Courses of Study in the Master of Arts Program

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies offers four areas of specialization (concentrations):

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

*Not currently offered in the English section

Each concentration requires the student to complete six common core courses, six courses in the chosen area, a practicum, and a thesis. In the Biblical Studies/Exegesis concentration, a seventh course is given in place of the practicum.

First Phase (1st year): Six Core Courses (3 credit hours each, 18 credit hours)

GEN 501    Research Methodology
BIB 501      Old Testament Genres and Issues
BIB 502      New Testament Genres and Issues
LDS 501     Christian Leadership in the Socio-political Context of the Church
REL 501     Contemporary African Theology
GEN 602    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); Seven specialized courses (3 credit hours each) for the Biblical Studies/Exegesis concentration

Cross-cultural Ministries Concentration (6 courses + practicum, 21 credit hours)

MIS 601    Biblical Theology of Missions
MIS 602    Worldwide Expansion of Christianity
MIS 603    Cultural Patterns of Communication
MIS 604    Lucan Pneumatology
MIS 605    Specialized Studies in Islam
MIS 606    Beyond the Local Church
MIS 607    Practicum: Cross-cultural Ministries

Biblical Studies/Exegesis Concentration (7 courses, 21 credit hours)

BIB 601    Greek 1A
BIB 602   Greek 1B
BIB 603   Narrative Analysis
BIB 604   Bible Contextualization
BIB 605   Hebrew
BIB 606   Advanced Exegesis
BIB 607   Exegesis of Luke/Acts

Christian Education Concentration (6 courses + practicum, 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 (6 courses + practicum, 21 credit hours)*

COU 601    Foundations of Care and Counseling: Principles and Practices
COU 602    Introduction to Psychology & Human Behavior
COU 603    Marriage & Family Counseling
COU 604   Conflict Management
COU 605   Care of Youth: Contemporary Issues & Challenges
COU 606   Care in Times of Crisis
COU 607   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.