G-8 TALBOT
SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY Master ofArts Program in Ministry
C. Complete at least 24 units at the La Mirada campus and no more than 40 units at extension locations. D. Obtain a 2.50 grade point average with no grade below "C-" in all courses to be credited toward graduation. E. Complete the entire program in no more than six years. F. Prior to candidacy status, students with a grade point average below 2.0 are placed on probation and remain on pro bation as long as the single semester or cumulative grade point average remains below 2.0. After candidacy status is granted, the minimum grade point aver age is adjusted upward to 2.50, with pro bation calculated accordingly. Students on probation are granted one semester in which to bring their academic work up to the required level for continuance in the seminary. A student cannot grad uate while on probation. CURRICULUM The Master of Arts in Ministry curricu lum includes courses in three categories: 1) core curriculum, 32 units; 2) ministry em phasis, 14-28 units; and 3) electives, 4-18 units. The total requirement is 64 units: The courses specifically identified by de partment and number in the chart below are required in the core curriculum. In ad dition, each student must complete the re quirements of one emphasis during the pro gram. The following chart presents the cur riculum sequence for students who will be "full-time" in the program. Students who will be enrolled on a "half-time" basis should plan to complete eight units each semester, normally taking courses indicated as "first year" before those in the "second year" group.
OBJECTIVES The Master of Arts in Ministry is de signed for individuals who have been in ministry for a significant number of years and have not had the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree. Graduate level train ing is provided in several essential aspects of professional ministry in order to enhance significantly the effectiveness of participat ing ministers. In establishing this program, the seminary is endeavoring to address spe cific needs of the Church as it functions in the major ethnic communities within the Southern California area. The two primary foci of the program are biblical and practical studies. The biblical emphasis provides an increased breadth in knowledge of the content of the Word of God, including its background and sound principles of literary interpretation. Practical studies concentrate on the en hancement of ministry and communication skills. The goal of both emphases is im proved expertise in a ministry of the Word as it relates to the daily lives of people and their eternal destiny. Several courses each semester are of fered in an extension center located at 7225 South Main Street, Los Angeles. This pro vides opportunity for those in ministry in the inner city to attend. Necessary library resources are being made available at the extension center. A minimum of 24 units must be taken on the main campus to pro vide the advantages inherent in a broad community of learning. To make the program accessible to the many ministers and other Christian leaders whose daily schedule is already full, the program has been structured at a pace of about eight units per semester. Each course meets one evening a week and dif ferent classes are available two to three evenings a week, one or more at the La Mirada campus and others at an extension location. The rate of progress through the program may be increased by the following alternatives: studies during summer school or interterm and additional classes at the La Mirada campus in the morning or evening during the semester. Courses in Spanish Courses which apply to the M.A. in Ministry degree are also taught in Spanish. These courses are offered on the main cam pus and are generally scheduled week night evenings.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Students who are unable to meet the aca demic requirements for admission listed below are encouraged to consider the M.A.
in Ministry Prerequisite Track. A. Personal Qualifications
1. Completion of five years in ministry and presently on a church staff in an official capacity. 2. Participation in the Master of Arts program in Ministry presumes a sig nificant level of ministry experience and personal maturation. For this reason, applicants must be at least 30 years of age, and the degree is rarely granted to persons less than 35 years of age. 3. Applicants usually will not have the B.A. or equivalent degree. Talbot of fers other programs for applicants who have the baccalaureate degree. 4. Three references are required: church or denominational endorse ment; personal friend; and ministry colleague (or employer if currently employed outside the church). B. Academic Qualifications 1. Equivalency of two years of collegiate level studies. 2. Proficiency in English language. C. Admission Procedure 1. The applicant's potential to compete successfully in a graduate program will be determined by the Master of Arts Guidance Committee, which will interview each applicant and evaluate all credentials. 2. Each approved applicant will be en rolled tentatively in the Master of Arts in Ministry program until 32 units have been completed, of which 24 must be in core courses as described below. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS A. Satisfactorily complete 64 semester units as outlined in the curriculum. B. Qualify for candidacy status at the con clusion of 32 units. At the completion of 32 units, an evaluation will be made regarding admission to candidacy sta tus in the Master of Arts in Ministry program. Students with a grade point average of at least 2.50 will receive can didacy status. Students with a grade point average between 2.00 and 2.50 will be allowed to complete an addition al 8 units (for a total of 40) to be credit ed toward a certificate in ministry.
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