Masters Level

Students who have completed the [Bachelor of Theology] degree may apply for the seminary’s Master of Art in Religion (M.A.R.) and Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program.

The M.A.R. program is open to both men and women who desire to grow in their understanding of the Bible and its theology.  The M.A.R. is focused on the practical competencies for appropriate levels of service and leadership within the church. While the study of [Biblical Languages] will prove helpful, it is not a required prerequisite for the M.A.R. degree.  The program culminates in the research and writing of a master’s-level thesis.

The MDiv program equips church leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as upper-level leaders  and to engage in higher theological study. The program emphasizes the use of the biblical languages  of Greek and Hebrew, providing students with a strong foundation for in-depth biblical understanding and interpretation. Graduates of the MDiv program are prepared to provide upper-level leadership within the church, prepared to preach and teach the truths of God’s word, and equipped to engage in advanced theological study. The program culminates in the research and writing of a master’s level thesis.

Since the M.Div. degree is globally recognized as the highest level of study for candidates for pastoral ministry, ALS invites only men to study at this level. This matches what God’s word says about the roles of men and women within the church (1 Timothy 2:12-14). For more information, see our [statement of faith]. Women are invited to study in the M.A.R. program.

Students who have not studied the [Biblical Languages] while in the bachelor’s program will be required to study Hebrew and Greek before enrolling in the relevant  Old Testament and New Testament exegetical courses. Biblical language credits are considered prerequisites to the program and do not count toward the cumulative credits necessary for program completion.

The M.A.R and M.Div. degrees build on the cumulative 128 credits earned at the [Certificate and Diploma Levels] and the [BTh Level].  The M.A.R. will be granted after a successful study of an additional 30 credits (158 cumulative credits) and the M.Div. will be granted after an additional 60 credits (188 cumulative credits).