San Jose Campus
Prospective StudentsCurrent StudentsFriends and GuestsActivities CalendarLibrary ResourcesSyllabiFacultyFinancial AidStudent Information System

SJ CounselingSeminars

 

  

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 who see their ministry vocation in an area of specialized 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 Specialized Ministry program attempts to achieve specific outcomes:

  1. 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
  2. Be a person who understands his/her role in the furthering of God’s purposes
  3. Be a person who experiences interdependency with other believers
  4. Be a person with a global vision who thinks, acts and prays strategically
  5. Be able to implement a biblically-based philosophy of ministry
  6. Be able to interpret and apply biblical texts using sound hermeneutical principles
  7. Know the major themes and developments of God’s redemptive activity revealed in Scripture
  8. Know the historical tenets and contemporary significance of evangelical theology and practice
  9. Be able to think biblically and critically so that various truth claims can be effectively evaluated
  10. Be able to communicate God’s truth clearly, accurately, and convincingly
  11. Be able to lead and equip a group of people so that God’s purposes are efficiently accomplished in and through them
  12. 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 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
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.

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

Top of Page

 
Copyright 2008 Western Seminary

 

Western Seminary Portland San Jose Sacramento