Master of Arts in Christian Ministries
The Master of Arts in Christian Ministries degree is a professional credential designed to prepare women and men for competent leadership in specialized ministries in their faith communities. The degree seeks to develop the general theological understanding required as a basis for specialized ministries and nurture the practical abilities and skills needed for that special ministry form.
Admission Requirements
- Application
- Official transcripts sent to Admissions directly from the institution
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Personal history
- Reference forms
- A professor or academic administrator
- A lay person
- The pastor of the church you attend, or another minister
- A personal friend or acquaintance
- 2.75/4.00 grade point average
Applicants whose grade point average falls between 2.50 and 2.75 may be admitted on a “reduced load” basis. For applicants whose cumulative grade point average is below 2.50, a score of 50 on the Miller Analogies Test or a 500 on the verbal section of the Graduate Record Examination is required. - For applicants whose native language is other than English, 79 internet (550 paper) TOEFL score or 7.0 IELTS
Course Structure (60 hours)
- M.A. Core (18 hours)
- Kingdom, Church and World
- Vocation of Ministry
- Introduction to Biblical Studies (may sub OT520 & NT520 & IBS-1)
- Turning Points in Church History
- Basic Christian Doctrine or Method and Praxis in Theology
- Specialized Ministries Core (24 Hours)
- A. Servant Leadership Ministries Track
This track is specifically designed to satisfy the academic requirements for ordination as a Permanent Deacon in The United Methodist Church or other Christian denominations.- History of Methodism
- United Methodist Polity and Discipline
- United Methodist Theology
- Theology of John Wesley
- Core Elective in Evangelism
- Core Elective in Worship
- Mentored Ministry: Local Church– 1 & 2
Additional Coursework in vocational area as selected with student's advisor
- B. Ministries in Hispanic Congregations Track
This track is designed for persons engaged in ministries directly related to Hispanic congregations. It is offered only on the Florida campus.- Core Elective in Christian Discipleship
- Core Elective in Christian Leadership
- Hispanic Theological and Social Ethics or Hispanic History, Theology, and Ministry
- Christian Ministry in a Multicultural Society
- Core Elective in Pastoral Care and Counseling
- Advanced Course in Counseling
- Mentored Ministry: Local Church –1 & 2
Additional Coursework in vocational area as selected with student's advisor
- C. Congregational Care Ministries Track
This track serves to provide a strong foundation of pastoral care and counseling for those students who feel called into caring ministries at the congregational level but do not seek professional credentialing in these areas.- Core Elective in Christian Discipleship
- Core Elective in Christian Leadership
- Core Elective in Pastoral Care and Counseling
- Advanced Course in Counseling
- Clinical Pastoral Education
- Mentored Ministry: Local Church –1 & 2
Additional Coursework in vocational area as selected with student’s advisor
- D. Mission/Evangelism Ministries Track
The purpose of this track is to introduce students to critical foundations for the faithful and effective practice of mission and evangelism in the variegated cultures of contemporary society. This track is available only on the Florida campus.- Core Electives in Evangelism
- Christian Ministry in a Multicultural Society
- The Church Abroad
- Mentored Ministry: Local Church –1 & 2
Additional Coursework in Mission & Evangelism as selected with advisor
- A. Servant Leadership Ministries Track
- General Electives (18)
In addition to these classes, students are required to complete a Bible Competency Examination.