Religious studies through distance learning

Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Religion is designed to provide a thorough, Biblically - based foundation for effective ministry. Graduates of this religious studies program are fully prepared for a wide range of church ministry positions as well as advanced studies at the graduate or seminary level.
Online Master of Arts in Religion.

Online Degrees For Religious Studies:

The Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.), is the foundational degree and is 45 hours. This is a general degree in religion that includes Bible, theology, and ministry classes. The M.A.R. is appropriate as an entry level and general professional degree in religion. It is designed to give the student intensive study in the Scriptures and the essential truths of the Christian message. There are four specializations that are available for the Online Master of Arts in Religion degree:
Church Growth

Pastoral Counseling

• Worship
• Leadership
• or a general M.A.R. degree may be earned by completing the M.A.R. core courses and the M.A.R. general courses.

Many students in this program are presently in a non-ministry profession, but sense God's call to ministry and are therefore pursuing a second career. Others are presently in ministry but never received seminary training. Others are in ministry and started their training at their denominated school, but took a church before completing the M.Div., and therefore transfer their work from a previous seminary and use our school to complete their degree.
Online Master of Arts in Religious Studies

PURPOSE

Online Master of Arts in Religious Studies is a foundational degree program. It is a general degree in religion that includes Bible, theology, and ministry courses. The M.A.R. is appropriate as an entry level and general professional degree in religion. It is designed to give the student study in the Scriptures and the essential truths of the Christian message.

Many students in this religious studies program presently are in non-ministry professions, but sense God’s call to ministry and are therefore pursuing a second career. Others are presently in ministry but never completed seminary training. Others are in ministry and transfer their previous college or seminary credit to complete their degree from Liberty.

Learning Outcomes of Religious Studies Program

1. To provide students with cognitive skills that is relevant to their chosen concentration. This goal consists of (1) critical interaction with major ideas; and (2) formulating personal positions.

2. To teach research and writing skills related to them chosen concentration.

3. To provide an understanding of the essential content in each concentration:

(A) historical background
(B) current development
(C) cross-cultural comparison
(D) integration of disciplines.

4. To prepare the student for further graduate work at other institutions.

Areas of Specialization:

• Apologetics
• Theological Studies
• Biblical Studies

The Master of Divinity is the standard professional degree for ministry, consisting of 90 hours of graduate study. A student at Liberty can use all 45 hours from a completed M.A.R. towards the M.Div. Many students who want the M.Div. will complete the M.A.R. first.

The M.A.R., the M.Div., and the M.R.E. degree plans each allow for concentrations of 15 hours in Biblical Studies, Church Ministries, Cross-Cultural Missions, Educational Ministries, Evangelism and Church Growth, Leadership, Pastoral Counseling, Pre-Pastoral, Theology/Apologetics, Worship Studies, and Youth Ministries. For Distance Learning Students concentrations are available for Church Ministries, Evangelism/Church Growth, Leadership, Pastoral Counseling, and Worship Studies in the M.A.R. and M.Div. degree programs.
Master of Theology Degree (T h.M.)

The Master of Theology degree program will provide additional training beyond the Master of Divinity degree in preparation for full-time Christian service. Through course work, scholarly research, and logical and critical writing, the Th.M. will provide advanced preparation for those called to service in theological education or those planning to pursue degree programs at the doctoral level.
Doctor of Ministry

The Doctor of Ministry degree offers pastors, missionaries and other church leaders and opportunity for professional and personal growth. It is designed to enhance one's knowledge and skills in the practice of ministry. The student will have opportunity to interact with recognized church leaders, to explore new ministry perspectives, to evaluate his own ministry, to increase his vision and to crystallize his understanding of the purpose and goals of ministry.