36 Credit Hours
Our context is important to us. We recognize and draw on the valuable resources offered by our location in South Florida. Few places are better situated for a truly intercultural and interconfessional education. Over 68 percent of the population is comprised of ethnic and racial minorities, and half of all residents speak a language other than English. PBA’s interculturally experienced faculty represent this same diversity along with a unique depth of cultural and missiological experience and training.
Aims and Outcomes
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies (MAIS) is to offer the opportunity for advanced theological engagement with pressing missiological questions in light of Scripture and the rich heritage of Christian faith and practice.
The MAIS degree has the following program-specific learning outcomes:
- Evaluate the major theological themes and disputed questions in intercultural studies and their relevance to world Christianity.
- Analyze different cultures and religious traditions using theological, missiological, and anthropological methodology.
- Explain how central doctrinal principles affect and are affected by the church’s engagement with contemporary social issues in diverse cultural contexts.
The PBA School of Ministry, MAIS program provides a holistic practical theological education from leading faculty with a wide diversity of cultural backgrounds and nationalities. We give our students practical experience and theological depth in critical areas at the intersection of intercultural studies and ministry today.
Course Schedule/Structure
The Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies courses are formed by ancient Christian practices: kerygma (proclamation), leiturgia (worship), diakonia (service), koinonia (community building). For one week of the summer online courses, students are brought together for a robust, on-ground education in relevant intercultural topics.
We seek to create a diverse learning community using an online synchronous learning model combined with dedicated time at our West Palm Beach campus over two weeks in the summer. Summer online courses include a one-week requirement of in-person learning at the West Palm Beach campus. Students may register for courses individually in an order best suited to the student’s schedule.
Admission Requirements
Admissions requirements for the Master of Arts, Intercultural Studies may be found in the Admissions section of the Graduate and Pharmacy Catalog.
Transfer and Transient Credits
Students accepted into the Master of Arts, Intercultural Studies (MAIS) degree program may transfer up to 6 approved credit hours to satisfy elective degree requirements. No transient study credit may be applied toward completion of the MAIS. For additional PBA requirements and policies on transfer and transient credits, see Academic Policies in the Graduate and Pharmacy Catalog.
Associated M.Div. Degrees
Master of Divinity + Master of Arts, Intercultural Studies Dual Degree (M.Div + MAIS)
Master of Divinity, Concentration in Intercultural Studies
Intercultural Studies, M.A. 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: proclamation, worship, service, and community building. The remaining 12 credit hours are fulfilled through summer courses focused on relevant intercultural topics.
Program Policies
Those in the “advanced standing” option designed for those who seek to move seamlessly from the MAIS program to the Ph.D. in Practical Theology, are required to complete the following course in each full semester for which they are enrolled in the MAIS program.
THL 8961 Directed Doctoral Internship in Practical Theology
Students will pursue an internship in practical theology. To be arranged between the professor and student or students in advance.
This course is a doctoral level course. No more than sixteen credits of doctoral level credit may be earned before completing the MAIS and admission to the Ph.D. program.