Master of Arts in Christian Education
M aster of A rts in C hristian E ducation
and character, skill in ministry leadership, and the understanding necessary to integrate and apply ministry theory. Ministry Preparation In light of increasing demands for persons trained in Christian education, the program is designed to prepare individuals to serve competently in a growing number of functional roles. Along with core classes, a variety of courses to meet students’ individualized needs and goals are offered in five areas of concentration: Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Adult and Family Ministry, Executive Leadership and Cross-cultural Educational Ministry. Admission Requirements All applicants must hold the Bachelor of Arts degree or its academic equivalent with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Those accepted who do not meet this latter requirement will be placed on probation. Graduates from approved unaccredited colleges, if accepted, will be granted provisional acceptance, though exceptions may be made when the GPA is higher than 3.0. Both probation and provisional acceptance may be changed to full acceptance if the student earns a GPA of 3.0 or better on the first 8 credits at Talbot. Graduates from approved unaccredited colleges may be required to take certain additional liberal arts coursework (not applicable toward the graduate degree), if their undergraduate program did not include these courses. Academic Probation A student must have at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) to graduate. Students are placed on academic probation if their GPA for any semester falls below 3.0, and will remain on probation as long as the single semester or cumulative GPA remains below 3.0. Probation students are granted one semester in which to bring their academic work up to the required level (3.0) for continuance in the seminary. A student cannot graduate while on probation. Graduation Requirements A. Satisfactorily complete 60 semester credits. See (D) below. B. Take the courses prescribed in the Master of Arts in Christian Education curriculum. C. 150 hours of supervised field ministry approved by a faculty advisor. D. Complete the program in no more than five years. E. Obtain a 3.0 average with no grade below a “C-” in all courses to be counted toward graduation. F. At least 24 of the total credits required for the degree program must be completed in residency at Biola. Advanced Standing, Reduction and transfer credit are not considered residency credits. G. Meet with a Graduate Graduation Counselor in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section).
Mission and Learning Outcomes As a graduate degree of the Department of Christian Education, the mission of the M.A.C.E. program is to develop and equip experienced church and parachurch servant-leaders in mind, character, and ability to serve God and further His kingdom through biblically-based educational ministries, according to a particular area of specialization. As a result of this program, the student will: 1. Grasp an overview of the Old and NewTestament literature, appreciate its life-changing impact, and utilize appropriate study skills and sound principles of interpretation in treating biblical books. 2. Understand and value the major doctrines of the faith and their scriptural basis and think critically and integratively about theology and church history, with particular attention to one’s religious heritage. 3. Actively pursue and progress in the life-long process of being transformed into the image of Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit and participation in the New Covenant life in Christ. The student will cooperate in this formative work by nurturing a relationship with God, connecting in Christian community, growing in moral integrity, and engaging in vocational service in light of giftedness. 4. Commit to, engage in and equip others for the disciplemaking process of evangelism, edification, counseling, and leadership development. 5. Plan and implement transformational biblical teaching grounded in sound educational practice and supported by relevant teaching/learning theory and comprehensive human and spiritual development understandings. 6. Value the role of social science research to inform ministry practice and develop skills to locate and analyze research that can then be communicated through publication and serve as a foundation for curriculum development and other educational ministry purposes. 7. Understand and value the administrative and leadership dimensions of ministry and develop skill in designing, implementing, and assessing educational ministry. 8. Gain a broad understanding of and appreciation for the history of educational ministry and the theological and philosophical underpinnings that have influenced its theory and practice and evaluate current educational practice in light of these understandings. 9. Gain knowledge, appreciate new perspectives, and develop skills for interpersonal and small group work with people of differing ethnic and cultural backgrounds, genders, ages, generations, and worldviews. 10. Engage in a supervised educational ministry experience leading to growth in personal maturity
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