"I have spoken to members of churches where the various pastors and Christian leaders in the M.A. in Min. program are serving. Without any exception, the members said they have seen real spiritual growth and progress in the students' ministry, even in a short period of time.,, Rev. Joe Curtiss Director of United Gospel Outreach Bio/a Graduate M.A. in Min. Student Master of Arts Program in Ministry 3. Applicants usually will not have the B.A. or equiva lent degree . Talbot offers other programs for appli cants who have the baccalaureate degree.
4. Three references are required: church or denomina tional endorsement; personal friend ; and ministry col league (or employer if currently employed ouside the church). B. ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS 1. Equivalency of two years of collegiate level studies. 2. Proficiency in English language . C. ADMISSION PROCEDURES 1. The applicant ' s potential to compete successfully in a graduate program will be determined by the M.A. Guidance Committee, who will interview each appli cant and evaluate all credentials. 2. Each approved applicant will be enrolled tentatively in the M.A . in Ministry program until 32 units have been completed, of which 24 must be in core courses as described below. 3. At the completion of 32 units, an evaluation will be made regarding admission to candidacy status in the M.A. in Ministry program. Students with a grade point average of at least 2 .50 will receive candidacy 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 credited toward the diploma in ministry. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE M.A. IN MINISTRY A. Satisfactorily complete 64 semester units as outlined in the curriculum. B. Qualify for candidacy status at the conclusion of 32 units . 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 probation as long as the single semester or cumulative grade point average remains below 2.0. After candidacy status is granted, the minimum grade point average is adjusted upward to 2.50, with probation calculated accord ingly. 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 graduate while on probation. continued 109
PHILOSOPHY OF THE MINISTRY PROGRAM The M.A. in Ministry is designed for individuals who have been in ministry for a significant number of years and have not had the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree. Quality graduate level training is provided in several essential aspects of profes sional ministry in order to enhance significantly the effectiveness of participating ministers. In establishing this program, the semi nary is endeavoring to address specific 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. Prac tical studies concentrate on the enhancement of ministry and communication skills. The goal of both emphases is improved expertise in a ministry of the Word as it relates to the daily lives of people and their eternal destiny. The core of the program is offered at the La Mirada campus to provide the advantages inherent in a broad community of learn ing, but a course or more per semester will be offered in an extension center located at 7225 South Main Street, Los Angeles. This will provide opportunity for those in ministry in the inner city to attend . Necessary library resources are being made avail able at the extension center. In order to make the program accessible to the many parish ministers whose daily schedule is already full, the program has been structured at a normal pace of eight units per semester. Each course will meet one evening a week and different classes are available two to three evenings a week, one or more at the La Mirada campus and another 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. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS A. PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS 1. Completion of five years in ministry and presently on a church staff in an official capacity. 2. Normally applicants are age 35 or older.
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