• BIBL 511 Hebrew Bible: Text in Context (3)
• BIBL 512 New Testament: Text in Context (3)

12 credits of general studies electives:

• One BIBL course (3), generally courses focused on Biblical texts (not Biblical languages)
• CM 643 Missio Dei in Cultural Context or CM 652 Churches and Social Transformation (3)
• One CTT, CTH or CTE course (3)
• One Anabaptist / Denominational Studies course* (3) 

*Anabaptist-affiliated students take one of the following: CTH 641 Mennonite History, CTT 633 Anabaptist Theology, or CTT 523 Anabaptism Today, or other approved Anabaptist Studies courses. Students from other traditions take one of these courses or a course in the history/theology of their tradition.

24 credits of thesis studies:

• 18 semester hours of coursework in a concentration tailored to the interests and thesis plans of the individual student.
• FS 698 Formation in Vocation and Leadership I (2)
• FS 699 Formation in Vocation and Leadership II (1)
• MAR 791 Thesis (writing and defense) (3)

6 credits of additional electives:

• 6 semester hours of additional electives beyond the thesis. These electives may be rolled into the concentration if there is a rationale showing that these courses directly enhance the concentration.

Advising and the thesis process

Students must follow a careful process of academic advising and program approval in this program. The director for the MAR program serves as Academic Advisor to all MAR students throughout their program of study. After completing 30 credit hours, the successful student prepares a thesis proposal which gains the approval of the seminary’s Academic Committee. When approving this proposal the committee also appoints a thesis advisor from the academic discipline to which the thesis relates. The thesis culminates in an oral defense before an Examining Committee consisting of the MAR director, academic advisor, the thesis advisor, and one or two additional readers. The various procedures toward the Master of Arts in Religion are outlined more fully in an MAR program manual.