Religious Education (M.A.)
This program is offered online.
The Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in religious education degree provides a deepened understanding of core theological disciplines and opportunities to explore the various practices of pastoral ministry. The degree is designed for those already serving in ministry and those preparing to seek employment in ministerial and educational settings. Those seeking personal enrichment through the study of religious education are also welcome. The degree is offered with a youth and young adult ministry or generalist concentration.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a knowledge of core theories, approaches, and other domain knowledge within the academic field of religious education.
- Demonstrate an ability to relate effectively the core theories, approaches, and other domain knowledge within the academic field of religious education to their own ministerial and life contexts.
- Demonstrate the relationship between Christian faith traditions and one's practice of spiritual development.
- Demonstrate a well-rounded knowledge and critical appropriation of Jesuit and Catholic theological traditions.
Are you interested in attending the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education? Request more information or schedule an information session today.
CIP Code
39.0401 - Religious Education.
You can use the CIP code to learn more about career paths associated with this field of study and, for international students, possible post-graduation visa extensions. Learn more about CIP codes and other information resources.
The Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in religious education requires 36 credits and may be pursued in one of the following concentrations:
- Generalist
- Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Both concentrations require a final integration research paper, which should be submitted to complete the course REGR 6999 Religious Education Final Integration Seminar.
Course Requirements (All Concentrations)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Education Courses 1 | ||
| REGR 6102 | Introduction to Religious Education | 3 |
| REGR 6140 | Curriculum and Religious Education | 3 |
| REGR 6120 | Education for Peace and Justice | 3 |
| REGR 6999 | Religious Education Final Integration Seminar | 3 |
| Other Area Requirements | ||
| RLGR 6010 | Old Testament | 3 |
| RLGR 6011 | New Testament | 3 |
| PCGR 6310 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| SPGR 6742 | The Ignatian Way | 3 |
| General Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Concentration Courses 3 | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
- 1
Students pursuing a concentration in Youth and Young Adult Ministry will substitute the three core religious education courses with REGR 6125 Moral Education & Development and two other area courses from the subject codes SPGR, RLGR, PMGR, or PCGR, numbered 6000-6999.
- 2
Students may take any nonrestricted course at GRE numbered 6000-6999 as a general elective. A list of GRE courses can be found in our course listing page. In addition, students may also enroll in courses offered at other Fordham University graduate units and the member schools of the New York Theological Consortium, with the permission of the designated faculty or department.
- 3
Concentration requirements can be found on the Concentrations tab.
Concentration-Specific Requirements
Youth and Young Adult Ministry Concentration
In addition to the common M.A. degree in religious education course requirements, this concentration requires the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| REGR 6180 | Religious and Educational Development of Children and Youth | 3 |
| REGR 6202 | Young Adult & Adult Ministry | 3 |
| REGR 6204 | Special Questions: Youth and Young Adult Ministry | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Generalist Concentration
In addition to the common M.A. degree in religious education course requirements, this concentration requires the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| REGR 6180 | Religious and Educational Development of Children and Youth | 3 |
| REGR 6202 | Young Adult & Adult Ministry | 3 |
| REGR 6220 | Ministry & Leadership | 3 |
Final Project
The Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in religious education program concludes with a final integration course (offered each spring). The course requires an integration research project on a topic determined by the faculty.
Manual of Style
The major research paper, as well as all course papers, needs to be written according to The Chicago Manual of Style (University of Chicago Press).Generalist Concentration
Most religious educators and pastoral ministers are pastoral generalists. While they may have particular areas of responsibility, such as overseeing parish programs for the religious education of children and youth, or running a campus ministry service and social ministry program, they interact with people in a wide array of situations and are called upon to be pastoral caregivers, catechetical leaders, spiritual guides, prayer leaders, and to minister to people in a variety of other ways. The Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in religious education, generalist concentration, provides students with an opportunity to take a range of courses in religious education and pastoral ministry. Students develop a foundational understanding of educating in faith and the various ministries of the church.
Additional information about this concentration can be found in the Requirements tab.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry Concentration
Beginning with the guidelines for the formation of lay ecclesial ministers outlined in Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, the Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in religious education, youth and young adult ministry program, addresses students' needs for human and personal formation, spiritual formation, intellectual formation, and pastoral formation. People turn to the studies in this area to prepare them to be (or to provide ongoing education in their work as) religion teachers in Catholic school and college campus ministers. The Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in religious education with a concentration in youth and young adult ministry focuses on understanding adolescent and young adult religious, spiritual, moral, and psychological development. Students choose from among courses in community, family, and religious education; curriculum and religious education; adult learning and development; and other areas of religious education and pastoral studies. Students are asked to direct their studies in either religious education or pastoral studies as they prepare for a career path in either religious education/catechesis with youth and young adults in parishes, schools, college and university campuses, and dioceses, or Jesuit volunteer corps members.
Additional information about this concentration can be found in the Requirements tab.