Apr 19, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Bulletin 
    
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2019-2020 Academic Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Religious Education, Family Life Education Focus/Social Work Dual Degree MA/MSW

The Dual Degree Program in Religious Education with Family Life Education Focus and Social Work allows the student to complete two degrees in 3 years, with a tuition reduction of 33% for the MSW credits. For seminary credits, the student may apply for the MA (Religious Education) tuition discount.

Total Credits - 80

To facilitate this objective, the two programs will reduce the total number of required credits and will share a practicum and a limited number of elective courses. Specifically, the Social Work department will reduce the required number of credits from 56 to 46 by allowing students to take their required electives in the Seminary. Sixteen credits will be shared between the two programs.

The MA (Religious Education) is a 48-credit degree, but it will share 16 credits with the MSW program and accept 3 MSW credits as electives, thereby reducing the MA (Religious Education) credits to 45.

The following courses constitute credits shared between the two programs:

Program Information

Information for the two programs (Religious Education, Family Life Education Focus MA and Social Work MSW) follows:

Click here to jump to Social Work MSW.


Religious Education MA

E-mail: reled@andrews.edu

Religious Education seeks to integrate biblical foundations and educational research in order to understand and facilitate the process of discipleship, the life-long journey of learning to follow Jesus and become more like Him.

Mission: The Master of Arts (Religious Education) equips individuals for discipling ministries in settings where faith formation and spiritual growth across the lifespan are primary concerns.

Vision: Religious Education graduates fulfill the teaching and discipling mandates of the gospel commission, preparing a people who live victoriously in this world as followers of Jesus while eagerly anticipating the soon-return of their Savior.

The MA (Religious Education) offers a customized option and the following focus areas:

  • Bible Teaching
  • Campus Spiritual Leadership
  • Family Life Education

The MA (Religious Education) prepares ministry professionals, family life educators, Bible teachers, and campus spiritual leaders primarily—but not exclusively—for service in the community and institutions of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.  The study of Religious Education at Andrews University is informed by biblical foundations and the educational concepts advanced by Ellen White.

The curriculum is designed with core courses, a selected focus, and electives. The master’s program generally requires attendance during the regular academic year, but some classes are taught over the summers as intensives with post-campus academic and fieldwork assignments, and some classes are available online. The Bible Teaching focus is being processed for full online availability in the near future. Students typically complete this 48-credit program in 2 years. However, applicants with advanced theological or educational study or with prior extensive undergraduate studies in religion, religious education, or education may submit a petition requesting advanced standing for a combined total of up to 12 credits (leaving 36 credits for completion of the degree).

The program framework and outcome are presented at the end of this webpage.  Admission Requirements are listed following the curriculum requirements.

Dual Degree Option:

This program is available as a dual degree with the Social Work MSW:

Total Credits - 48 credits

Core - 20-21

Focus - 27-28

Students may select one of the following focus areas or complete a customized option with 28 credits in consultation with an advisor. (Note: MA/MSW Dual Degree students must complete the Family Life Education focus area.)

Bible Teaching - 28

Advanced Standing for the Bible Teaching focus has specific requirements allowing for up to 12 credits prorated at a two-thirds ratio from 18 credits of undergraduate studies in the following areas:

  • Adventist Studies: 2 credits
    • A combined course in EGW Writings/Adventist History or EGW Writings and Adventist History
  • Church History: 2 credits
    • General Church History
  • NT Studies: 4 credits
    • Studies in Revelation
    • Studies in the Gospels
  • OT Studies: 2 credits
    • Studies in Daniel or Studies in Pentateuch (OT courses must be approved by OT dept.)
  • Theological Studies: 2 credits
    • Doctrine of the Sanctuary or Doctrine of God
Religion & Theology - 20
Education - 8

Campus Spiritual Leadership - 28

Advanced standing may be given for Religion, Theology, Education, or Religious Education up to 12 credits.

