D-DIV-MACP - Master of Arts in Christian Practice

The requirements for the MA degree are:

• eighteen courses (units) completed in no less than two academic years;

• compilation of a portfolio to be reviewed by an academic advisor;

• the maintenance of a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0; and

• completion of all requirements for the degree within a four-year period.

Administration

The MA offers a hybrid pedagogy of intensive residencies and online synchronous and asynchronous engagements via two tracks: Track One (Foundations) and Track Two (Congregations). All students will have course requirements.

Track One (Foundations) students will have a six core-course sequence designed to deepen students’ knowledge and appreciation of the Bible and the Christian theological tradition. Included in that sequence are the following: XTIANSTU 705 and 706 (Cultivating Christian Imagination I and II), PARISH 705 (Introduction to Mission and Ministry), LTS 730 (Introduction to Christian Worship), and two additional core courses (either OLDTEST 706 or NEWTEST 707; and either CHURHST 708 or XTIANTHE 705).

Track Two (Congregations) students (including United Methodist Church deacon candidates) will have at least six core courses: PARISH 705 (Introduction to Mission and Ministry), OLDTEST 706 (Introduction to Old Testament), NEWTEST 707 (Introduction to New Testament), CHURHST 708 (Introduction to Church History), LTS 730 (Introduction to Christian Worship), and XTIANTHE 705 (Introduction to Christian Theology).  United Methodist students should complete PARISH 707/777 (Wesleyan Foundations), and PARISH 708/778 (UMC Mission and Practice).

The two tracks enable flexibility for students to pursue the MA either as a general theological degree or as one tailored to a specific interest (e.g., as a UMC Deacon, a certificate in Christian Education, or a certificate in Missional Innovation). In the first term, all MA students will take a cornerstone course, PARISH 705 (Mission and Ministry), to introduce the theology and practice of ministry. After completing the core courses, MA students will complete a series of elective courses that will build upon the core courses and focus reflection on particular areas of Christian practice in church and in the world. Students will also participate in an ongoing seminar in Christian formation that will serve to integrate academics with spiritual practice. In the final term, students will complete a capstone project within XTIANPRC 701 (Practicing Ministry), bringing to bear insights and experience from all components of the program. As a means to exhibit growth and understanding of theological reflection, every MA in student will compile a student portfolio that their academic advisor will review in the student’s fifth term. Both the portfolio and the faculty member’s final evaluation are submitted to the academic dean.

Recommended MA Curricular Paradigm 

*In Terms 2 and 4, Track 1 students may elect to take an additional core course, either New Testament or Old Testament, and either Church History or Christian Theology.

Continuation Requirements

The progress of all students is reviewed at the end of every term by the Academic Policies Committee. The following are the continuation requirements for students enrolled in the MA degree program:

• The student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0. If a student falls below this level, the student may, at the discretion of the academic dean be dismissed or placed on an involuntary leave of absence.

• At the end of the second term the student on limited program who does not attain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is dismissed. In exceptional cases a student who shows substantial improvement the second term but does not quite attain a GPA of 2.0 may be given a third term to do so.

• The student must demonstrate progress in the program by completing courses. A student who has three or more unresolved incompletes or a pattern of multiple withdrawals may, at the discretion of the academic dean, be dismissed, placed on an involuntary leave of absence until the incomplete work is resolved, or asked to participate in a limited program.