Learning Outcomes

The MA in Ministry program seeks to develop the following abilities in students:

• The ability to read and interpret scripture and other sacred texts with cultural sensitivity, ethical awareness, and a critical understanding of their histories, interpretations, and meanings in church and society
• The ability to think critically and constructively regarding an area of ministry specialization
• The ability to work effectively in ministry as evidenced by the successful completion of a field education component
• The development of communal and personal practices that nourish spiritual and moral well-being

Program Duration and Location

The M.A.M. program is designed to be completed in two years of full time study (including the January and summer terms during those years). All requirements must be completed within five years from the date of initial matriculation. Students may not take more than fifteen credits in the fall or spring semester or three credits in the January term without approval of the Academic Standing Committee.

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits at Drew Theological School. Students with credits earned elsewhere at the graduate professional level and not applied toward another earned degree may apply for transfer credit. For more information, see the transfer policy in the Academic Policies section of the catalogue.

Credits for the M.A.M. are earned in a combination of regular semester-long courses held on Drew’s campus in Madison, New Jersey, online courses, intensive courses that meet in a compressed time period (one to three weeks), hybrid courses that combine on-campus meetings with online work, and off-site courses such as internships, travel seminars, and courses that meet at one of New Jersey’s state prisons. Most courses meet once per week and are spread between daytime and nighttime hours. While there is substantial flexibility in the course offerings, it is not possible at this time to complete the M.A.M. with entirely night/weekend courses, online courses, or with traveling to Drew only one day per week. 

Curriculum

The M.A.M. degree is awarded at the satisfactory completion of 45 credits of course work, including twenty-one credits in required courses and twenty-four in electives. Students are encouraged to combine required and elective courses in a way that meets their own professional goals, to fulfill UMC requirements for deacon ordination, and to become more proficient in areas where future ministry needs or study interests may have been identified.

The M.A.M. course requirements are as follows: