Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Purpose: The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (M.A.C.M.) degree is designed to equip students for leadership in some form of specialized ministry in churches or other settings such as missions, youth ministry or education ministry.

Emphasis: This degree emphasizes knowledge of theological foundations for ministry, growth in personal and spiritual maturity, and both instruction in and practical experience with specialized ministry areas.

Intended Educational Outcomes: M.A. in Christian Ministry graduates are expected to:

• Demonstrate basic skills in the interpretation of scripture.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the primary elements of Christian theology.
• Demonstrate the ability to integrate scripture and theological tradition with diverse cultural contexts
• Demonstrate the skills associated with providing leadership in their ministry specialization.
• Demonstrate commitment to personal spiritual formation.

Time Frame: The M.A.C.M. is a 48-hour degree that normally takes two years for a full-time student. Students admitted with advanced standing may complete the degree in as few as 36 hours.

Residency: At least six hours must be taken on the Harding School of Theology campus. One of the two on-campus courses must be BMIN 5990 Advanced Theological Research , which is taken within the first nine hours. It will include a retreat at the end of each intensive course. In semesters where the course is available only on a weekly basis the retreat will be near the end of the term. The other required on-campus course will be chosen by the student in consultation with their advisor.

Admission

Undergraduate GPA: A 2.70 GPA is required for admission. Probationary admission may be allowed with a minimum 2.30 GPA. To remove probation, one must complete 18 semester hours of graduate courses with a GPA of 2.70.

Advanced Standing: The school may grant up to 12 hours of advanced standing toward this degree if the student successfully passes an examination based on his/her undergraduate course work.

Advanced standing courses may be chosen from the following areas: languages (up to six hours), one of two ministry courses (BMIN 5730  or BMIN 5875 ), one ministry elective, one textual elective, and three general electives.  The following courses, BOLD 5110 , BNEW 5201 , BNEW 5230 , BNEW 5321  and BMIN 5990 , are not available for advanced standing consideration.

Transfer Credit: At least 24 semester hours must be taken from HST. As many as 24 hours of graduate credit from another acceptable institution may be applied toward course work requirements, subject to approval of the Admissions Committee. Any advanced standing hours awarded will count against the 24 hours allowed in transfer.

Testing: Psychological, career and other types of testing may be used for guidance purposes.