Religion (MA) | On Campus or Online
Cairn’s Master of Arts in Religion program equips you with a broad foundational education in the inerrant Word of God and in the key doctrines of the Christian faith. It prepares you for teaching, preaching, and other ministries in the local church.
Why Master of Arts in Religion?
Designed for students with varying goals, Cairn’s Master of Arts in Religion allows you to choose elective courses in the fields you feel will best prepare you for your professional and ministry goals. No matter which track you choose, you’ll receive a broad foundational education in the inerrant Word of God and the doctrines and theology of the Church. The MA in Religion prepares you for roles such as pastor, teacher, or missionary in Christian ministry.
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Why the Master of Arts in Religion from Cairn University?
Christ-Centered Without Compromise
Pursue a degree centered on Christ and His Word.
Flexible Learning
Study in-person and interact with peers and faculty or online as you care for your family or serve in ministry.
Experienced Faculty
Take courses designed and taught by Cairn professors, who bring their scholarly expertise and ministry experience to bear.
Prepared for Ministry
Receive proper biblical training to excel in Christian ministry or pursue further study.
Affordable Education
Receive in-depth biblical education at affordable tuition rates and scholarship opportunities.
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Get an inside look at our Religion Program
The Master of Arts in Religion at Cairn University equips students with skills to examine biblical text and theology in relationship with the realities of everyday life and ministry. Students will be able to articulate a master’s level understanding of the Bible and of systematic and historical theology appropriate to vocational ministry.
Overview of the Curriculum
The MA in Religion requires 42 credit hours, including 21 credits in Biblical Studies, 6 credits in Systematic and Historical Theology, 3 credits in Applied Theology, and 12 credits in electives.
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Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Articulate a master’s level understanding of the Bible appropriate for vocational ministry.
- Articulate a master’s level understanding of systematic and historical theology appropriate for vocational ministry.
- Demonstrate a spiritual maturity and skills within a ministry setting.
Required Credits: 42
Curriculum Highlights:
- BIB 704 Psalms/Wisdom Literature
- BIB 711 Gospels and Acts
- BIB 712 Pauline Epistles
- BIB 713 Gen Epistles/Revelation
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Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Programmatic Accreditation
- Ministry Director
- Pastor
- Associate Pastor
- Teacher
- Nonprofit Leader
- Christian Camp Leader
- Chaplain
- Worship Leader
- Youth Pastor
- Missionary
- Application: Submit the Application for Admission along with the $25 non-refundable fee. Apply today using code InChristAlone and we will waive the fee.
- Transcripts: Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Request transcripts to be sent to Cairn through the application portal. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Essays
- Personal Testimony: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
- Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)
Does Cairn University accept advanced standing credits?
Advanced standing of up to 12 credits may be granted for Bible/Theology credits earned at an accredited Bible college, Christian liberal arts college or university, or seminary. Credits will be granted on a course-by-course basis.
What is the cost of attendance?
The tuition for post-secondary education has become expensive in general. However, Cairn programs rank amongst the most affordable particularly for the in-class learning experience. The tuition rates are available from this page. Scholarships, grants and loans are also available.
When can I start the program?
The curriculum is tailored to fit your busy schedule, with courses typically lasting 7 weeks and six start dates annually: September, late October, early January, mid-March, early May, and early July.
What is the name of the degree I will receive?
Upon completion of this program, you’ll receive a Master of Arts degree in Religion.
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Featured Faculty
Jared Bryant, PhD
Associate Dean; Professor; Director of Degree Completion, School of Divinity
Dr. Jared Bryant teaches theology and New Testament studies. He is also the associate dean of the School of Divinity and the director of the Degree Completion program—Cairn’s non-traditional, transfer student program.
Dr. Bryant has a particular interest in the history and theology of the fourth-century church. He has dedicated most of his research to the Trinitarian theology of Gregory of Nazianzus. He also holds active membership in the Evangelical Theological Society, the Friends of Mount Athos, and the North American Patristics Society.
Brian Luther, PhD
Professor of Old Testament, School of Divinity
Dr. Brian Luther teaches various Bible classes, including Pentateuch, Old Testament, wisdom literature, and the Gospels. His research interests include ancient Jewish and Christian biblical interpretation, as well as interpreting and applying biblical narrative today.
Before pursuing biblical studies, Dr. Luther earned his doctorate in electrical engineering. Among more serious pursuits, this background prepared him to coach a high school robotics team, an opportunity that he looks forward to having again someday.