Master of Arts with an Emphasis in Spiritual Formation

Program Requirements: 66 semester hours, 42 in spiritual formation, 21 Bible/Theology co-requisites, and 3 thesis.

The M.A. with an Emphasis in Spiritual Formation (called "MA Emphasis") is designed to equip men and women for professional and lay ministries within the Church, teaching, mentoring, and discipleship as well as preparation for further education and training in spiritual formation in order to teach in Christian university and seminary contexts. Designed as an alternative for those not wishing or prepared for training in spiritual direction, the MA Emphasis program facilitates personal growth through:

  • Experiential & relational development of the soul through employing spiritual disciplines within courses along with required personal spiritual direction, various retreats, individual psychotherapy and community experiences as detailed in the co-curricular requirements.
  • In-depth theoretical and integrative course work including theology and the creation disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, the arts and education to aid in understanding the spiritual life and mentoring.

The co-curricular elements are required in addition to the following classes:

Suggested Program Guide

FIRST YEAR CURRICULUM
(21 units plus 9 co-requisite theology)

Fall (15 units)
SF 511 Theo I: Intro: Revelation & Nature of God
3
SF 517 Hermeneutics and the Word in Spiritual Formation
3
SF 521 Introduction to Christian Spirituality & Prayer
3
SF 531 History and Traditions of Christian Spirituality
3
SF 543 Personal Foundations of Spirituality & Retreat
3
SF 585 Personal Spiritual Direction
0

Spring (15 units)
SF 512 Theo II: Works of God, Angels, Man & Sin
3
SF 524 History and Theory of Christian Soul Care
3
SF 532 Developmental Spirituality & Contemplative Prayer
2
SF 544 Personality Development & Psychopathology
3
SS 510 Theological Research Methodology
1
-- --- Elective Units
3
SF 585 Personal Spiritual Direction
0

SECOND YEAR CURRICULUM
(24 units plus 12 CO-requisite theology)

Fall (15 units)
SF 613 Theo III: Christ, Salvation and the Spirit
3
SF 519 Survey of Gen. - Mal.
3
SF 621 Spiritual Formation & Theology Seminar
3
SF 645 Christian Virtue and the Spiritual Disciplines
3
-- --- Elective Units
3
SF 585 Personal Spiritual Direction
0
SF 740 Spiritual Formation Project-Thesis
1-4

Interterm (3 units)
SF 701 Spiritual Formation Seminar
3

Spring (18 units)
SF 614 Theo IV: The Church & Eschatology
3
SF 520 Survey of Matt. - Rev.
3
SF 642 Spiritual Disciplines Seminar
4
SF 672 Personal Retreat & Formation
4
SF 585 Personal Spiritual Direction
0
SF 740 Spiritual Formation Project-Thesis
1-4