Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/1265924
51 MASTER OF ARTS (MA) The Master of Arts degrees are intended for students who plan to engage in some specific form of Christian service requiring training different from the Master of Divinity degree. By studying in an area of specialization, the student will be equipped to serve in a specific capacity needed by the Christian community. The programs are designed for: Specialized personnel in the areas of church ministry, administration, and counseling Teachers in Christian or public schools who desire advanced biblical and theological training Those who plan to serve in non-clergy roles in parachurch or missions support agencies (for example, specialized apologetics ministries to challenge non-Christian worldviews) Missionaries who want biblical and theological training while on home assignment Those interested in serving in a chaplaincy or justice and compassion-related ministry College-trained lay people who desire biblical and theological studies to enhance their Christian witness within their chosen professions and/or their leadership in the local church Students planning to pursue doctoral-level study in a related field where the MA degree is an acceptable intermediate step The MA degrees are not designed as alternatives or substitutes for the MDiv program. The MDiv degree provides the maximum flexibility in ministerial preparation and is the standard degree for those Christian vocations that usually require ordination, which include the pastorate, chaplaincy, and cross-cultural evangelism/church planting. Students pursuing the MA degree should select a degree or major that is appropriate to their vocational goals and must be accepted for studies in that degree program or major prior to enrollment. Degree Requirements 1. The completion of a minimum of fifty-one hours is required for MA degrees (forty hours for the MA [Biblical and Theological Studies], fifty hours for the MA [Christian Studies], fifty hours for the MA in Counseling Ministries, and sixty-four hours for the MA in Counseling). 2. The successful completion of a summative experience specific to the major. Graduation Requirements 1. Satisfactory completion of a minimum of fifty-one hours is required for MA degrees (forty hours for the MA [Biblical and Theological Studies], fifty hours for the MA [Christian Studies], fifty hours for the MA in Counseling Ministries, and sixty-four hours for the MA in Counseling) and completion of all degree requirements. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is required for graduation (2.75 for the MA [Apologetics and Ethics], [New Testament], [Old Testament], and [Theology]). 2. Satisfactory completion of the summative experience required by the major department. This may require the passing of a comprehensive examination administered by the major department. In some programs, students must satisfactorily complete a thesis or project. 3. MA in Counseling students must complete the required number of individual counseling sessions as outlined in the Counseling Division Handbook. 4. Approval of the application for graduation. Application must be made in writing, on the appropriate form secured online or from the Registrar's Office, by the posted deadline for the intended semester of graduation. 5. The fulfillment of all financial obligations to Denver Seminary. 6. Completion of all course work that is applying to the degree within the timeframe specified in the Program Completion Time Limits policy (this includes any transfer credit or advanced standing that applies to the degree program). Withdrawal from the Seminary for any period of time during the degree program does not affect this time limit.