Comprehensive Summary Chart
Program |
Credit |
Hours / Units |
D.E. Deliverability |
| In-Ministry M.A. |
Yes |
60 Credit Hours |
1/2 by Distance Education |
The 60-hour Master of Arts in Specialized Ministry degree program provides the student a broad choice of ministry specializations. Each specialization, of course, has its own course requirements. The summary below reflects a generic program overview. All students are encouraged to work closely with their academic advisor to determine specific course selection and distance education availability.
Western Seminary students may take up to the course equivalent of 1 year of a two-year Master of Arts in Specialized Ministry degree by distance education and advanced standing. When combined with the incredible In-Ministry and campus scheduling options, a student is often able to complete up to 50% of the coursework as they pursue the Master of Arts in Specialized Ministry degree without relocating to a Western Seminary campus.
Ministry Specialization Options
To prepare for their particular ministry area, students will
choose one area of ministry specialization. In consultation
with their advisor, they will choose eight hours of course work
in this area of ministry emphasis. The courses will be chosen
in order to build on their previous education and experience
and allow them to prepare for excellence in ministry in that
specific area. Current specializations include Chaplaincy, Children
and Youth at Risk, Coaching, Evangelism and Equipping, Pastoral
Care to Women, Youth Ministry, and Youth & Family Ministry.
Other areas of potential specialization (e.g., worship, church
planting, etc.) may be formulated by academic petition, contingent
upon the availability of appropriate courses to support adequately
that specialization.
Current specializations include:
- Chaplaincy
- Children and Youth at Risk
- Coaching
- Evangelism and Equipping
- Pastoral Care to Women
- Youth Ministry
- Youth & Family Ministry
Other areas of potential specialization (e.g., worship, church planting, etc.) may be formulated by academic petition, contingent upon the availability of appropriate courses to support adequately that specialization.
In-Ministry Option
Western Seminary offers the in-ministry schedule option for
the M.A. in Specialized Ministry degree. This track is designed
to make fulfilling the 30 hour residential requirements for
an accredited master’s degree more accessible for students
significantly involved in ministry roles. Three or four weeks
per year, two 2-credit courses will be offered in intensive
formats (each spanning 2 ½ days), enabling students to
complete the “class time” requirements for up to
four units in one week. Pre- and post-residential homework assignments
will be designed for maximum integration into one’s current
ministry responsibilities. The remainder of the program’s
course work can either be completed through distance education
or normal residential courses. Eligibility for this track will
ordinarily require being at least half-time in paid ministry
for the prior year (and maintaining at least this level of involvement
for the duration of the program) and receiving the endorsement
of one’s ministry supervisor. This is a limited-enrollment
program and will require making consistent annual progress towards
degree completion. For more information, please contact the
Admissions Office.
M.A. Specialized Program Requirements |
| Spiritual Formation |
6 hours |
| Biblical Studies |
16 hours |
| Theological Studies |
10 hours |
| Ministerial Studies |
4 hours |
| Ministerial Electives |
8 hours |
| Specialization Electives |
8 hours |
| Mentored Field Ministry |
6 hours |
| Open Electives |
2 hours |
| Total |
60 credit hours |
