Master of Arts - Ministry - Specialization in Christian Theology
A specialization in Christian Theology prepares a student to interpret theological texts and to construct a responsible theological argument.
The specialization will total 12 semester hours with at least 9 hours from Systematic Theology.
In addition to the MA in Ministry learning outcomes, students with a specialization in Christian Theology should, with graduate-level competency, be able to:
- Interpret theological texts.
- Construct a responsible theological argument.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Ministry major begins with completing application forms and submitting them with official transcripts and two personal recommendations. The Wesley Seminary 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.
- A signed Ministry Context form.
Program Requirements
- Students must have completed all required courses before enrolling in the MA Capstone course (MIN-691). Registration in the MA Capstone will be cancelled for any students who fail to satisfactorily complete all required MA courses.
- All requirements for the degree must be completed within ten years of enrollment.
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.
MA Program of Study (36 Hours)
Core Courses
Practical Ministry - 3 Hours
Biblical Studies - 3 Hours
| BIBL-500 | The Bible as Christian Scripture | 3 |
Church History - 3 Hours
Theological Studies - 3 Hours
| THEO-500 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
Intercultural Competency - 3 Hours
Spiritual Formation - 4 Hours
| SPIR-500 | Spiritual Formation: Change & Transformation | 1 |
| SPIR-520 | Spiritual Formation: Self Awareness & Appraisal | 1 |
| SPIR-540 | Spiritual Formation: Goal Setting & Accountability | 1 |
| SPIR-560 | Spiritual Formation: Mentoring & Spiritual Direction | 1 |
Capstone - 2 Hours
Specialization in Christian Theology
The specialization will total 12 semester hours with at least 9 hours from Systematic Theology.
Systematic Theology
Must take at least 9 hours.
| THEO-520 | Christmas: the Mystery of the Incarnation | 3 |
| THEO-525 | Theology of Prayer | 3 |
| THEO-530 | Easter: The Resurrection of the Crucified | 3 |
| THEO-543 | Theology of Holiness | 3 |
| THEO-545 | Holiness and Christian Ethics | 3 |
| THEO-546 | Popular Culture and Christian Imagination | 3 |
| THEO-570 | Faith and Politics in the Modern Middle East | 3 |
| THEO-586 | The Theology of John Wesley | 3 |
| THEO-610 | Lyrical Theology of Charles Wesley | 3 |
| THEO-615 | Women in Leadership and the Wesleyan Tradition | 3 |
Biblical and Historical Theology
May take up to 3 hours.
Elective
-
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 |
