Mar 29, 2024  
2012-2014 Theological School Catalog 
    
2012-2014 Theological School Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Arts in Ministry


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The Master of Arts in Ministry program is a two-year professional master’s degree for students preparing for Christian leadership in congregations, non-profit agencies, or ministries beyond the local church. It is approved by the United Methodist Church for those who are preparing for ordination as a deacon in the United Methodist church. (The Master of Divinity  program is the degree designed for those seeking ordination as elders in the United Methodist church and other denominations.) Within the MAM program students may choose a specific area of specialization including but not limited to: camp and retreat ministries, Christian education, ecological ministries, worship, music, and the arts, spirituality, social justice ministries, and ministries beyond the local church.

Program Duration and Location


The program is designed to be completed in two years or four semesters of full time study. All requirements must be completed within five years from the date of initial matriculation. 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 a maximum of 15 credits of advanced standing. Transfer credit is not granted for credits earned earlier than 10 years prior to the date of matriculation.

The program is designed to be completed in two years or four semesters of full time study. All requirements must be completed within five years from the date of initial matriculation. Students may begin this course of study taking some Basic Graduate Theological Courses online. 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 a maximum of 15 credits of advanced standing. Transfer credit is not granted for credits earned earlier than 10 years prior to the date of matriculation

Admission Requirements


Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or from an equivalent international institution. Academic work should have been rich in the liberal arts, offering general knowledge of human culture through studies in the humanities, including religion, languages, and the natural and social sciences. Applicants must be able to write clearly and effectively.

Applicants should have demonstrated the capacity to do above average academic work, typically with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale) in a previous degree program. This capacity may also be indicated by “b” work in a selected group of courses pertinent to theological study. Those whose previous academic performance falls below this level, but who demonstrated compensating strengths, may be admitted on academic probation and limited to 9 credit hours per semester until the probation is removed.

The applicant must present transcripts for all academic study beyond secondary school.

The completed application form must be accompanied by a statement of purpose by the applicant explaining the reasons and goals for pursuing the MA in Ministry degree and by three letters of reference from persons qualified to evaluate the applicant’s intellectual competence and promise as well as personal character and potential for ministry.

Program Curriculum


Each student in the MA in Ministry program must complete 45 credits of course work including the following:

Required courses: (15 credits)


There are 4 broad areas from which course requirements must be selected

2. Cultural Context (3 credits from the following courses):


4. Practicum/Internship (6 credits)


  • Each student will complete six credits in contextual education in an appropriate ministry field. This requirement may be fulfilled through summer and academic year internships.

 

Optional Area of specialization (12 credits)


Each student, in consultation with an academic advisor, may elect to choose a particular specialization, with 12 credits of course work designated as applying specifically to the area of specialization.

Areas of specialization include (but are not limited to):

  • Christian Education
  • Ecological Ministries
  • Worship, Music, and the Arts
  • Camp and Retreat Ministry
  • Spiritual Formation
  • Social Justice Ministry

Elective credits (12 credits)


The remaining 12 credits will be electives.

Example of Specialization – Worship, Music and the Arts Specialization


Worship, music, and the Arts Core Courses (12 credits)

Worship, Music, and the Arts Core Courses (12 Credits)

1 course from the following (Sacred Music Courses):

 

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 applications in church and society
  • The ability to think critically and constructively regarding the 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

United Methodist Deacon Track


Students who wish to pursue ordination in the United Methodist Church through the MA in Ministry degree can do so with the following courses:

Each UM Deacon candidate will designate an area of specialty as a deacon and take at least six credits of additional course work as well as completing the field education requirement in that area.

UM Deacon candidates may designate one the certification in camp and retreat ministries or the certification in spiritual formation.

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