Master of Arts Degree Programs
Students in Denver Seminary's M.A. program experience a holistic education founded in authentic life change and integrated ministry experiences. To learn more about Denver Seminary's Academic Divisions and the degree programs offered within these divisions, be sure to see the Academic Divisions page.
Who should pursue a Master of Arts degree?
The Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees at Denver Seminary are designed for students who are called to either ministries in teaching and apologetics, doctoral studies, or particular ministry roles and contexts. They combine a biblical and theological core with specialized work in a particular field of study. The biblical and theological core provides an integrative framework for each specialization.
While some of the Master of Arts degrees provide education conducive to general ministry, most are designed for students planning to enter a specific area of leadership or ministry, including, but not limited to: Biblical Studies, Christian Studies, Philosophy of Religion, Theology, Counseling, Chaplaincy, Leadership, and Youth and Family Ministries. Please refer to "Master of Arts specializations" below for more details. Individual M.A. degree information is also available upon request.
Master of Arts Specializations
There are two groupings of M.A. degrees at Denver Seminary. MA Academic and M.A. Professional. Specific and detailed information about each of these degrees is available upon request.
Academic
M.A. Academic degrees can lead to ministries in teaching and apologetics, as well as prepare students for doctoral studies. These specializations include the following:
-
Biblical Studies [concentrations in Old and New Testament]
- Christian Apologetics and Ethics
-
Christian Studies [a more general degree, normally not preparatory for doctoral study]
Professional
M.A. Professional degrees prepare students for particular ministry roles or contexts and are generally considered terminal degrees. These degrees include the following specializations:
-
Counseling (licensure*) [with concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling]
-
Counseling Ministries [optional Concentration in Chaplaincy]
- Justice and Mission (NEW in Fall 2012)
-
Leadership [optional concentrations in Intercultural Ministry, Outdoor Leadership or Worship]
-
Youth and Family Ministries [optional concentrations with Counseling Ministries or Outdoor Leadership]
* This is consistent with licensure with the state of Colorado requirements and the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration also includes CACREP accreditation. (Note: the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Denver Seminary is currenty accredited by CACREP under the 2001 Standards for Community Counseling through October 2012. In 2009, CACREP combined the standards for Community Counseling and Mental Health Counseling into Standards for Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs. Denver Seminary intends to seek accreditation for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program when it comes up for reaccreditation in 2012, per CACREP guidelines.
What makes Denver Seminary's Master of Arts program different?
Students in Denver Seminary's M.A. program experience a holistic education founded in authentic life change and integrated ministry experiences. Unlike other theological school M.A. programs, Denver Seminary offers both a strong academic education with our accomplished and caring faculty and practical ministry experience through our individualized training and mentoring program. In addition, Denver Seminary's emphasis on globalization provides unique opportunities for cross-cultural experiences and missions-related activities. At Denver Seminary, you'll find that your educational experience includes your mind, soul, heart and strength.
Master of Arts Core
The M.A. core is required of all M.A. students and comprises the equivalent of one year of fulltime coursework. With minor variations in some programs (outlined in Denver Seminary's academic catalog), core courses are taken in the following areas:
|
Field of Study |
Course # |
Sem. Hrs. |
|
Biblical Interpretation (2 hrs) |
2 |
|
|
Old Testament (6 hrs) |
OT 511 - Understanding Early Israel and Its Wisdom Literature |
3 |
| OT 512 - Understanding Kingdom of Israel and Its Prophets | 3 | |
|
New Testament (6 hrs) |
3 |
|
| NT 512 - Understanding the Epistles and Revelation | 3 | |
|
Church history (3 hrs) |
3 |
|
|
Theology (6 hrs) |
3 |
|
| TH 502 - Survey of Christian Doctrine II | 3 | |
|
Spiritual formation (4 hrs) |
T/M 500 - Introduction to Christian Formation and Training and Mentoring |
1 |
| T/M 501/601/611 - Mentored Spiritual Formation I, II, III | 3 | |
|
Mentored ministry (3 hrs) |
3 |
|
|
Teaching practicum or public communication (2-3 hrs) |
Select from: EM 501 (3); EM 601 (2); HOM 501 (2); HOM 612 [requires prerequisite] (3); HOM 701 [requires prerequisite] (3); or YFM 602 (3) |
2 (or 3) |
|
Total Credits in Core: |
32 (or 33) |
|
How long does it take to complete a Master of Arts degree?
The degree can be completed in two years. However, some students choose to take a slightly lighter course load and extend the program by a semester or two in light of work, ministry and family commitments.
Entrance Requirements
-
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution
-
Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (2.5 for Christian Studies, Counseling Ministries, Youth and Family Ministry, Leadership, and Christian Formation and Soul Care)
-
Completion of the application for admission and all required application documents
