Pastoral Ministry MAPM (English Track)

Total Credits - 48

NOTE: All courses in this program are to be taken for 3 credits.

Additional Requirements

The MA in Pastoral Ministry degree is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 48 credits of formal course work.

• Course work in North America is offered off campus twice annually in one- and two-week intensives, normally at Adventist educational institutions. Students should expect pre- and post-class assignments as part of the total academic requirements of each course. The intensives generate the equivalent of 6–12 credits annually.
• All students must participate in supervised ministerial experience as part of their degree requirements.
• Attendance of at least 6 credits on the Andrews University campus (or approved complete degree site) during the first year of the program is required. This residency requirement is offered as an approved exception to the Association of Theological Schools larger residency expectation stated in Degree Program Standard B, section B.3.1.3.

Maintaining Academic Standing

• Students failing to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 are placed on probation. Any student remaining on probation for the equivalent of two years (maximum of 18 credits) must withdraw from the program.
• Only grades of a C- or above will count towards the 48-credit requirement.
• Following an absence of two years or more, a student’s previous admission status will have lapsed and the student must reapply to the program.
• Course work should be completed within six years of beginning the program. Credits older than ten years will not be applied toward the degree.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MA in Pastoral Ministry is based on the following requirements in addition to the general admission requirements for all graduate students and the general Seminary admission requirements:

• Hold a BA degree or equivalent from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Provide evidence of successful pastoral leadership during the past five years.
• Be recommended by the local conference administration, a pastoral colleague and a local church leader/elder.
• Complete the Mentoring Agreement Form (retrieve from the Ministerial Mentoring Experience page).
• Be over the age of 35. (Exceptions by petition only.)

Additional Information

Transferred and Earned Term Credit Limits

• All course credits applied towards degree requirements should be earned within 10 years of the awarding of the degree.
• Upon approval by the dean, a maximum of 24 graduate credits may be transferred from approved seminaries or universities, including Andrews University.
• A maximum of 8 credits may be transferred from another conferred degree upon approval by the dean.

Reapplying to the Pastoral Ministry MAPM Program

• Following an absence of two years or more, a student’s previous admission status will have lapsed and the student will need to reapply to the program and pay all the admission fees. Students will be accepted under the current bulletin.

Note for Washington State citizens:

Andrews University is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes Andrews University to offer specific degree programs. The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA  98504-3430 or by email at degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov.

The transferability of credits earned at Andrews University is at the discretion of the receiving college, university, or other educational institution. Students considering transferring to any institution should not assume that credits earned in any program of study at Andrews University will be accepted by the receiving institution. Similiarly, the ability of a degree, certificate, diploma, or other academic credential earned at Andrews University to satisfy an admission requirement of another institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Accreditation does not guarantee credentials or credits earned at Andrews University will be accepted by or transferred to another institution. To minimize the risk of having to repeat coursework, students should contact the receiving institution in advance for evaluation and determination of transferability of credits and/or acceptability of degrees, diplomas, or certificates earned.

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. Visit https://www.wsac.wa.gov/student-complaints for information regarding the WSAC complaint process.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Deliver effective biblically-based sermons.
• Demonstrate proper biblical interpretation skills.
• Understand the historical-theological development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
• Train church members for evangelism.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to empower church members for leadership.
• Reach specific social groups.