Family Life Education - 27

Advanced Standing is not given for the FLE focus.

Customized - 28 credits

In addition to the core of 20 credits:

  • 8-9 credits of religion or theology elective from CHIS, CHMN, GSEM, MSSN, NTST, OTST, or THST under advisement based on evaluation of prior studies
  • 3-4 credits of education or religious education from DSRE, EDCI, or EDTE under advisement based on evaluation of prior studies
  • 16 credits of electives in consultation with an advisor

Advanced standing may be given for Religion, Theology, Education, or Religious Education up to 12 credits.

Additional Requirements

Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00. Courses with a grade below B- do not count toward the degree.

Degree Completion: Candidates for the MA degree may exercise one of the following two options to complete their degree:

  1. Comprehensive Examinations: Must pass comprehensive examinations  arranged through the departmental administrative assistant. The one-day exams entail a three-hour morning session and a two-hour afternoon session.
  2. Thesis: Prepare a thesis (minimum 3 credits). A two-member faculty committee guides the student in developing the project and evaluates the defense. Students who complete a thesis are exempt from writing comprehensive examinations but are required to make a portfolio presentation. The thesis may add 3 credits to the 48 credit degree requirements, making a total of 51 credits.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MA (Religious Education) program is based on the student’s meeting the general admission requirements for all graduate students as outlined in the School of Graduate Studies & Research, and the general Seminary admission requirements Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. In addition, students must have earned a baccalaureate degree or equivalent and have a minimum GPA of 2.75. Official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test taken within the last five years should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Enrollment Management. Applicants must also complete and return the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire as directed.

Advanced standing is determined at the time of admission.

Prerequisite - 3 credits

For the Family Life Education focus, an undergraduate or graduate course in psychology that includes the study of human development.  For other focus areas, an undergraduate or graduate course in psychology or sociology.

English Language Requirement

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

  1. MELAB - score of 80 (must achieve a passing score on each section: written, verbal and comprehension) OR
  2. TOEFL - score of 550 (paper based) or score of 80 (computer based with a minimum of 20 on each section: written, verbal and comprehension) and
  3. 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- medium high school, college or university may be exempted from all or parts of the above requirements.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing may be obtained for up to 12 credits of religion and theology and up to 5 credits of education or religious education for a combined maximum total of 12 credits. These credits are dependent upon a background of advanced theological or educational study or prior extensive undergraduate studies in religion, theology, religious education, or education as well as the particular MA (Religious Education) focus area chosen. Advanced standing is calculated at the time of admission as follows:

  • 18 or more credits of undergraduate religion or theology credit may qualify for advanced standing of up to 12 credits in appropriate areas of the course plan. Advanced standing based on less than 18 credits of prior undergraduate studies is prorated at a two-thirds ratio.
  • 8 or more credits of undergraduate education or religious education may qualify for advanced standing of up to 5 credits in appropriate areas of the course plan. Advanced standing based on less than 8 credits of prior undergraduate studies is prorated at a two-thirds ratio.

Transfer Credits

Prior graduate study in religion, theology, education, or religious education appropriate to the chosen focus area may be applied as transfer credits under the regular graduate transfer policies based on a 48-credit curriculum, but only to the extent that the combined credits for advanced standing and graduate transfers do not exceed 12 credits. A minimum of 36 credits must be from Andrews University Religious Education degree program courses.

