Our Master of Arts in Religion offers pathways to ministry, service, or doctoral work. Pursue a focused program of study in your chosen field, diving in deep with world-class experts and fellow students who share your passions, or pursue a flexible, interdisciplinary program that blends theological study with sacred music, literature, and visual culture.
Degree Overview
Students of the Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) program at YDS are encouraged to take courses in other professional schools and departments of the University.
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2 years
Typical length of study
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16 concentrations
Available to study under the Concentrated track
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100% in-person
Intentionally in-person teaching to bring students together
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95%
Of all students receive full-tuition scholarships based on need
Three Degree Options
Overview
The concentrated M.A.R. program offers the opportunity to pursue advanced work in one of the disciplines of theological study.
Who Is This For?
Students interested in pursuing advanced work in a specific topic after a Master’s Degree.
After YDS
After finishing the Concentrated M.A.R. degree, students work in any number of fields from nonprofit leadership to journalism to law to social work and beyond.
More about the Concentrated M.A.R.
Overview
In the comprehensive program, you will study various theological disciplines, including biblical studies, systematic theology, liturgics, and historical Christianity with electives drawn from courses dealing with Christianity in the larger context of culture.
Who Is This For?
Students interested in pursuing advanced work in a specific topic after a Master’s Degree.
After YDS
The comprehensive M.A.R. degree prepares students for many forms of lay ministry or service (secondary teaching, college, or hospital chaplaincy, non-profit management, religion writing, etc.)
Overview
An extended degree program is offered for select students in the concentrated M.A.R. program. Students pursue full-time study for an additional year.
Who Is This For?
Students interested in applying for doctoral programs.
After YDS
The extended M.A.R. prepares students for a doctoral program.
Concentrations
Choose from among 16 concentrations.
Caring for the Caregivers
“To provide optimal care, we need to make sure the professionals treat everyone the same. Seminary training, at its very best, allows you to do that with people.”
Cecil “Ngoni” Tengatenga ’16 M.A.R., ’20 S.T.M.
World-Class Resources. Right at Your Fingertips.
When you come to YDS, you gain access to all of Yale’s academic and cultural resources. Take courses across one of the world’s leading institutions. Explore anything and everything here. And take all that you experience with you on the next stage of your journey.
Learn from Leading Scholars
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Joel S. Baden
Professor of Hebrew Bible; Director, Center for Continuing Education -
Jennifer A. Herdt
Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs; Gilbert L. Stark Professor of Christian Ethics -
Chloë Starr
Professor of Asian Christianity and Theology
