Nov 21, 2024

Academic Catalog - Spring 2025

Master of Arts (Philosophy of Religion)

The Master of Arts in Philosophy of Religion prepares persons for entrance into a PhD program for the purpose of teaching within an academic setting or working within church ministries designed to have an effective voice in the public square. It is also a preparatory degree for those who wish to do work in philosophical theology or in cultural missions.

Admissions Requirements

Students applying to this program must have a Bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA, as well as 6 hours of theological studies (an introductory philosophy course is required). All of the prerequisites are at the baccalaureate level or higher.

MA Research Core - 4 Hours

GEN 0000 - Sexual Abuse Prevention & Response Training 0 semester hr(s).
MIS 5000 - Introduction to Great Commission Studies 3 semester hr(s).
SEM 5000 - Introduction to Seminary Education 1 semester hr(s). To be taken during the first semester.

Philosophy of Religion - 36 Hours

Biblical Studies (3)

Choose one of the following courses:

NTS 5110 - New Testament Introduction and Interpretation I: Jesus and the Gospels 3 semester hr(s).
NTS 5120 - New Testament Introduction and Interpretation II: Acts, Epistles, and Revelation 3 semester hr(s).
OTS 5110 - Old Testament Introduction and Interpretation I: Pentateuch and Former Prophets 3 semester hr(s).
OTS 5120 - Old Testament Introduction and Interpretation II: Latter Prophets and Writings 3 semester hr(s).

Philosophical Studies - Core (21)

PHI 7500 - Metaphysics 3 semester hr(s).
PHI 7510 - Epistemology 3 semester hr(s).
PHI 7550 - Critical Thinking and Argumentation for Theological Discourse 3 semester hr(s).
PHI 7610 - Philosophical Theology 3 semester hr(s).
PHI 7630 - Philosophy of Religion 3 semester hr(s).
PHI 7640 - Body, Soul and Human Persons 3 semester hr(s).
PHI 7650 - Christianity and Science 3 semester hr(s).

Philosophical Studies - Selectives (9)

Choose three of the following courses:

PHI 6500 - Christian Apologetics 3 semester hr(s).
PHI 6520 - Christianity, Culture and the Arts 3 semester hr(s).
PHI 6550 - Problem of Evil 3 semester hr(s).
PHI 6630 - Study/Sel. Philosophers [Name] 3 semester hr(s). Can be repeated.
PHI 7620 - Seminar in Readings in Christianity and Other Faiths 3 semester hr(s).
PHI 7660 - Miracles and Resurrection 3 semester hr(s).
PHI 7900 - Selected Topics in Philosophy of Religion 3 semester hr(s). Can be repeated.

Thesis (3)

The MA Thesis course is to be taken in the final term of the degree.

IND 7540 - MA Thesis 3 semester hr(s). *

Total Hours - 40

*Note: Students who do not complete this course in one semester will be required to enroll in IND 7000 - MA Continuous Enrollment in each successive semester until the requirements for this course are completed.