Master of Arts in Religion

Follow Your Curiosity

How does religion make and remake the world?

This is one of the most urgent questions of our time—and a complicated one with no easy answers. For those ready to tackle it, the Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) degree invites you to study the world as it is shaped by religious inheritances, ideas, passions and ways of life.

The M.A.R. is for:

• Those preparing for doctoral studies
• Professionals seeking to develop subject credentials for fields including education, administration, journalism or librarianship
• People in a variety of vocations who want to follow their curiosity about the big questions of meaning, values and the world

M.A.R. students pursue specialized study in a field or more broadly in Theological Studies. Because the real world is not divided according to academic disciplines, M.A.R. students also choose a transdisciplinary emphasis.

University in The Forest

Students at the Theological School can take advantage of the resources and opportunities in the University at large. Study education, conflict resolution, humanities, and, yes, even religion with faculty in the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. Do research at the United Methodist Archives and History Center or an internship in the Drew University Library. M.A.R. students often join the experiential or off-campus learning of the Theological School Community Garden, the Center for Global Education, the Center for Civic Engagement, or the Partnership for Religious Education in Prisons.

Application Deadlines

• Fall - April 1 (International Students) & June 1 (Domestic Students)
• Spring - October 1 (International Students) & December 1 (Domestic Students)

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or from an equivalent overseas institution.
• Transcripts for all academic study beyond secondary school.
• An academic writing sample demonstrating the applicant’s ability to do graduate level research and composition.
• Two letters of reference from persons qualified to evaluate the applicant’s intellectual competence and promise.
• Statement of purpose by the applicant explaining the reasons and goals for pursuing the Master of Arts in Religion degree.