MA - Ministry - Specialization in Pastoral Care

Graduates of this program should be able to apply a core set of skills in pastoral care in order to participate effectively in God’s advancing mission in the world.

This program is also offered in Spanish and French.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Ministry major begins with completing application forms and submitting them with official transcripts and two personal recommendations. The Office of Student Services shall determine admission status from the completed forms and student file and notify the applicant in writing of the admission status granted. Regular admission to the seminary constitutes admission to candidacy for the master’s degree. The basic criteria for regular admission to the MA program within the seminary are as follows:

A baccalaureate or master's degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting body, the Association for Biblical Higher Education, or international theological accrediting associations affiliated with the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education.
A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 from the degree granting institution.
An official transcript from the degree granting institution.
Two recommendations including:
- One from a pastor or denominational supervisor.
- A general recommendation.
A three to four page autobiography and statement of ministry purpose. The statement of purpose should reflect one's sense of God's direction in relation to Christian ministry or service.

Program Requirements

Courses taken at IWU more than seven years prior to admission or readmission to the Seminary cannot be used to fulfill the requirements for this degree.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of nine hours may be transferred from another accredited master's program, provided it falls within seven years prior to admission.
Students who have taken equivalent courses in their undergraduate program to BIBL-500 The Bible as Christian Scripture, THEO-500 Introduction to Christian Theology, and CHST-500 Global Christian History will be allowed/encouraged to substitute an advanced Bible, theology, or church history elective.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of core requirements.

Minimum grade of "C" in each core and elective course.
Cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
Successful completion of the Bible Content Exam with a 70% or higher.
All requirements for the degree must be completed within six years of enrollment.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.