Courses of Study in the Master of Arts Program

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies offers three areas of specialization:

  • Master of Arts in Cross-cultural Ministries (formerly Missiology)
  • Master of Arts in Christian Education
  • Master of Arts in Counseling*

*Not yet implemented

Each specialization requires the student to complete seven common core courses, six courses in the chosen area, a practicum, and a thesis.

First Phase (1st year): Seven Core Courses (3 credit hours each, 21 credit hours)

GEN 501    Research Methodology
BIB 501      Old Testament Genres and Issues
BIB 502      New Testament Genres and Issues
MIS 601      Socio-political Context of the Church
REL 602     Contemporary African Theology
LDS 501     Foundations of Christian Leadership
GEN 601    Writing for the 21st Century

Second Phase (2nd year): Comprehensive Examination

Third Phase (2nd year): Six Specialized Courses (3 credit hours each) + Practicum (3 credit hours)

Cross-cultural Ministries Concentration (7 courses, 21 credit hours)

THM 501  Biblical Theology of Missions
HIS 601     Worldwide Expansion of Christianity
GEN 601   Cultural Patterns of Communication
BIB 601     Lucan Pneumatology
MIS 602    Specialized Studies in Islam
MIS 603    Beyond the Local Church
MIS 604   Practicum: Cross-cultural Ministries

Christian Education Concentration (7 courses, 21 credit hours)

EDU 601   Contemporary Christian Education: Foundations & Practices
EDU 602   Educational Psychology
EDU 603   Curriculum Development & Instructional Design
EDU 604   Principles of Teaching: Facilitating Adult Education
EDU 605   Educational Measurements
EDU 606   Childhood Education in the Church
EDU 607   Practicum: Christian Education

Counseling Concentration (7 courses, 21 credit hours)*

COU 601   Foundations of Care and Counseling: Principles and Practices
PSY 602     Introduction to Psychology & Human Behavior
COU 602   Marriage & Family Counseling
COU 603   Conflict Management
COU 604   Care of Youth: Contemporary Issues & Challenges
COU 605   Care in Times of Crisis: Loss, Sickness, Trauma
COU 605   Practicum: Counseling

Fourth Phase (3rd year): Thesis Project (6 credit hours)

Time Limit: The time limit for completing the MA program is 6 years. An extension beyond this period requires the approval of the Academic Affairs Committee. A thesis which is not accepted because it does not meet one or two requirements must be revised, corrected, and resubmitted. In the case where a student has not satisfied the requirements after three submissions, he or she is dismissed from the program.