Missions, M.A.

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Missions is designed for individuals who have been in Christian missions ministry for at least three years and have not had the opportunity to earn an accredited baccalaureate degree, but who now wish advanced training related to their ministries. The program provides graduate level training in three areas: Core Curriculum of Missiology and Intercultural Studies; Bible/Theology; and Electives. Students admitted without the B.A. or its equivalent must have at least 3 years of Bible School training, or 2 years of college equivalency courses. This degree is not a stepping-stone to a Ph.D. program and in most cases it is a terminal degree. However, exceptional students may petition for probationary entrance into the Doctor of Intercultural Studies program. See the admission requirements for the Doctor of Intercultural Studies program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Missions, students will be able to:

1. Articulate principles for successful living and working in diverse environments and cultures (ULO 1 and 2).
2. Demonstrate an ability to critically engage contemporary missiological theories and practices (ULO 1).
3. Articulate appropriate principles and practices in the task of representing the truth of the Gospel and the Kingdom of God within the context of their own personal calling and ministry (ULO 1).
4. Describe the dynamic nature of the Gospel, the growing church, and how it is contextualized and communicated across cultures (ULO 1 and 3).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

Admission Requirements

Personal Qualifications

1. Completion of five years in intercultural ministry and presently in a ministry.
2. Participation in the Master of Arts program in Missions presumes a significant level of ministry experience and personal maturation. The program intent is to provide an option for those who desire to enhance their ministry but whose circumstances of age and finances make a return to a baccalaureate program detrimental to their ongoing missions ministry.
3. Applicants usually will not have an accredited B.A. or equivalent degree. CSICS offers other programs for applicants who have the baccalaureate degree.
4. Three references are required: church or denominational endorsement; personal friend; and ministry colleague (or employer if currently employed outside the missions community).

Academic Qualifications

1. Equivalency of two years of collegiate level studies or three years of Bible School training.
2. Proficiency in English language.

Admission Procedure

1. The applicant's potential to compete successfully in a graduate program will be determined by the M.A. in Missions program director, the CSICS Dean, and the Admissions Officer who will interview each applicant and evaluate all credentials.
2. Each approved applicant will be enrolled in the Master of Arts in Missions program on probation and must complete the first five courses (15 credits) with a grade point of at least 3.3 or higher to advance further in the program.

Graduation Requirements

1. Satisfactorily complete 58 semester credits as outlined in the curriculum.
2. At least 24 credits must be taken at this institution.
3. Obtain a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale with no grade below "B" in all courses to be credited toward graduation.
4. Complete the entire program in no more than six years.
5. Students who are placed on probation after the first 15 credits, are granted one semester in which to bring their academic work up to the required level for continuance in the program. A student cannot graduate while on probation.
6. Successfully pass a comprehensive examination over coursework.
7. Students who are not proficient in a second language will be required to take ISAL 520 or ISAL 613. Proficiency standards for a second language will be determined by the program director in consultation with the faculty. The standards are given in the student handbook.
8. Meet with department advisor and graduate academic records and degree specialist in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in the Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section).

Curriculum Requirements

The Master of Arts in Missions curriculum requires a total of 58 credits.

¹

 Courses to be selected with the Program Director's concurrence.