Additional Information

Family Life Certification

The Family Life Education focus will allow the student to obtain the NCFR certification. If student is not seeking NCFR certification, more credits toward the degree can be from Advanced Standing when applicable (up to a maximum of 12 credits only, as specified in the degree requirements section)

Certification on Family Life Education

While completion of the MA (Religious Education) with a focus in Family Life Education does not of itself qualify an individual as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) through NCFR, the courses offered through the MA (Religious Education) meet all of the requirements needed to apply for CFLE credentials.  Application must be made directly to NCFR within 5 years of completion of any courses that are submitted for CFLE certification, documenting that each course has been successfully completed in the 10 designated NCFR content area (for provisional certification), and (for full certification) that a practicum has also been completed. The NCFR content areas, and corresponding program course acronyms are:

Families and Individuals in Societal Contexts (DSRE 655 - Families in Society )
Internal Dynamics of Families (DSRE 658 - Internal Dynamics of Families )
Human Growth/Development across Life Span (GDPC 614 Human Development  or equivalent)
Human Sexuality (DSRE 659 - Human Sexuality )
Interpersonal Relationships (DSRE 503 - Marriage, Family, and Interpersonal Relationships )
Family Resource Management (CHMN 524 - Stewardship, Church and Personal Resources  )
Parent Education and Guidance (DSRE 679 - Parenting Education and Guidance )
Family Law and Public Policy (DSRE 657 - Social Policy )
Professional Ethics and Practice (DSRE 635 - Christian Perspectives on Professional Ethics )
Family Life Education Methodology (DSRE 610 - Teaching for Discipleship )

  (3 credits)

For further information, go to https://www.ncfr.org/cfle-certification/become-certified/cfle-course-checklists-school

Denominational Teacher Certification

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 Religious Education. The Bible Teaching focus builds credit toward Denominational Certification but additional courses and a teaching practicum are required. More information about preparing to teach religion in Adventist schools is available from the University Certification Registrar in the School of Education.

Student Learning Outcomes

1.  As a Christian Apologist - Articulates a philosophy of religious education.

2.  As a Pastor-Teacher - Uses appropriate methodologies to disciple.

3.  As a Servant-Leader - Applies the principles of servant leadership.

4.  As an Evaluator/Researcher - Understands basic terminology, potential contributions, and limitations of scholarly research in the evaluation and implementation of discipleship initiatives.

5.  As a Maturing Christian - Engages consistently with Scripture in biblical and spiritual disciplines to be open to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in his or her life.

6.  As a Lifelong Learner - Pursues personal and professional development.

7.  As an Area Expert - Demonstrates the ability to apply all relevant core competencies to the area of emphasis.

 


Social Work MSW

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is a professional degree enabling the graduate to enter practice as an advanced-level practitioner. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of clinical, administration, and development focus areas. The foundation curriculum for the MSW consists of 9 core competencies that are required for every accredited MSW program: 1) Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior; 2) Engage diversity and difference in practice; 3) Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice; 4) Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice; 5) Engage in policy practice; 6) Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; 7) Assess and plan with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; 8) Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; and 9) Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. In addition, our program has added an additional competency: 10) Demonstrate a Christian social work perspective. The curriculum is designed to teach students the knowledge, values and skills, along with understanding of the cognitive and affective reactions and judgement that accompany these dimensions. Measurement outcomes for these competencies can be found on the first page of the Andrews University School of Social Work website. The Andrews University MSW program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education through the year 2019.

Dual Degrees Options

The MSW Dual Degree Programs allow the student to complete two degrees in one additional year, with a tuition reduction of 33% for the MSW credits. To facilitate this objective, the two programs will reduce the total number of required credits and will share a practicum and a limited number of elective courses. Specifically, the School of Social Work will reduce the required number of credits by 9-10 credits by allowing students to take their required social work electives in the other graduate program. In addition, approximately 16 credits will be shared between the two programs. The following Dual Degree options are available:

Curriculum

Core advanced interpersonal practice courses supplemented by optional areas of focus are offered. Students wishing to enroll in core graduate social work courses must be enrolled in the MSW program and/or have the instructor’s permission. Students may transfer up to 20% of the credits from one degree into the MSW program. All courses are subject to change based on accreditation needs.

MSW Social Work Tracks

Areas of Focus

Students may choose to specialize in the following focus areas: Human Resources, Mental Health, School Social Work, Marriage & Family, Christian Ministry, International Social Work, and Medical Social Work. Please refer to the School of Social Work website for further information: www.andrews.edu/cas/socialwork/. Students are not required to choose a focus area.

