Youth and Young Adult Ministry, MA

MA in Youth and Young Adult Ministry

David Sedlacek, Director

The MA in Youth and Young Adult Ministry (MAYYAM) provides study in theology, church history, world mission, and the specialized field of youth and young adult ministry. The graduate of the MAYYAM will be competent to serve in a variety of vocations such as youth pastor, university/college/academy chaplain, dormitory dean, local church youth leader, conference youth director, and guidance counselor.

Program Outcomes

• Christian Apologist - Articulates effectively a theology and philosophy of youth ministry.
• Pastor-Teacher - Uses appropriate methodologies to disciple youth and young adults.
• Servant Leader - Understands youth and young adult culture relevant to its application in the biblical discipleship process.
• Maturing Christian - Engages consistently in biblical devotional habits to be open to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in his or her life.
• Youth and Young Adult Specialist:
  • Develops youth ministry for the broader church.
  • Advocates for youth and young adults and for effective ministry to them.

Students who seek to serve in general pastoral or church leadership positions should consider, as an alternative, the Master of Divinity program as stipulated by North American Division policy (L 05 05 and L 05 15).

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MA in Youth and Young Adult Ministry program should read the general admission requirements of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. Applicants to the MAYYAM program must also meet the qualifications listed below:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Represent high moral integrity with a character, lifestyle, and spiritual commitment reflective of the beliefs and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and show promise of usefulness for ministry through personal maturity and adequate experience in the Church. (Persons of other faiths who are willing to live in harmony with these standards are welcome to apply.)
• Submit an autobiographical history and statement of purpose reflecting the applicant’s family, religious development, sense of calling to ministry, experience in church work, and future goals in relationship to the MAYYAM program.
• Interview with a representative of the MAYYAM program if required, either by personal contact, telephone, or e-mail.
• Pass the Biblical Literacy Entrance Test with a score of 80% or take the course GSEM 525 and pass with a grade of C+ or better.
• Complete and return the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire as directed.

Graduates of the MAYYAM program receive calls for ministry.  However, completion of the program does not guarantee employment in Adventist ministry or any other church employment.

English Language Requirement

For those applicants whose native language is not English, the following is required:

• MELAB - score of 81 (must achieve a passing score on each section: written, verbal and comprehension) or
• TOEFL - score of 565 (paper based) or score of 85 (computer based with a minimum of 20 on each section: written, verbal and comprehension) and
• A personal interview with the program director or designee

Applicants who fail to meet any of the above may be admitted only after departmental consideration of the specific circumstances.  Additional coursework in English may be required.  A student who graduated from a four-year English-speaking high school, college or university may be exempted from all or parts of the above requirements.

Degree Requirements

The MA in Youth and Young Adult Ministry degree is awarded upon successful completion of a minimum of 48 semester credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. A minimum of 24 semester credits are to be taken at the Theological Seminary or at an authorized extension center. The course work for the MA in Youth and Young Adult Ministry normally should be completed within seven years.

Transfer Credits

A maximum of 24 transfer graduate credits, when applicable, may be accepted from approved seminaries or universities upon approval of the dean. Credits approved under the Credit Through Learning in Professional Experience provision (see below) are considered part of the maximum of 24 transfer credits.

Youth and Young Adult Ministry - 48 credits

Campus Chaplaincy Emphasis - 48 credits

Additional Information

CPE Unit

In addition to completing the 48-credit professional MA YYAM with an emphasis in Campus Chaplaincy, an individual wishing to be employed as a campus chaplain should complete 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) - Community Based Option (8 months). In international settings where CPE units are not available, supervised internship in campus ministry must be arranged in accordance with established curricula guidelines and with qualified mentoring.

Elective Courses

Students in the MA in Youth and Young Adult Ministry program can utilize their elective credits to tailor a program to their specific ministry needs. They can take up to 6 credits in DSRE 690 - Independent Study: _______________ .

Credit Through Learning in Professional Experience

In place of DSRE 660 - Field Practicum: Youth and Young Adult Ministry , some students may be eligible to receive up to six credits for professional experience when approved by the dean, using the following criteria:

• Applicants must have completed at least 18 credits toward the MA degree with a minimum GPA of 2.50.
• The applicant must submit a Professional Experience Portfolio, including (1) an up-to-date curriculum vita, (2) a description of ministerial experiences, (3) a reflection-learning paper in which the applicant analyzes his/her professional skills and ministries and demonstrates how learning based on the reflection-reaction process occurred, and (4) supporting letters from administrative and pastoral supervisors which identify and document a variety of professional experiences.
• The applicant must submit the completed Professional Experience Portfolio to the program director and the Department of Discipleship and Religious Education no later than the semester prior to graduation. For details, contact the director of the MA in Youth and Young Adult Ministry program.

Denominational Certification for Teaching Religion/Bible on the Secondary Level SDA Basic Certificate

The Basic Teaching Certificate for denominational certification may be issued to the candidate presenting a Verification of Eligibility form from Andrews University. The certificate is issued by the union conference where the candidate takes his/her first teaching position.

Requirements for this certificate may be completed by taking additional courses along with the MA in Youth and Young Adult Ministry. More information about preparing to teach religion in Adventist schools is available from the University Certification Registrar in the School of Education.

MA in Youth and Young Adult Ministry Intensive Curriculum Option

The MA in Youth and Young Adult Ministry offers an intensive format for those who are unable to study in residence. It is completed over three years by attending five weeks of intensives on campus each year. The course is completed through distance learning and a field practicum.