Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Return to: School of Theology

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 on-campus courses must be BMIN 5990 Advanced Theological Research , which students must take within their first nine hours. It includes 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.

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. A student may apply for advanced standing for the following courses: BDOC 5400  or BHIS 5640 , BMIN 5875 , BNEW 5201 , BNEW 5230 , one textual course, and general electives.

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.