Master of Arts
The Master of Arts degree program is oriented toward general theological studies and requires either a master’s thesis or an extended research paper with a comprehensive exam. This program allows a student to specialize in one of the Seminary’s major areas of study (see list on page 32), but such specialization is more from a research perspective than for professional practice. Students who desire a degree more oriented toward general ministry practice should pursue the Master of Divinity either instead of or in addition to this degree.
Since this degree is by nature “general” and since the various areas of specialization are so diverse, it is difficult to establish comprehensive goals for every individual in this program. Still, there are some basic goals that are germane to all Master of Arts students:
1. To demonstrate advanced research and writing skills through successful completion of LS600 “Lifelong Learning for Leaders” and completion of a thesis or an extended research paper.
2. To develop an ability to properly interpret God’s Word through either proficiency in the Biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew or through completion of course work in those disciplines.
3. To gain a deeper theological understanding of one of the Seminary’s major areas of study, evidenced through successful completion of course work in that area, culminating in a thesis or extended research paper and a comprehensive oral exam over that area.
4. To understand how deeper theological study of a particular area should be set within the context of the Seminary’s own religious heritage and its emphasis on leadership ministry.
Please note that the Master of Arts degree may be completed without enrolling in traditional, semester-long courses on campus. To complete the degree through non-traditional means, students may choose one or more of the following means: up to five distance learning courses (15 hours; 9 hours in the 30-hour option), intensive week courses (offered several times annually), up to 9 hours of independent study (6 hours in the 30-hour option), or transfer credits (see “Transfer of Credits” policy in Chapter 5). If pursuing a degree through nontraditional means, at least 9 hours in the area of concentration must be taken through intensive week courses on campus.
1.
Courses in Area of Concentration
21
Students
must choose an area of concentration from one of the areas of study
listed on page 32, and work with a faculty adviser in that area to
develop proposal for the thesis or extended research paper. Courses in
the area of concentration must total either 15 hours plus a 6-hour
thesis or 18 hours plus a 3-hour extended research paper (guidelines
for which are available from the Seminary Office).
2. Core
Courses
21
Required
for all areas of concentration:*
LS
600 Lifelong Learning for Leaders **
3
LS
601 Shaping the Heart of a Leader
3
CH
801 Implementing Restoration Movement Principles **
3
Required
for concentrations in Bible and Theology: *
NT
610-611 Interpreting the New Testament **
6
OT
610-611 Interpreting the Old Testament
6
Required
for concentrations in Christian Ministries:
BI
603-604 Interpreting Scripture I-II **
6
Two
courses in Bible or Theology
6
3.
Elective Courses
6**
Course
work totaling 6 hours ***
6
TOTAL
48
* Students may proficiency out of LS600, NT610, or OT610 by passing a proficiency exam, taking electives instead. Students who demonstrate proficiency in NT610 or OT610 have the option of taking NT611 and OT611 or taking other exegetical courses. Students who have had course work comparable to LS601 or CH801 may substitute another course in that area with the permission of their faculty adviser.
** Students with an undergraduate degree in Bible, in ministry, or in a related field may choose a 30-hour M.A. by not taking these 18 hours of courses that are required for the 48-hour M.A. This 30-hour option assumes undergraduate courses in Restoration Movement History (for CH801), in Greek (for NT610-611 or BI603-604), and in Bible or ministry related areas (for the 6 hours of electives). The LS600 requirement may be met through a proficiency exam. Students with appropriate undergraduate degrees who have not had courses in Restoration Movement History or Greek may still choose this option, but will need to take additional, comparable courses in the Seminary, which will add to their 30 hour total.
*** The total number of elective hours will be more for those who can demonstrate proficiency in LS600, NT610, or OT610.