Our Programs ~ Lay Education ~ Master of Arts
Master of Arts
General offers an M.A. degree oriented toward general theological studies that is designed for students exercising or preparing for lay ministries in the church or for those who wish to bring a theological perspective to their daily life and work. Candidates for the program must be able to articulate a clear vision of their goals for study and how the Seminary’s program will enable them to meet these goals. Five formal areas of concentration are offered: Anglican Studies; Biblical Studies; Christian Spirituality, Congregational Development, and Historical and Theological Studies. Other specific concentrations may be possible with the consent of individual faculty.
Program Requirements
The M.A. student must take two foundation courses in biblical studies and four other foundation courses (foundation courses are listed following the table). Additional courses totaling twenty-one credit hours must be taken in the area of concentration. Students must complete a thesis or summative project on an agreed-upon topic with the approval of the faculty advisor, for three credits. The remaining credits may be taken as electives.
| Required Courses | Credits | |
| 2 foundational biblical courses |
6 | |
| 4 additional Foundational courses |
12 | |
| Courses in the area of concentration |
21 | |
| Thesis or Summative project |
3 | |
| Elective(s) |
3 | |
|
Total |
45 |
Foundation Courses:
- OT1 and 2, or OT5
- NT1 and 2, or NT5
- CH1, 2, and 3;
- ST1, ET1, and LT1 or LT5
M.A. students select from the above in meeting the requirements regarding foundation courses. With permission of the Faculty, students may substitute other foundation courses.
Flexibility of the M.A. Program
The M.A. degree may be pursued full-time or part-time, during the day or in the evening. The program is designed to be as flexible as possible to meet the scheduling demands and time constraints of students. Whether full-time or part-time, students matriculated in the M.A. program are welcomed into the intellectual and spiritual community of the Close. They may participate fully in chapel services, meals in the Refectory, special lectures and programs, and New Students Orientation, and use the St. Mark’s Library and GTS computer services. Specific questions may be addressed to the Director of the M.A. Program by calling (212) 243-5150 extension 461; (toll-free (888) 487-5649, or use this contact form for 
(More information is also available here.).
Cross-Registration Opportunities
Students may cross-register for up to half of each term’s work at schools belonging to the New York Theological Consortium. Up to three courses in the area of concentration may be taken at schools of the Consortium, with prior approval of the advisor. A maximum of four courses (twelve credits) taken at the General Seminary prior to matriculation may be counted toward the degree. All requirements must be completed within seven years from the date of matriculation.
Concentrations
- Anglican Studies: Twenty-one credits in courses in areas of Anglican studies including: church history, church music, ethics, liturgics, theology, studies in contemporary society, and mission and world Christianity.
- Biblical Studies: OT1 and OT2, or OT5, and NT1 and NT2, or NT5, are required. If a student elects to take either OT5 or NT5, an additional 3-credit course in that testament is required to count toward the foundation requirement. One course in church history is also required. A minimum of 15 additional credits must be taken in Old and New Testament courses. Students are encouraged to take courses in Hebrew and/or Greek.
- Christian Spirituality: The concentration in Christian Spirituality is administered by the Center for Christian Spirituality AT 1 (3 credits) is required of students in this concentration. 18 additional credits must be completed in courses in ascetical theology. Please direct inquiries to the Center using this contact form for
. - Congregational Development: Twenty-one credits are required in courses that the student, in consultation with the student's adviser, demonstrates as having particular relevance to congregational life and development. Courses in the areas of Ministry Leadership, Liturgics, Preaching, and Contemporary Society are typically relevant, and courses in various other areas may be relevant. In some courses, a student may wish to develop particular assignments with the instructor that may be especially pertinent to congregational development.
- Theological and Historical Studies: This concentration is designed for students seeking an ecumenical focus in church history and theology. Twenty-one credits are required in courses in the areas of church history, ethics, liturgics, theology, studies in contemporary society, and/or mission and world Christianity. It is recommended that students use courses offered by the New York Theological Consortium to foster exposure to faith traditions beyond Anglicanism.
Total credits required for graduation: 45