Additional Requirements

  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in Social Work Program.
  • No grade of D or F (or U) may count toward a graduate degree.
  • The maintenance at all times of professional conduct and behaviors appropriate for a social worker according to the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics.
  • Defense of the professional degree portfolio as part of SOWK689 Advanced Professional Seminar. This portfolio is a demonstrative collection of professional competencies.
  • Other Andrews University degree requirements as presented in the Graduate Academic Information section of this bulletin.

Past experience strengthens all MSW student applications. However, following Council on Social Work Education requirements, no social work course credit can be given for life experience or previous work experience.

Admission Requirements

English Language Requirements

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

  1. Demonstration of English proficiency by obtaining at least a minimum score on any one of the following exams. Exam must be taken within two years prior to enrollment.
    • TOEFL ITP (paper-based): A minimum score of 550
    • TOEFL iBT (internet-based): 80 with a minimum of 20 on each section
    • MELAB: 80 with a minimum of 80 on each section
    • IELTS (Academic version ): 6.5
    • PTE (Academic version): 54
  2. MSW program participates in the Bridge program which allows students who are close to the minimum scores to take 3-6 credits of MSW courses along with ESL courses. Requirements to participate in the Bridge program are below.
    • TOEFL ITP (paper-based): A score of 500-549 (2-3 ESL courses and up to 3-6 credits of regular MSW course work)* OR
    • MELAB - Bridge 1: 70-75 (3 ESL courses; up to 3 credits regular MSW course work)*
    • MELAB - Bridge 2: 76-79 (2 ESL courses; up to 6 credits regular MSW course work)

                  *with permission of the department

  1. Nelson Denny: score of 13
  2. Personal interview with MSW program director or designee

Applicants who fail to meet any of the above may be admitted only after committee consideration of the specific circumstances. Additional course work 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.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Students who are applying for admission to the MSW program are not required to take the GRE.  For those students who are seeking the GRE scholarship, the GRE must be taken. The amount of a potential scholarship is related to the score achieved on the GRE as follows:

GRE Score Scholarship
320 50% tuition reduction
310 25% tuition reduction
300 10% tuition reduction

Additional Information

MSW Scholarship

Since the MSW program does not require the GRE, an equivalent graduate scholarship is offered in the department. The amount of potential scholarship is related to GPA and supporting documents. This applies to the last 3 semesters of the program. Please refer to the School of Social Work website for further information:

https://www.andrews.edu/cas/socialwork/scholarships/msw-scholarship-policy.pdf

GPA Scholarship
3.90 - 4.00 50% tuition reduction
3.50 - 3.89 25% tution reduction
3.30 - 3.49 10% tuition reduction*

*available to Advanced standing 1 year students only, based on BSW GPA

Assistantships

Students have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships—teaching or research. These assistantships give students the opportunity to develop their expertise. Students interested in becoming social-work educators—especially those with years of clinical experience—may teach undergraduate courses. Research assistantships offer experiences in community consulting, grant writing, and/or conducting research.

Resources

MSW Student Handbook

The MSW Student Handbook has been designed as the social work student’s aid in understanding the program requirements of the School of Social Work as well as relevant policies of Andrews University. Inside the handbook you will find information such as expectations of students, the MSW curriculum, departmental policies, and other relevant information.

Field Manual

The Field Manual has been designed as your aid in understanding field education requirements, your role as a student in a field agency, and relevant policies of Andrews University.

You are responsible for the information found in this handbook, so please take the time to familiarize yourself with the handbook and know where to find questions and answers if the need arises.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this program will:

  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
  • Engage diversity and difference in practice
  • Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
  • Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
  • Engage in policy practice
  • Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  • Assess and Plan with Individuals, Families, Groups, and Communities
  • Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  • Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  • Demonstrate a Christian Social Work Perspective