Master of Arts in Religious Education

Overview

The Master of Arts in Religious Education (M.A.R.E.) is considered as a specialist program since it requires a thesis for graduation. This means that graduates of the M.A.R.E. are qualified individuals who apply an advanced body of knowledge in a range of contexts for professional practice or scholarship and serve as a pathway for further learning. The M.A.R.E. is for those who want to teach, lead, or administer Christian Education programs in a local church, Christian school, or an NGO working with children and youth, or design a curriculum. While the foundational core provides an integrative whole for the student’s development, the M.A.R.E. concentrations are designed to allow ministry options. The learners may choose a concentration according to their calling.

The Master of Arts in Religious Education is recognized by the Philippine’s Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and is accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA) and the Association for Theological Education ni Southeast Asia (ATESEA).

Program Outcomes

In addition to the overall mission and objectives of the Seminary, the master’s degree program in religious education is intended to provide resources for and a climate in which students may:

• Appropriate an understanding of the Word of God, the heritage of the faith, the doctrines of the church, and the fellowship of believers sufficient to enable them to keep a personal commitment to God and the church for a redemptive and nurturing ministry
• Develop a philosophy and theology of Christian ministry; learn to understand the complexities of and exhibit a capacity and desire for growth in the context of ministry; and demonstrate a spirit of openness, cooperativeness, and caring in ministry.
• Develop theoretical/conceptual framework/model/processes in working with learners from different contexts, cultures, and worldviews.
• Look closely and engage at the internal, social, familial, societal, psychological, and other factors which have direct or indirect impact on different kinds of persons in various settings.
• Cultivate competencies necessary for the skillful performance of age-level ministries; educating laity for outreach and nurturing ministries; facilitating harmonious working relations with staff and congregation; functioning competently, professionally, and responsibly in the light of both sound theological understanding and educational theory; and teaching leaders and teachers to provide direction for and modeling of the education program of the church or institution being served.

Course Delivery Method

Courses will be offered residentially, though some of them may betaken online. Other classes are offered as summer modules. Practicums are accomplished off-campus with a mentor or a supervisor while working with an institution or organization. Students also engage in field trips and community outreach for direct experience.

Admission Requirements

Admission process follows the APNTS entrance procedures. Applicants must have any bachelor’s degree with a 2.0 GPA or higher. A 550 English exam score or higher is required. Once a student applies with all transcripts, reference letters, and completed application, the Admissions Office and M.A.R.E. program director review all documents submitted and may ask for an interview. Transferring credits from accredited, recognized graduate programs are reviewed and approved by the Academic Dean. Up to 24 units (40% of the curriculum) may be transferred from previous transcripts to the program.

Graduation Requirements

Students are permitted 6 years to complete the program, including finishing a thesis. A year of absence may be applied through the program director, which is not included in the 6 years statute of limitations. A candidate must complete the 60 units of the curriculum. A student must have an average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher to qualify for graduation. A 3.0 GPA is required to be recommended for pursuing higher degree (e.g. Ph.D.). Passing a Comprehensive Examination and successful submission of an article to a peer-reviewed journal are also required for degree completion.

Degree Specializations

The curriculum builds upon introductory courses in Bible, theology, and other disciplines. Then the M.A.R.E. program is divided into two concentrations: Curriculum and Instruction and Holistic Child Development. The chosen specialization should prepare the student for his or her thesis research as well as future ministry.

Curriculum and Instruction. The Curriculum and Instruction concentration equips graduates to be curriculum specialists in Christian schools and Bible colleges as well as the local church. It is designed especially for those whose desire is to supervise or write and produce Christian curricular materials.

Holistic Child Development.
The Holistic Child Development (HCD) concentration qualifies graduates to teach at the undergraduate level of instruction in HCD, to act as advocates, spokespersons, leaders, managers, and facilitators ministering with and to children both inside and outside the church.

Course Offerings

The Master of Arts in Religious Education is a 60-unit degree program. The curriculum is divided among Introductory Courses (18 units), Core Courses (12 units), Regulated Cognates (9 units), Thesis (6 units), and Specialization Courses (15 units). Each class is 3 units, unless otherwise specified