Master's Degrees
Master of Arts in Church Leadership
Emphases:
- Christian Education Leadership
- Director of Christian Education
- Research in Theology
- Servant Leadership
- Theology and Culture
Attendance: Student must attend at least one summer intensive over the course of degree program. Contact academic advisor for details. Only one class period of a summer intensive may be missed, and only with permission of both instructor and program director.
Master of Arts in Church Leadership
The Master of Arts in Church Leadership (in conjunction with a BS in Theological Studies: Ministry Leadership) is part of the Center for Church Leadership's curriculum that equips and forms Christian students for entrepreneurial ministry leadership in Christian congregations as pastors and other ministry leaders. Through academic course work, spiritual and ministry formation, and hands on ministry experience, students will be prepared to serve in ministry in our ever-changing world. The Center for Church Leadership accelerates ministry training by combining undergraduate and graduate education in a unified program. Up to 23 units of the BS program will satisfy MA course requirements, enabling students to complete coursework for both their BS and MA degrees in five years. An additional year of ministry residency completes their training.
The Master of Arts in Church Leadership (stand-alone degree) prepares, equips, and forms Christian students for ministry leadership in Christian congregations as pastors and other ministry leaders. Through academic course work, spiritual and ministry formation, and hands on ministry experience, students will be prepared to serve in ministry in our ever-changing world. Students may choose an emphasis in Christian Ministry or in Teaching and Biblical Interpretation. Students will be required to attend at least one in-person summer intensive class; students in the Teaching and Biblical Interpretation emphasis who do not attend two may increase their time to graduation. Students must be working in a relevant ministry position in a church or church-related context to be accepted to the program.
Master of Arts in Theology
The Master of Arts in Theology offers a core curriculum in advanced theological study for students who desire to be well prepared biblically and theologically, combined with flexibility for specific student emphases. Students can pursue goals including acquisition of advanced skills for Christian ministry. The Master of Arts (MA) in Theology degree is designed to stand alone for research and education or prepare students for doctoral programs at other major universities or graduate schools in the United States and abroad. The MA in Theology degree requires 32-38 semester units for completion.
Christian Education Leadership
The Christian Education Leadership emphasis engages students in theology, biblical education, methodology, and principles of leadership to prepare students to equip Christians for the work of ministry (Ephesians 14:12) within a variety of church-related ministries. Students seeking DCE certification within the LCMS should take the Director of Christian Education emphasis.
Director of Christian Education
The Director of Christian Education emphasis engages students in theology, biblical education, methodology, and principles of leadership to prepare students to serve as DCEs within a variety of church-related ministries. The emphasis is open only to LCMS students seeking DCE certification. Students who successfully complete the program and a theological interview will be eligible for DCE certification in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Students not seeking DCE certification should take the Christian Education Leadership emphasis.
Research in Theology
The Research in Theology emphasis invites students into an ongoing life of theological research and scholarship in a wide range of theological issues and topics and is designed to engage students in research and dialogue with distinguished faculty who are committed to Holy Scripture, the church's creeds, to life in Christ's Church, and to academic excellence.
Servant Leadership
The Servant Leadership emphasis is offered in cooperation with KINDLE (The Karpenko Institute for Nurturing and Developing Leadership Excellence), an institute that works to provide advanced leadership training for Directors of Christian Education. The KINDLE seminars make up this emphasis. Students must be recommended from KINDLE to be eligible for this emphasis.
Theology and Culture
The Theology and Culture emphasis invites students into an engagement with the diverse and rich ethnic and cultural heritages so evident in the Pacific Southwest. Students learn alongside intercultural colleagues from Latino, African, Pacific Rim, Middle Eastern, and Anglo backgrounds. The curriculum also serves as part of the LCMS Pastoral Certification program.
Christ College Program Learning Outcomes
- Comprehension of Scripture - Express an understanding of the language, contents, history, culture, and themes of the Bible.
- Understanding of Doctrine - Integrate and articulate biblical doctrine in systematic constructs.
- Acquaintance with Other Theological Thought and Expression - Accurately describe prominent religions, denominations, and philosophies of the past and present.
- Engagement with Western Philosophy - Articulate an understanding of Western philosophical history, classic texts, argument analysis, and the interaction of philosophy with biblical faith, theology, and other thought systems.
- Development of Faith in Christ - Christian students shall articulate a personal faith in Christ that is well informed from a biblical perspective.
- Mission-oriented Church Leadership - Christian students, whether preparing for called ministry or lay leadership in the church, will demonstrate skills and attitudes to effectively live out and lead the church in the Great Commission and lives of service.
