Master of Arts in Specialized Ministry (M.A.) Program
Program Objectives
Western Seminary offers the Master of Arts in Specialized Ministry degree for students seeking specialized graduate theological education. The M. A. in Specialized Ministry is designed for students pursuing ministry vocation in an area of focused ministry. For example, they may serve as associate pastors on a church staff or in parachurch agencies where their ministry will be as a specialist in a particular area. The program is not recommended for those preparing for a ministry where ordination is expected or required (e.g., the pastorate) or for those who anticipate subsequent Doctor of Ministry studies.
Students will take a common sequence of courses to build the core outcomes in spiritual formation, biblical and theological studies, and ministry studies. As students proceed with their classroom studies, they will be challenged to put what they learn into action through mentored field ministry. The interaction between student, faculty advisor and ministry mentor will facilitate
the refining of ministry effectiveness by identifying areas of strength to be honed and areas of critical weakness to be improved.
M.A. in Specialized Ministry Core Outcomes
In addition to the Seminary’s general educational goals, the M.A.
in Exegetical Theology program attempts to achieve specific outcomes:
- Be a person whose Christ-like character and dependence upon the Holy Spirit are worthy of being emulated, and whose integrity imparts credibility to his/her ministry
- Be a person who understands his/her role in the furthering of God’s purposes
- Be a person who experiences interdependency with other believers
- Be a person
with a global vision who thinks, acts and prays
strategically - Be able to implement a biblically-based philosophy of ministry
- Be able to interpret and apply biblical texts using sound hermeneutical principles
- Know the major themes and developments of God’s redemptive activity revealed in Scripture
- Know the historical tenets and contemporary significance of evangelical theology and practice
- Be able to think biblically and critically so that various truth claims can be effectively evaluated
- Be able to
communicate God’s truth clearly, accurately, and
convincingly - Be able to lead and equip a group of people so that God’s purposes are efficiently accomplished in and through them
- Be a true life-long learner, building upon his/her seminary training
Admission
Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Seminary given on pages 18-19, applicants for the M.A. program are expected to present an accredited baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) with a cumulative
grade point average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), including a breadth of liberal arts. Applicants who do not meet these general academic requirements may petition the Admissions Committee for consideration. A recommendation from the applicant’s pastor and three personal recommendations
regarding the applicant’s Christian character and leadership potential also are required
Degree
Requirements
The M.A. in Specialized Ministry degree is conferred upon the attainment of certain personal and academic requirements. In addition to the general seminary requirements outlined on pages 30-31, degree candidates must (1) give evidence of a genuine Christian character, orthodox belief, and conduct consistent with a God-given call to a position of leadership; (2) complete all courses in the prescribed M.A. in Specialized Ministry curriculum with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5, and 3.0 grade point average within ministerial studies (core and specialization). By careful planning, students may complete their studies in four semesters.
Ministry
Specialization Options
To prepare for their particular ministry area, students will choose one area of ministry specialization. In consultation with their advisor, they will choose eight hours of course work in this area of ministry emphasis. The courses will be chosen in order to build on their previous education and experience
and allow them to prepare for excellence in ministry in that specific area. Current specializations include Chaplaincy, Children and Youth at Risk, Coaching, Evangelism and Equipping, Pastoral Care to Women, Youth Ministry, and Youth & Family Ministry. Other areas of potential specialization (e.g., worship, church planting, etc.) may be formulated by academic petition, contingent upon the availability of appropriate courses to support adequately that specialization.
In-Ministry
Option
Western Seminary offers the in-ministry schedule option for the M.A. in Specialized Ministry degree. This track is designed to make fulfilling the 30 hour residential requirements for an accredited master’s degree more accessible for students significantly involved in ministry roles. Three or four weeks per year, two 2-credit courses will be offered in intensive formats (each spanning 2 ½ days), enabling students to complete the “class time” requirements for up to four units in one week. Pre- and post-residential homework assignments will be designed for maximum integration into one’s current ministry responsibilities. The remainder of the program’s course work can either be completed through distance education or normal residential courses. Eligibility for this track will ordinarily require being at least half-time in paid ministry for the prior year (and maintaining at least this level of involvement for the duration of the program) and receiving the endorsement of one’s ministry supervisor. This is a limited-enrollment program and will require making consistent annual progress towards degree completion. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office.
- M.A. in Specialized Ministry Chaplaincy Track
- M.A. in Specialized Ministry Children / Youth at Risk Track
- M.A. in Specialized Ministry Coaching Track
- M.A. in Specialized Ministry Evangelism and Equipping Track
- M.A. in Specialized Ministry Pastoral Care to Women Track
- M.A. in Specialized Ministry Youth Ministry Track
- M.A. in Specialized Ministry Youth and Family Ministry Track
