This program is designed for men and women:
• who desire a theological background
• training for various callings other than the gospel ministry
• for advanced study in religion or other disciplines.

The M.A.R. is an academic program which may serve either as a terminal degree or as a degree leading to further academic work. In the former case, it is especially appropriate for Christian professionals (such as physicians, attorneys, teachers, administrators, writers, and other laypeople) who desire simply to provide for themselves a solid biblical foundation for the work in which they are or will be engaged.

When the M.A.R. is conceived of as a terminal degree, the choice of emphasis will depend upon the individual’s aptitudes, interests, and career direction.
     • Individuals who desire thorough and extensive familiarity with the biblical materials themselves should choose the
       Biblical Studies emphasis.
     • Those whose interests and concerns involve overall theological or historical perspectives would probably be better
       served with a Theological Studies emphasis.
     • If future work seems likely to involve service in an inner-city context, the Urban Mission emphasis will be
        particularly appropriate.
     • A General Studies emphasis allows a student to individualize the program even more and thereby make it directly
        relevant to his or her own situation.

All of those for whom the M.A.R. is a terminal degree receive thorough grounding in the Scriptures, Reformed theology, church history, and apologetics. All graduates of the program, therefore, possess tools with which to bring the Lordship of Christ to bear directly upon that part of God’s world in which they are called to serve. This satisfies one of the purposes of the program.

Another purpose of the M.A.R. is as a stepping stone for further academic work.
     • An individual taking the M.A.R. in Biblical Studies is particularly well prepared for doctoral work in that field (either at
       Westminster or elsewhere) and the same would be true for an individual taking the M.A.R. in Theological Studies
       (see Doctor of Philosophy).
     • Those who complete the M.A.R. with an Urban Mission emphasis will have a good foundation for further academic 
       work in sociology, anthropology, and related disciplines and, with additional seminary-level course work, will be
       eligible to enter Westminster’s D.Min. - Urban Mission program.

All M.A.R. Emphases

The program requires at least two years of full-time study (16-18 hours per semester plus winter term) for completion. Note that in order to complete the program in two years, the student must begin with the summer term Greek or Hebrew course and complete the courses in sequence as listed in M.A.R. degree program charts, and also complete the Summative Evaluation Experience. Students who cannot carry a full course load as indicated, because of employment or other reasons, usually must extend the length of their seminary program.

For detailed information on the following topics please see the catalog links below:

• General Requirements
• M.A.R. Program Requirements
• Placement in Greek and Hebrew
• Admissions to the Program
• The M.A.R. Summative Evaluation Experience
• Time Limit