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The Master of Arts in Missions is designed for individuals who have been in missions ministry for a number of years and have not had the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree. The program aims to provide graduate level training in three areas: missiology and intercultural studies, Bible/theology and elective units in the concentration of the student's choice.

Participation in the Master of Arts in Missions program presumes a significant level of ministry experience. The program's intent is to provide an option for those who desire to enhance their ministry but whose circumstances of age and finances make a return to a baccalaureate program detrimental to their ongoing missions ministry.

Applicants usually will not have a B.A. or equivalent degree. The School of Intercultural Studies offers other programs for applicants who have a baccalaureate degree.

Admission Requirements

• Completion of five years in missions ministry and presently involved in ministry.
  
  
• Three references are required: church or denominational endorsement, personal friend and ministry colleague (or employer if currently employed outside the missions community).
  
  
• Equivalency of two years of collegiate level studies or three years of Bible School training.
  
  
• Proficiency in English language.
  
  
• The applicant's potential to compete successfully in a graduate program will be determined by the M.A. in Missions program director, the SICS Dean and the Admissions counselor who will interview each applicant and evaluate all credentials.
  
  
• Each approved applicant will be enrolled in the Master of Arts in Missions program on probation and must complete the first five courses (15 units) with a grade point of at least 3.3 or higher to advance further in the program. Students who are placed on probation after the first 15 credits are granted one semester in which to bring their academic work up to the required level for continuance in the program. A student cannot graduate while on probation.

Program Requirements

• 19 units of required courses consisting of: ISCL 520, 622, 640, 555, 727, 747 and 500.
  
  
• 21 units of Bible/theology consisting of: ISCL 751, 752, 724 and 12 units to be selected with the Program Director's concurrence.
  
  
• 18 units of advisor-approved electives in intercultural studies and missiology.
  
  
• Students who are not proficient in a second language will be required to take ISAL 520 or 655. Proficiency standards for a second language will be determined by the program director in consultation with the faculty. The standards are given in the student handbook.
  
  
• Successfully pass a comprehensive examination over coursework.
  
  
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale with no grade below "B" in all courses to be credited toward graduation.

This degree is, in most cases, a terminal degree. However, exceptional students may petition for probationary entrance into the Doctor of Missiology program. The M.A. in Missions is a 58 unit program, 24 of which must be taken at this institution. Students have six years to complete the program.

To request more information about this and other programs, use our Information Request Form.

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