Program Details
The M.A. in Applied Ministry is offered through the residential program at our San Diego campus. Since many graduate students juggle career, ministry, family life, and studies, we hold classes during afternoons and evenings. Some courses are also available in one-week, intensive formats or online.
While the curriculum provides excellent preparation for specialized ministry in the church, it is not designed to provide an abbreviated period of graduate study leading to the pastorate. Those desiring to serve as senior pastors or in other senior leadership positions are encouraged to enroll in the seminary’s Master of Divinity program.
Concentrations
Students must declare a concentration in chaplaincy, pastoral care, or global and contextual studies, each consisting of a minimum of 20 credits.
Chaplaincy
This program will enable chaplains (and those preparing for chaplaincy) to train for ministry in such diverse contexts as healthcare services, educational institutions, businesses and corporations, correctional facilities, and the military.
Sample courses include:
- Chaplaincy in Contemporary Society
- Cross-Cultural Counseling
- Crisis Intervention
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care prepares students for the counseling tasks common in ministry settings, as well as for preventive educational efforts in the church.
Sample courses include:
- Small Groups in the Church
- Pastoral Care of Children and Families
- Principles of Counseling
Global and Contextual Studies
Focusing on global and contextual studies prepares students for ministry as either a vocational missionary or for non-traditional missionary efforts such as the non-resident missionary, “tent maker,” and independent contractor.
Sample courses include:
- Facilitating Community Development
- Religion in Anthropological Perspective
- Intro to Global and Contextual Ministry
The curriculum includes supervised ministry experience. During the first year, students engage in an initial church practicum. The second year requires local church leadership and supervisory experience.
