Master of Arts in Religion
The M.A. in Religion program is dedicated to the integration of religion, faith and learning and consequently endeavors to promote a balanced commitment to God’s revelation and to academic excellence in the pursuit of knowledge.
The school programs are academic/professional programs designed to prepare men and women for a variety of purposes both within and outside the church. The programs provide academic study and training for participants to reflect theologically on the role of religion, Christian life, and the church in contemporary society, and to develop the skills for effective ministry within local churches, mission agencies and para-church ministries.
The M.A. programs require a minimum of 96 credit hours (MAR) and are normally completed in three years (MAR) of full-time study; you may, however, take up to six (6) years of part-time study. Students must maintain a minimum grade-point average of 2.0 to stay in the program. The M.A programs consist of 10 Common Core Curriculum Courses which requires 40 credit hours (or units), 10 Chapel meetings which require 10 Credit hours (or units), 27 Elective Curriculum Courses which require 36 credit hours (or units), and three (3) Thesis Option Courses and three (3) Project Option courses which require to complete 14 credit hours (or units) to choose one of the options.
M.A.R. Curriculum
Total Units: 180 Units
Core Curriculum Courses
CCC 510 Old Testament Interpretation (4 units)
CCC 512 New Testament Interpretation (4 units)
CCC 514 Pentateuch (4 units)
CCC 516 The Four Gospels (4 units)
CCC 540 Protestant Ethics (4 units)
CCC 610 Comparative Religions (4 units)
CCC 612 History of Theology and Revival (4 units)
CCC 614 Evangelism (4 units)
CCC 618 Systematic Theology (4 units)
CCC 640 History of Christian Missions (4 units)
Chapel (Required): 10 units
Chapel (CHP 510 – 600) I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
Elective Curriculum Courses
Biblical Studies (20 units)
ECC 510 Old Testament Theology (4 units)
ECC 512 New Testament Theology (4 units)
ECC 516 Paul’s Writings (4 units)
ECC 612 Eschatology and the New Testament (4 units)
ECC 616 Discipleship Theology (4 units)
Counseling and Educational Studies (16 units)
ECC 520 Religious Counseling (4 units) or Christian Counseling (4 units)
ECC 522 Christian Education (4 units)
ECC 524 Christian Leadership (4 units)
ECC 526 Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ (4 units)
Practical Studies (20)
ECC 530 Church and Worship (4 units)
ECC 532 Church Administration (4 units)
ECC 534 Mission and Culture (4 units)
ECC 536 Christ and Culture (4 units)
ECC 538 Intercultural Ministry (4 units)
Ethical Studies (12)
ECC 542 Formative Figures in Christian Ethics (4 units)
ECC 622 Methods of Ethical Analysis (4 units)
ECC 624 Contemporary Theological Ethics and Issues (4 units)
Religious Studies (20)
ECC 550 Philosophy of Religion (4 units)
ECC 552 Sociology of Religion (4 units)
ECC 630 Spiritual Formation (4 units)
ECC 632 Religious Ethics in a Secular World (4 units)
ECC 634 Concepts and Methods of Religious Thought (4 units)
Historical Studies (12)
ECC 560 American Church History (4 units)
ECC 562 Korean Church History (4 units)
ECC 642 History of Protestant Reformation (4 units)
Systematic Theology Studies (8 units)
ECC 650 Modern and Contemporary Christian Thought (4 units)
ECC 652 Pneumatology (4 units)
Minimum of 36 units required.
Eligibility
For the admission to WCU’s graduate degree programs, an applicant must meet the following eligibility:
1. An applicant must have completed an undergraduate degree from an institute of higher education accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
2. An applicant must have a minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Each prospective foreign applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency.
4. An applicant should show maturity and have an understanding of the roles and responsibilities.
Admission Requirements
- Completed and Signed Online Admission Application Form on the website (wcuniversity.edu)
- $300.00 of Application Fee (Non-refundable).
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended to the Admissions Office at WCU
- Two (2) Passport sized color photos.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended to the Admissions Office at WCU
- Submit proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
- Copy of Driver’s License, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card (Optional), and Permanent Resident Card or Copy of U.S. Passport (For Resident only).
Additional Requirements for International Students
- Copy of Passport
- Original Bank Statement (Self and Sponsor, if applicable)
- Affidavit of Support (Sponsor, if applicable)
- I-94 form
- I-20
- I-20 Application Fee
- English Language Proficiency Evidence, such as TOEFL:
Note:
For applicants who successfully completed at least Two (2) Academic Years (60/90- quarter credit units) at baccalaureate level education in an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or an equivalent educational institution in other countries that teaches in the English language, the English proficiency requirement may be waived.
A candidate for the Master’s Degree shall have:
- Successfully completed an approved program with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better, while having received no more than two (2) letter grades of less than a B or two grades of B-, C+, or C.
- Successfully completed either the thesis or project option.
- Filed all the necessary graduation forms in accordance with the timetable provided by the program.
- Successfully completed all degree requirements within the maximum time limit allowed six (6) years, or within an officially approved time extension.
- Settled all financial obligations to WCU.
Credit Hour Requirements:
The M.A.R degree requires a minimum of 96 credit hours of graduate course work (3 years).