Master of Arts in Christian Studies

The MA(CS) Chinese language degree program is designed to provide a graduate-level biblical and theological foundation for various kinds of Christian service in Chinese ministry contexts. Since most of the courses are offered through online platform, this program is ideal for Christian workers who wish to be trained without leaving their workplace or home countries.

Details

Educational Goals

To enable students to:

• demonstrate a general knowledge of the Bible, including a synthetic understanding of the major books; and
• evidence an understanding of the historical development of theology, a knowledge of premillennial theology, and an ability to support their theological views and apply them to contemporary issues; and
• develop a biblical philosophy of Christian ministry in Chinese contexts.

Spiritual Goal

To enable students to evidence an increasing likeness to Christ as manifested in love for God, love for others, and the fruit of the Spirit.

Ministry Goals

To enable students to:

• design an effective strategy for Chinese ministry;
• communicate biblical and theological knowledge to a contemporary Chinese audience; and
• minister within a local church or other group by means of leadership skills, evangelism, and service.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements and application procedures for the MA(CS) are the same as for all programs of study at the Seminary (see the Admission section of this catalog). Students generally will not be admitted into this degree program without goals consistent with the ministries for which the program is designed to equip them.

Transfer of credit

Transfer of up to 30 credit hours is allowed toward the MA(CS) program from accredited graduate theological schools. Students must have earned a grade of C or better for a course to be considered for transfer. Transferability of credits earned at this institution and transferred to another is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Consult the Registrar’s office for information on eligibility for transfer credit.

Course Requirements

Sixty-two semester hours of course work are required as a minimum for graduation. Students may pursue this degree on a year-round basis. By taking about 12 hours of course work each year, students can complete the program in five years. Students who do not have prior online course experience are encouraged not to take more than one course in the first online semester.

Twenty-four of the 62 hours are in prescribed Biblical Studies courses, 18 are in prescribed Systematic Theology courses, 5 are in Chinese church and ministry, 5 are in Spiritual Life and Communication, 1 is in Orientation and Research Methods, 5 are in Christian Education. Students may choose courses suited to their interests and needs for the remaining 4 elective hours.

No thesis is required for the MA(CS) degree.