Master of Arts in Church Leadership (4+1 program)
Master of Arts in Church Leadership
Emphases:
- Christian Ministry
- Teaching and Biblical Interpretation
Emphases:
- Christian Education Leadership
- Director of Christian Education
- Research in Theology
- Servant Leadership
- Theology and Culture
Master of Arts in Church Leadership (4+1 program)
Open only to students who received the Bachelor of Science degree in Theological Studies: Ministry Leadership from CUI. Students who completed THL 401, MACL 404, MACL 410 or MACL 411, MACL 428 or MACL 429, MACL 465, MACL 473 (17 units, all with a grade of B or better) as an undergraduate will complete the following courses in order to receive the Master of Arts in Church Leadership.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Two courses (6 units) from the following may be taken at the 400-crosslisted level (with a grade of B or better) in the senior undergraduate year with the approval of the Director of the Center for Church Leadership. | ||
| MACL 502 | Spiritual Care | 3 |
| MACL 530 | Communicating the Gospel I | 3 |
| MACL 531 | Communicating the Gospel II | 3 |
| TPRC 521 | Theology and Practice of Mission | 3 |
| TPRC 540 | Entrepreneurial Mission Planting | 3 |
| TPRC 542 | Christian Worship in Cultural Context | 3 |
| Choose 1 of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Old Testament Book | 3 | |
| The Synoptic Gospels and Acts | 3 | |
| Romans/Pauline Literature | 3 | |
| Johannine Corpus | 3 | |
| Prison, Pastoral and General Epistles | 3 | |
| Internship & Residency | ||
| MACL 570 | Ministry Internship I | 3 |
| MACL 571 | Ministry Internship II | 3 |
| MACL 580 | Ministry Residency | 9 |
| Total Units | 36 | |
Master of Arts in Church Leadership
Open to students who did not receive the Bachelor of Science degree in Theological Studies: Ministry Leadership from CUI.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum | ||
| CED 502 | Church Leadership | 3 |
| CED 550 | Counseling in Ministry * | 3 |
| or MACL 502 | Spiritual Care | |
| MACL 530 | Communicating the Gospel I | 3 |
| THL 501 | Introduction to Theological Research | 2 |
| THL 504 | Survey of Historical Theology | 3 |
| THL 510 | Lutheran Confessions | 3 |
| or THL 511 | Creeds and Confessions | |
| THL 528 | Seminar in Biblical Theology and Exegesis | 3 |
| or THL 529 | Lutheran Hermeneutics and the Theology of Scripture | |
| THL 565 | Christianity, Ethics and Contemporary Culture | 3 |
| THL 573 | Systematic Doctrinal Theology | 3 |
| Emphasis | ||
| Choose 1 of the following emphases | 9-24 | |
| Total Units | 35-50 | |
| * | CED 550 is a summer intensive course on the campus of CUI. |
Emphases
Christian Ministry
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Choose 2 of the following courses: | 6 | |
| Methods of Christian Discipleship | 3 | |
| Adult Ministry | 3 | |
| Children's and Family Ministry | 3 | |
| Youth Ministry | 3 | |
| MACL 595 | Christian Ministry Capstone | 3 |
| Total Units | 9 | |
Teaching and Biblical Interpretation
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MACL 531 | Communicating the Gospel II | 3 |
| TPRC 542 | Christian Worship in Cultural Context | 3 |
| Reading Competence in Biblical Greek | ||
| TGRE 501 & TGRE 502 | Greek I and Greek II * | 6 |
| or Passing grade on reading competency exam | ||
| Choose 3 of the following courses: | 9 | |
| The Synoptic Gospels and Acts | 3 | |
| Romans/Pauline Literature | 3 | |
| Johannine Corpus | 3 | |
| Prison, Pastoral and General Epistles | 3 | |
| MACL 596 | Teaching and Interpretation Capstone | 3 |
| Total Units | 24 | |
| * | Students must demonstrate reading competence in Biblical Greek by the end of the first year or successfully complete TGRE 501 and TGRE 502 in time to register for any TEXN courses. TGRE 502 is a prerequisite for all TEXN courses. |
Master of Arts in Theology
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum | ||
| THL 501 | Introduction to Theological Research | 2 |
| THL 504 | Survey of Historical Theology | 3 |
| THL 510 | Lutheran Confessions * | 3 |
| or THL 511 | Creeds and Confessions | |
| THL 528 | Seminar in Biblical Theology and Exegesis ** | 3 |
| or THL 529 | Lutheran Hermeneutics and the Theology of Scripture | |
| THL 565 | Christianity, Ethics and Contemporary Culture | 3 |
| THL 573 | Systematic Doctrinal Theology | 3 |
| Emphasis | ||
| Choose 1 of the following emphases | 15-45 | |
| Total Units | 32-62 | |
| * | Students seeking ministerial certification in the LCMS will complete THL 510. |
| ** | Students seeking ministerial certification in the LCMS will complete THL 529. |
Emphases
Christian Education Leadership
