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Religion Dual Program

Location
This program is offered on the main campus in Boiling Springs, NC.


Admission Requirements
The Divinity School as well as the Graduate School and M.A. in Religion admission requirements must be met for full admission into the dual degree program. Please consult the M.A. in Religion web page for information about this program's admission requirements.  For general Graduate School admissions requirements, please consult the Admissions link in the sidebar.

The M.Div./M.A. in Religion is designed to enhance divinity students with advanced biblical language and research skills by permitting them to earn a second degree, the M.A. in Religion, instead of the usual M.Div. concentration. This degree provides students with a broadened and deepened context in the biblical languages, the academic study of religion, and opportunities in either thesis writing or teaching internship. The breadth of this type of study would enhance the understanding, interpretation, and application of the Scriptures as well as increase understanding of working with diverse persons within and outside parish ministry.

The program has three potential student populations in view: (1) the minister who desires greater expertise in the academic study of religion; (2) the minister who desire additional preparation for subsequent doctoral studies in religion; and (3) the minister who desire advanced preparation for college level teaching.

The M.Div/M.A. in Religion is housed in the School of Divinity. Students wishing to pursue the dual degree of Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts of Religion must have the concentration in biblical studies/languages within the Department of Religious studies and Philosophy. The M.Div./M.A. in Religion requires completion of the 60 hour core, 6 hours of biblical studies electives, 3 hours of historical/theological studies electives, 3 hours practical ministry electives of the M.Div. degree, and the 36-hour M.A. in Religion for a total of 108 hours.

• Request application materials from the School of Divinity:
• Submit an application with a $25 non-refundable application fee to the Director of Admissions, School of Divinity, P.O. Box 7327, Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs NC 28017
• Arrange for an official transcript of all previous academic work beyond high school to be sent directly from each institution attended. (Students must request in writing that transcripts be released to Gardner-Webb University and sent directly to the School of Divinity).
• Submit three recommendations from persons who know the applicant well. These recommendation should be submitted on the reference forms provided by the School of Divinity. One recommendation must be completed by a professor in the student’s major area. The remaining two recommendations should reflect either personal or professional relationships.
• Submit a complete Church Approval Form. The form must come from the church where the applicant is a member in good standing.
• Submit a completed Immunization History Form.
• Students for whom English is a second language must take the TOEFL examination. The minimum acceptable score is 550 on the paper-based test.

Course Requirements—108 semester hours

Common Core—18 hours