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Center for Leadership Development

 

  

Master of Arts in Specialized Ministry (M.A.) Program

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 within the ministerial studies subjects. Students may complete their studies in six semesters (two years), including field ministry. The M.A. degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours.

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 one 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 Coaching, Church Planting, Evangelism and Equipping, Jewish Ministry, Pastoral Care to Women, and Youth Ministry. Other areas of potential specialization (e.g., chaplaincy, worship, etc.) may be formulated by academic petition, contingent upon the availability of appropriate courses to support adequately that specialization. Courses offerings at each campus may vary; check with the campus office for schedule information.

In-Ministry Schedule 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 masters’ degree more accessible for students significantly involved in ministry roles. Three or four weeks per year (Portland, San Jose or Sacramento campuses), two two-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.

Degree Completion Options
Course scheduling permits individuals who commute long distances or who are employed in occupations or ministry vocations to make significant academic progress. Students are recommended their first year to enroll in the weekend sequence as the initial seminary experience. This three term introduction to theological education provides a base of personal direction, biblical and theological foundation, and ministry orientation for subsequent advanced study and skill development.

Two-Year Program. The two-year program includes one day of weekend classes per week each semester of both years and classes in ministry one or two evenings per week several semesters.

Four-Year Program. The four-year program begins with one weeknight or weekend each week during the first year. Ministry courses are taken during evenings of the second and third years. The program is completed with weekend classes the fourth year.

Distance Learning. A number of required and elective courses are offered through the Center for Lifelong Learning. Students may enroll in CLL courses with program advisor approval

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