Master of Arts

The life of the mind is freely celebrated in Bethany’s master of arts (MA) program, because the mind, like the heart, is also a passionate organ. The work of MA students centers in an area of concentration that results in either a thesis or a portfolio on a topic of passionate academic interest. The MA program strives to foster growth of the whole person—spirit, mind, and body.

Program Objectives

The MA program is designed to prepare persons for theological reflection and research. This program provides general theological enrichment and serves as the basis for further graduate study in religion and for developing a theological perspective for a variety of vocations. This purpose informs the entire educational program and shapes the following educational objectives. It is not designed to prepare persons for ordained ministry in the Church of the Brethren.

Graduates from the MA program will

1. interpret scripture, tradition, and theology;
2. communicate faith and values with contextual awareness;
3. integrate learning that is interdisciplinary, intercontextual, and imaginative across one’s program of study;
4. demonstrate expertise in an area of concentration through coursework and a thesis or portfolio.

MA Areas of Concentration

Each student chooses one of the following areas of concentration that supports their thesis research or portfolio:

• Brethren history, focusing on 1968 as a cultural case study
• Peace studies
• Theology
• Biblical studies
• Theopoetics
• Ecotheology
• An inclusive church
• Feminist theology
• The Underground Railroad in Wayne County, Indiana

For more information about a master of arts at Bethany, refer to the Bethany Academic Catalog.