OBJECTIVES
The program of studies for the Master of Arts Degree in Theology seeks to
meet the needs of ministerial students, active ministers, and laypersons
interested in reflective biblical, theological, and ministerial studies. A
candidate’s studies can be directed in accordance with his / her personal goals
and needs. For anyone who is interested in more advanced scholarship in the
academic disciplines, the degree may focus on studies in Bible and theology. For
someone who wishes to cultivate skills for ministry, the degree may focus on
studies in practical theology and Christian education. This flexibility makes
the program attractive to practicing ministers as well as first-time graduate
students holding recently conferred baccalaureate degrees.
The courses for the MA degree in theology are offered in three different
formats. There are several week-long modules offered each year, typical of adult
studies programs. Students are expected to do preliminary reading and study
before the week of classroom instruction for a module. That week begins on
Monday afternoon, includes all day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and
concludes by noon on Friday. Follow-up written assignments for research and
reflection are then due a month after the week of classes.
There are also more traditional instructional formats, fitting within the
usual semester. These include seminars, which meet on one evening each week
for the entire semester, and typical lecture courses, which meet two or three
times each week throughout the semester.
This variety in instructional delivery also makes the MA program attractive
and feasible for full-time ministers living at a distance, and for typically
traditional graduate students living near the campus. The interchange between
students from a wide range of perspectives and experience in a given module or
course adds a positive dimension to the learning experiences envisioned for the
classes.
The School of Theology and Ministry gives full support to Nazarene
Theological Seminary and encourages its graduates to take advantage of the
broad, three-year professional program of Nazarene Theological Seminary. The
Seminary will normally transfer credits from the Southern Nazarene University
Master of Arts in Theology program and will grant advanced standing as allowed
by the guidelines of the Association of Theological Schools.
Through the Master of Arts Degree the School aims to:
1. Increase the student's understanding and appreciation of the Bible as both
the Word of God and the work of inspired writers.
2. Acquaint the student
with the historical, exegetical, theological, and devotional literature of the
Christian religion.
3. Encourage proficiency in the biblical languages as an
aid to research and exposition of the Bible.
4. Inspire deep commitment to
the world-wide mission of the church.
5. Improve effectiveness in Christ's
kingdom through increased professional competence.
6. Enlarge the
intellectual and spiritual perspectives of its candidates.
7. Develop
professional competence in the techniques of scholarly research and
communication.
8. Identify and promote the student’s mastery of the
foundations for ministry – biblical, theological, historical, and social.
9.
Cultivate the student’s skills for ministry – communicative, hermeneutical,
leadership, administrative, organizational, and pastoral.