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CED 502 | Church Leadership | 3 |
| CED 532 | Methods of Christian Discipleship | 3 |
| CED 550 | Counseling in Ministry | 3 |
| THL 595 | Thesis I | 3 |
| THL 596 | Thesis II | 3 |
| Choose 1 of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Adult Ministry | 3 | |
| Children's and Family Ministry | 3 | |
| Youth Ministry | 3 | |
| Total Units | 18 | |
Director of Christian Education
Open only to LCMS students seeking certification as a DCE.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CED 502 | Church Leadership | 3 |
| CED 532 | Methods of Christian Discipleship | 3 |
| CED 550 | Counseling in Ministry | 3 |
| CED 560 | Adult Ministry | 3 |
| CED 570 | Children's and Family Ministry | 3 |
| CED 580 | Youth Ministry | 3 |
| Certification Requirements | ||
| ATHL 382 | Corporate Worship | 3 |
| or TPRC 542 | Christian Worship in Cultural Context | |
| CED 501 | Introduction to Christian Education: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| CED 593 | DCE Pre-Internship Seminar | 3 |
| THL 201 | History and Literature of the Old Testament | 3 |
| THL 202 | History and Literature of the New Testament | 3 |
| Internship | ||
| CED 594 | Internship I: DCE | 4 |
| CED 595 | Internship II: DCE | 4 |
| CED 596 | Internship III: DCE | 4 |
| Total Units | 45 | |
Research in Theology
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Choose 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
| Guided Readings * | 3 | |
| Colloquium | 3 | |
Elective course chosen in consultation with the Director of Graduate Programs from the theology graduate offerings | 3 | |
| THL 595 | Thesis I | 3 |
| THL 596 | Thesis II | 3 |
| Total Units | 15 | |
| * | A maximum of 6 units in THL 590 may be applied to the MA in Theology degree. |
Servant Leadership
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| THL 591 | Colloquium * | 3 |
| THL 595 | Thesis I | 3 |
| THL 596 | Thesis II | 3 |
| * | One Colloquium in Theology each in Theologies of Youth Ministry, Missional Youth Ministry, and Global Youth Ministry. |
Theology and Culture
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| THL 502 | Ministry in Cultural Context | 3 |
| THL 521 | World Religions | 3 |
| THL 595 | Thesis I | 3 |
| THL 596 | Thesis II | 3 |
| TPRC 521 | Theology and Practice of Mission | 3 |
| TPRC 540 | Entrepreneurial Mission Planting | 3 |
| TPRC 541 | Mission Planting Institute | 3 |
| Total Units | 21 | |
Application and Admission Information
1. Completed Application for admission online.
2. Submit a non-refundable application fee (see Tuition and Fees).
3. Request and submit official, sealed transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
4. Submit 2 letters of recommendation using the university's reference form.
- Recommendations must be current and should come from persons with whom the student has studied. The letter should address the following: academic proficiency, personal character, and competence and effectiveness in professional work.
- Examples of acceptable reference sources are employers, work supervisors, principals/assistant principals, university instructors, colleagues, or pastors.
5. Complete and submit a statement of intent.
6. Interview with Christ College's Director of Graduate Programs or his representative.
7. Apply for financial aid and/or set up a payment plan through the Office of the Bursar (non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid).
Admission Requirements
The applicant must submit evidence of their ability to achieve success in a graduate program, shown by the following:
1. Full Admission: a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale in all previous college work.
2. Conditional Admission: a cumulative GPA of 2.70-2.99 in all previous college work. Students admitted with provisional status may enroll for a maximum of 9 units (3 courses). If a minimum GPA of 3.25 is earned in the 3 courses (9 units), candidates may be granted regular status in a graduate program.
International Applicants
If an international student has an undergraduate degree from an English speaking university, a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is not required. A TOEFL or IELTS score is required if the international student has an undergraduate degree from a non-English speaking university. The required scores are:
TOEFL - 79 or higher
IELTS - 6.5 or higher
International Student I-20 requirements can be found here.
Cross-cultural Ministry Center
The Cross-cultural Ministry Center has additional admissions and application requirements and specific versions of certain documents listed above. Contact the Christ College Program Coordinator for information.