Apr 19, 2024  
Graduate & Pharmacy Catalog 2019-2020 
    
Graduate & Pharmacy Catalog 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Arts, Christian Studies


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Purpose and Outcomes

The purpose of the Master of Arts in Christian Studies (MACS) is to provide a graduate-level understanding of theological disciplines for those who desire graduate theological studies but are not pursuing vocational ministerial positions. This degree is designed to provide students with both an advanced theological education and the opportunity to concentrate in subjects important to their interests.

Course Schedule/Structure

Courses are scheduled two days per week in morning and afternoon blocks comprised of two courses each, in order to emphasize the integrated nature of biblical, theological, and ministerial studies. MACS students are encouraged to register each semester for both courses in each block in order to gain the most benefit from the integrated nature of the program. Students may, however, register for courses individually. Doing so will result in slightly modified course requirements for those only taking one course within a designated block.

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirements for the Master of Arts, Christian Studies may be found in the Admissions section of the Graduate and Pharmacy Catalog.

Degree Requirements 

A total of 36 credits hours are required. As part of the degree, students must successfully complete two courses in each of the following categories: Old Testament, New Testament, Historical Theology, and Great Commission Application. The remaining 16 credits of electives may be Old Testament, New Testament, Historical Theology, Great Commission Application, language, apprenticeship, research and writing, winter term, or summer term courses.  A maximum of 6 hours of apprenticeship can be applied to this degree. 

In addition to course work, this degree requires either a thesis in the area of concentration or a comprehensive exam after completing a minimum of 18 hours. 

A grade of at least “C-” and a GPA of at least 2.5 on a four-point scale is required for “successful” completion of all graduate coursework. 


[1] Prerequisite courses for the MACS degree (15 credits): Biblical Hermeneutics, Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Systematic Theology, and History of Christianity.
 

Curriculum Requirements


36 Credit Hours

Students are required to complete the following courses (total of 36 hours), including either a thesis in an area of concentration or a comprehensive exam*.

*Students choose either a thesis in the area of concentration or a comprehensive exam after completing a minimum of 18 hours.

Two Old Testament Courses - 4 Credit Hours


Two New Testament Courses - 4 Credit Hours


Two Historical/Theological Courses - 6 Credit Hours


Electives - 16 Credit Hours


Students must accumulate an additional 16 hours of coursework beyond the requirements listed above. These courses may be Old Testament, New Testament, Historical Theology, Great Commission Application, language, apprenticeship, research and writing, winter term, or summer term courses. A maximum of 6 hours of apprenticeship can be applied to this degree.

Program Learning Outcomes


“Expected student learning outcomes specify the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes students are expected to attain in courses or in a program.” Page 69. Resource Manual for the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), 2018.

  1. Evaluate and synthesize interpretive methods and traditions, and apply exegetical method to the interpretation of a biblical text.
  2. Analyze and evaluate the broader heritage of the Christian tradition, the more specific character of particular Christian traditions and communities, the ways these traditions transcend particular social and cultural settings, and the ways they come to unique expressions within such settings.
  3. Appraise the cultural realities and structures in which the church lives and carries out its mission and design a creative response to these realities.
  4. Demonstrate the capacities for personal faith, emotional health and moral integrity that are requisite to maturity in Christ.

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