ACADEMICS: Christian Education

Description
The Master of Theology is a two-year program requiring 54 graduate hours of study. The program is the first master’s degree available to students desiring to have graduate education in the Bible and areas of ministry. The student selects one emphasis from three possible programs: Preaching, Pastoral Ministry, and Christian Education. Each emphasis is 12 graduate hours. Both biblical languages are required prior to admission. All language courses are taught at the bachelor’s level. Students complete 18 credits of Biblical Language under the Bachelor of Theology.

Program Outcomes
Upon Completion of the Master of Theological Studies, students will be able to…

1. Structure a historical and Biblical theology.
2. Demonstrate the historical and biblical perspective of the Christian faith.
3. Illustrate the person and nature of God, man’s fall, and God’s promise of redemption.
4. Critique the development of the Bible, the written book.
5. Evaluate post-modern philosophies in view of biblical truth.

Christian Education Majors will exemplify the following understanding and skills:

1. Defend the Historical, philosophical, and practical basis for the education ministry.
2. Apply the principles and forms of a variety of educational ministries.
3. Investigate further the application of education leadership in the church’s educational ministry.

Career Opportunities

• Associate Pastor
• Christian Education Minister
• Curriculum Development
• Mission Work
• Pastor
• Seminary Professor

Advanced Degree Opportunities

Master of Divinity

Courses offered may be found in the current catalog.

Description
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree program is designed as a three-year master’s degree to satisfy the graduate education needs of a pastor in a local church or para-church organization. The program requires 78 semester hours of graduate study as prescribed in the Program Requirements. The Master of Divinity is no longer viewed as the terminal degree in church ministry. It does, however, remain the most popular educational preparation for most pastors with advanced degrees.  Students must complete 18 credits of Biblical languages under the Bachelor of Theology degree.

Program Outcomes
Upon satisfactory completion of the prescribed course work, the student shall:

1. Demonstrate proficient use of both Greek and Hebrew in the context of Scripture translation.
2. Structure a historical and Biblical theology.
3. Maintain the capacity to conduct biblical research in both old and new testaments.
4. Have studied worldviews and made the determination that frames ministry for the student.
5. Have an in-depth understanding of the role of the Christian in ministry as a paid employee as well as a volunteer in the local congregation.
6. In consideration of a philosophy of ministry and in view of academic and experiential preparation, develop a ministry field and create a philosophy of that ministry that is effective in the growth of the local church.

Christian Education Majors will exemplify the following understanding and skills:

1. Have a historical, philosophical, and practical basis for the education ministry.
2. Apply principles to the various forms of educational ministry.
3. Manifest an understanding of the evaluation of a program and addressing program weaknesses through a structured planning program that informs budget development.

Career Opportunities

• Associate Pastor
• Chaplain
• Christian Education Minister
• Curriculum Development
• Mission Work
• Pastor
• Seminary Professor

Advanced Degree Opportunities

Doctor of Ministry
Doctor of Ministry in Church Revitalization

Courses offered may be found in the current catalog.