<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>Liberty University's Master of Arts in Religion with a Pastoral Ministry Cognate provides you with a diverse education in various religious topics, such as biblical writings, evangelism, theology, and the history of Christianity. You will take classes entirely online or on campus. In core coursework, you will have the opportunity to study Christian leadership perspectives, teaching practices, Old and New Testament, global Christianity, spiritual development, evangelistic methods, and theological doctrines. This cognate allows you to choose a particular area of interest, such as biblical studies, evangelism, worship, leadership, or church ministry. Coursework for the area of interest could include church administration, church growth, sermon preparation, pastoral counseling, and worship leader roles. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>If you are interested in applying to Liberty University's Master of Arts in Religion with a Pastoral Ministry Cognate program, you must have already earned a bachelor's degree, possibly in religion or theology, and have some professional experience in a church or related setting. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>You will be required to complete 60 credits to earn the Master of Arts in Religion with a Pastoral Ministry Cognate. You must complete 48 credits in core courses and 12 credits in the cognate area. </p> <p><u>Master of Arts in Religion with a Pastoral Ministry Cognate Course Requirements</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Number</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td><b>Core Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>APOL 500</td><td> Introduction to Apologetics</td></tr> <tr><td>CHHI 520</td><td> History of Christianity I</td></tr> <tr><td>CHHI 525</td><td> History of Christianity II</td></tr> <tr><td>CLED 510</td><td> Biblical Foundations of Christian Leadership</td></tr> <tr><td>DSMN 500</td><td> Discipleship Ministries</td></tr> <tr><td>DSMN 601</td><td> Ministry of Teaching</td></tr> <tr><td>EVAN 565</td><td> Contemporary Evangelism</td></tr> <tr><td>GLST 500</td><td> Global Studies Survey</td></tr> <tr><td>NBST 521</td><td> New Testament Orientation I</td></tr> <tr><td>NBST 522</td><td> New Testament Orientation II</td></tr> <tr><td>NBST 652</td><td> Hermeneutics</td></tr> <tr><td>OBST 591</td><td> Old Testament Orientation I</td></tr> <tr><td>OBST 592</td><td> Old Testament Orientation II</td></tr> <tr><td>PLED 520</td><td> Spiritual Formation</td></tr> <tr><td>THEO 525</td><td> Systematic Theology I</td></tr> <tr><td>THEO 530</td><td> Systematic Theology II</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Pastoral Ministry Cognate</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>Seminary Courses</td><td> Select four 500-600-level courses</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>Upon completion of Liberty University's Master of Arts in Religion with a Pastoral Ministry Cognate program, you will be prepared to apply methods and techniques you have learned to your current position or a new position in the field. You might explore the possibility of seeking greater pastoral responsibilities in a church or apply for advanced positions in rescue missions, religious education institutions, nonprofit religious organizations, or community centers. </p> <p>Positions you might pursue include: </p> <ul><li>Senior Pastor </li><li>Youth Ministry Director </li><li>Religious Education Director</li></ul>