Religion (MA)
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.
Our Distinctives
Cairn is a place that faithfully upholds the authority and centrality of Christ and the Bible in its programs, curriculum, community, and ethos. Students are taught to think biblically about God, themselves, and the world in which they live.
*Cairn University Ranks #2 in Glanzer’s Guide to Christian Colleges and Universities
Experienced, Ministry-Focused Faculty
Learn from Cairn professors who combine scholarly expertise with real-world ministry experience to guide practical application.
Christ-Centered Without Compromise
Deep commitment to a rigorous biblical education grounded in the inerrant Word of God and core Christian doctrines.
Preparation for Vocational Ministry
Broad foundational training in Bible, theology, and applied ministry, plus electives tailored to personal goals like pastoring, teaching, missions, or nonprofit leadership.
Flexible Learning Options
Fully available online with 7-week courses and multiple start dates per year to accommodate family, ministry, or professional responsibilities.
Program Description
Cairn University’s Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) is a flexible 42-credit graduate program available 100% online. It provides a solid foundation in biblical studies, systematic and historical theology, and applied ministry, equipping students for teaching, preaching, and various roles in vocational Christian ministry.
Ideal for those seeking advanced biblical training and theological depth without compromise on the inerrant Word of God, the program includes customizable electives to align with personal ministry or professional goals such as pastoring, missions, teaching, or nonprofit leadership.
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.
Learn more:
Core Curriculum
Biblical Studies – Credits: 21
- BIB 701 – The Pentateuch Credits: 3
- BIB 702 – Old Testament Narrative Literature Credits: 3
- BIB 703 – Old Testament Prophets Credits: 3
- BIB 704 – Psalms and Wisdom Literature Credits: 3
- BIB 711 – Gospels and Acts Credits: 3
- BIB 712 – Pauline Epistles Credits: 3
- BIB 713 – General Epistles and Revelation Credits: 3
Systematic and Historical Theology – Credits: 6
- THE 601 – Overview of Christian Theology Credits: 3
- THE 701 – Church History Credits: 3
Program Outcomes
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.
Career Paths
- Ministry Director
- Pastor
- Associate Pastor
- Teacher
- Nonprofit Leader
- Christian Camp Leader
- Chaplain
- Worship Leader
- Youth Pastor
- Missionary
Admission Requirements
- 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: Order official transcripts for all conferred degrees to be sent to Cairn University.
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)
Tuition and Aid
Cairn University strives to keep tuition costs affordable despite providing a rigorous education. Courses are taught by faculty not TAs.
The tuition rate for the 2026-2027 academic year is $2900 block rate for 6+ credits per semester. Additional details on fees and part-time status are available on this page.
Christian school educators and employees may be eligible for the $400/credit discounted rate. Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University.
Information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page.
Accreditation Information
Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Programmatic Accreditation
Related Programs
FAQs
What is the experience like?
Our program is intentionally grounded in God’s Word. Courses are thoughtfully designed by Cairn faculty to promote deep learning and active engagement through instructor-led instruction, research-driven activities, active learning, and meaningful interactions with peers and faculty. At Cairn, the students’ education and experience is designed to shape Christian character, cultivate wisdom, and prepare them to think, live, and serve biblically in an ever-changing world.
All courses, except the research courses, are structured in seven units and delivered in accelerated 7-week terms.
Each unit contains 5–7 modular activities, including:
- Assigned readings and reading reflections
- Instructional videos from Cairn faculty
- Active learning activities
- Weekly application projects
- A component of the ongoing course research project
Faculty also schedule a few optional Zoom sessions throughout the term to connect with students and address questions.
Faculty are actively involved throughout the week—guiding learning activities, leading asynchronous discussions, grading work, and delivering personalized feedback. Online students also receive priority technical support and have access to valuable resources from the Masland Library and the Writing Lab.
Is financial aid available?
Cairn is approved to offer financial aid because of its regional accreditation. There are many options available and typically students qualify for at least one type of federal aid. Many students receive scholarships and grants that make earning their degree even more affordable. Cairn offers a variety of scholarships and discounts in addition to options for loans and grants. Please refer to this page for details.
Please note that international students are not eligible for financial aid.
Is advanced standing available for Bible and theology courses?
Advanced standing may be granted for up to 12 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.
When can I start the program?
There are six entry points in the program: September, October, January, March, May, July.
Provided you submit the enrollment materials, applications are typically processed within 2 weeks of submitting your application.
Are there options to take some courses onsite?
Although the program is 100% online, students may choose to take up to four elective courses on campus. Elective courses may include any graduate-level courses offered by the School of Bible and Theology that are not required as part of this program’s curriculum.
Books written by our faculty
At Cairn, you will study with faculty who combine scholarship and pastoral wisdom. Below are just some of the books written by our faculty.
Next Steps
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