MASTER OF ARTS

Wesley's Master of Arts (M.A.) program provides theological grounding for those who are curious and want to understand their faith more deeply and for those who are pursuing ministry in the world as part of either their vocation or avocation.

The Master of Arts program, designed to be completed in 36 credit hours, can include foundational theology courses, but also allows students to self-design a degree plan to prepare for specialized studies such as children, youth and young adult ministry; faith and politics; faith and health; prison ministry; and multicultural ministry.

Objectives

The Master of Arts degree is structured to meet the following goals:

• Provide academic foundation in the theological disciplines, including for those seeking futher work in specialized ministry.
• Allow focused study in areas of interest particularly for those with advanced degrees
• Offer interdisciplinary education for participants engaged in other professions who wish to enrich their professional life with a theological perspective

Length of Program

Students must successfully complete 36 credit hours of course work in the regular curriculum. Optional are one year of a Practice in Mission and Ministry (PMM) placement, an intercultural immersion experience, and/ or participation in a Covenant Discipleship group as a part of the Spiritual Formation for the Practice of Ministry curriculum.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts degree is an intentionally foundational and flexible degree designed to meet a diversity of needs and interests. This degree engages people of faith in theological study and reflection in preparation for or alongside a variety of vocations. The 36 credit hour degree will normally be completed in 3-4 semesters but could in some cases be completed in one year. The Master of Arts is not intended to meet ordination requirements in most denominations, but will fulfill Basic Graduate Theological Studies requirements for Deacon ordination in the United Methodist Church.

Denominational Requirements

To be ordained as a deacon in the United Methodist Church, a student must take the three additional courses listed below. These are church requirements for ordination and not a Seminary requirement for the Master's degree. They can be taken as electives, or at some point apart from the degree work.

• History and Doctrine in Methodist Traditions (4 credit hours) ST-460 and -461, ST-462, or ST-463 and -464
• Polity of the United Methodist Church (2 credit hours) CM-251
• Evangelism (2 or 3 credit hours) CM-270 or other courses as offered

Curriculums

With the exception of an Arts focus, below are suggested outlines to help students design a flexible curriculum within 36 credit hours.

• Curriculum Design for M.A. with Completed M.Div
• Curriculum Design for M.A. with Foundation Courses
• Curriculum Design for M.A. with Bible Emphasis
• Curriculum Design for MA and Certificate in Theology and the Arts
• Curriculum Design for MA with Ethics Emphasis
• Curriculum Design for MA with PC Emphasis
• Curriculum Design for MA with Theology Emphasis
• Curriculum Design for MA with BGTS
• Curriculum Design for MA with BGTS and PMM
• Curriculum Design for MA for Transfer Student
• Curriculum Design for MA with Foundations and PMM
• Curriculum Design for MA with Emerging Ministry Program
• Curriculum Design for MA with Youth and Young Adult Ministry Program
• Curriculum Design for MA with Homiletics Emphasis
• Curriculum Design for MA with Urban Ministry Program

Faculty Director

Dr. Shaun Casey
Professor of Christian Ethics
202-885-8672
scasey@wesleyseminary.edu