The Master of Arts in Religion

Gain a sound knowledge of theology to prepare for lay ministry or further study

In this program, students may choose from two foci: Christian History & Theology, or Christian Ministry & Missiology. Some students use this degree to prepare for further graduate study, and others use it to provide a Christian foundation for the work they do in the marketplace and in their places of worship.

The MAR can be completed entirely through online courses or through a combination of online and on-campus offerings at the Seminary Center on the campus of Trinity School for Ministry. MAR students completing a thesis must be residential during the semesters in which they are writing their thesis.

Biblical Interpretation & Languages (3 credits) Discipleship (3 credits)
BI500 Biblical Interpretation PT700 Spiritual Formation: Catechesis & Discipleship
Church History (12 credits) General Electives (18 credits)
CH625 Early Church Elective 1 Elective 2
CH635 Medieval & Early Modern Church Elective 3 Elective 4
CH670 Modern Church (Lutheran) Elective 5 Elective 6
CH680 Theology & Writings of Martin Luther Thesis Track Capstone Track
Systematic Theology (15 credits) RW701 – Theological Research & Writing (non-credit) RW749 – Capstone
ST540 Creeds & Catechisms: An Introduction to Theological Thinking RW799 – Thesis (6 credits over 2 semesters)
ST550 Lutheran Confessions Non-Academic Degree Requirements
ST660 Introduction to Theology I English Bible Exam Liturgical Practica
ST670 Introduction to Theology II Cross-Cultural Immersion
ST755 Christian Ethics in the Lutheran Tradition Other requirements listed in the Academic Catalog
Biblical Interpretation & Languages (3 credits) Systematic Theology (6 credits)
BI500 Biblical Interpretation ST540 Creeds & Catechisms: An Introduction to Theological Thinking
Old Testament (9 credits) ST550 Lutheran Confessions
OT500 Introduction to Old Testament Church History (3 credits)
OT6xx OT Elective 1 CH680 Theology & Writings of Martin Luther
OT6xx OT Elective 2 General Electives (12 credits)
New Testament (9 credits) Elective 1 Elective 2
NT500 Introduction to New Testament Elective 3 Elective 4
NT6xx NT Elective 1 Thesis Track Capstone Track
NT6xx NT Elective 2 RW701 – Theological Research & Writing (non-credit) RW749 – Capstone
Missions & Evangelism (6 credits) RW799 – Thesis (6 credits over 2 semesters)
ME500 Introduction to World Missions Non-Academic Degree Requirements
ME600 Missions & Evangelism: Church Planting English Bible Exam Liturgical Practica
Discipleship (3 credits) Cross-Cultural Immersion
PT700 Spiritual Formation: Catechesis & Discipleship Other requirements listed in the Academic Catalog

Start Your Journey

Discover how the NALS network can help you pursue your calling to ministry. Fill out our Start Your Journey form to learn more about how the NALS is forming pastors and leaders for the North American Lutheran Church today!

Start Your Journey today Apply