Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) – Homiletics Learn Effective Preaching

60

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Do you love the Word of God and sharing biblical principles with others? Homiletics may be the field for you. But how do you define homiletics? It is the research, preparation, and writing that goes into delivering a powerful sermon.

If you feel like this is your calling and want to learn the art of effective preaching, then Liberty University has the program for you. Our Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) prepares students with an in-depth, practical education in theology, biblical studies, and ministry training. We understand that flexibility is important to our students, so this program is 100% online. You can earn your degree while working and serving your church.

Whether you want to start your ministry career now or work toward further education, a M.A.R. from Liberty is the answer. This degree can help you in church leadership, parachurch administration, and nonprofit roles. Plus, this program can prepare you for a Master of Divinity or doctoral degree if you decide you want to expand your knowledge later on.


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What Sets Us Apart?

  • Private Nonprofit University
  • 600+ Online Degrees
  • No Standardized Testing for Admission
  • Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
  • Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

As an accredited online Christian college, Liberty University’s online ministry degrees make pursuing your education easier with the flexibility of a 100% online format. Our online seminary programs can equip you for ministry in a variety of fields. The homiletics area of study provides detailed and in-depth teaching for students who want to become more effective teachers and preachers of God’s Word.

The core content of the online Master of Arts in Religion provides advanced techniques for preaching and sermon writing. Students in the homiletics track will also benefit from studying the best preachers and writers in Christian history.

Accreditation

Liberty Theological Seminary, as part of Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Your seminary degree is approved by ATS and has met rigorous accreditation standards, so you can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.

ATS Accreditation

Our Master of Arts in Religion contains extensive, well-rounded training in ministry, administration of Christian organizations, theology studies, and biblical studies. The core of the online master’s in religion will cover the Old and New Testament, the history of Christianity, systematic theology, and the research, writing, and sermon preparation process.

The online Master of Arts in Religion’s core content will focus on researching and writing sermons as well as practical ministry, theology, and biblical studies. You will also receive advanced training in specific topics in sermon writing as part of the homiletics specialization. After completing your Old and New Testament courses, you will understand how to take the overall themes in the Bible and turn them into timely and relevant teaching for your congregation.

You will also build on your research, writing, and ministry preparation techniques to develop your expository preaching skills. These skills will help you educate your congregation on important biblical teachings. Additionally, you can learn to create persuasive Gospel sermons to help you reach others for Christ.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)


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Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Grad & Postgrad Divinity Block Rate (9-15 credit hours) $2,750
Grad & Postgrad Divinity Part Time (0-8.99 or over 15 credit hours) $395/Credit
Military Grad & Postgrad Divinity Block Rate (9-15 credit hours) $2,475
Military Grad & Postgrad Divinity Part Time (0-8.99 or over 15 credit hours) $275/Credit

These rates also apply to the MA in Pastoral Counseling, which falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences.


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Military

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

  • Active Duty
  • Reserve/National Guard
  • Veterans/Retirees
  • Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
  • Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

  • Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for part-time graduate and postgraduate divinity courses
  • Discounted divinity block rate – $2,475 per semester*
  • Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)**
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

These benefits also apply to the MA in Pastoral Counseling, which falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences.

*Credits taken below 9 and above 15 credit hours per semester are charged at the part-time rate.

**Not applicable to certificates.