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2020-2021 Academic Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Religious Education MA
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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 concentrations:
- 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 using the interactive online format (see School of Distance Education definitions). 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:
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Core - 20-21
See course plans for specific requirements of each concentration.
Christian Apologist - 5-6
Evaluator Researcher - 2-3
Electives
Electives selected in consultation with advisor to total 48 credits.
Concentration - 27-28
Students may select one of the following concentrations or complete a customized option with 28 credits in consultation with an advisor. Students who do not select a concentration are required to complete electives in consultation with advisor to total 48 credits. (Note: MA/MSW Dual Degree students must complete the Family Life Education concentration.)
Bible Teaching Concentration - 28
The Bible Teaching concentration provides on-campus and online options to prepare K-12 teachers who do not have a religion/theology background to teach Bible classes, while those with a strong religion/theology background but no educational background are given advanced standing and introduced to principles of pedagogy/andragogy.
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
- 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
Campus Spiritual Leadership Concentration - 28
Campus Spiritual Leadership prepares students for an academic study of campus life and for ministry on public or denominational campuses. Advanced standing may be given for Religion, Theology, Education, or Religious Education up to 12 credits.
- 3 Credits of DSRE 636 - Seminar in Youth Ministry Credits: 1–3
- 3 Credits of DSRE 656 - Counseling Youth and Young Adults Credits: 2,3
- 3 Credits of DSRE 669 - Reaching the Secular Mind Credits: 2,3
Choose one of the following courses: - DSRE 615 - Collaborative Ministry: School, Church, Community Credits: 2,3
- 2 credits of DSRE 616 - Collaborative Ministry: Partnering in Discipleship and Mission Credits: 2
Choose one of the following options under advisement - 2 credits of a psychology (GDPC) or (DSRE) elective
- 2 credits of DSRE 626 - Ministry to At-Risk Youth Credits: 2,3
- 2 credits of DSRE 651 - Foundations of Biblical Counseling Credits: 2,3
Choose one of the following courses: - DSRE 664 - Advanced Campus Ministry Credits: 3
- 3 credits of DSRE 680 - Field Practicum:__________ Credits: 1–6
Electives
12 credits of electives from CHIS, CHMN, DSRE, EDAL, EDCI, EDTE, GDPC, GSEM, MSSN, NTST, OTST, or THST can be selected under advisement based on evaluation of prior studies.
Family Life Education Concentration - 27
The Family Life Education concentration prepares students to engage in family education ministries and to apply for certification as Family Life Educators by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Advanced standing is not given for the Family Life Education concentration.
Customized Focus - 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:
- 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.
- 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.
Advanced standing is determined at the time of admission.
Prerequisite - 3 credits
For the Family Life Education concentration, an undergraduate or graduate course in psychology that includes the study of human development. For other concentrations, 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:
- MELAB - score of 80 (must achieve a passing score on each section: written, verbal and comprehension) OR
- 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
- 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.
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.
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