MA in Pastoral Ministry
Walt Williams, English Track Director
Ricardo Norton, Hispanic Track Director
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry is for experienced pastors and recommended lay leaders whose ministerial functions make it impossible to engage in an extended study program at the Seminary. While admission to the program is similar for all groups of applicants, the curriculum reflects emphases for English or Hispanic ministry tracks (for details, see below). For international delivery in areas outside North America, the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry curriculum reflects indigenous needs. A minimum of 6 credits is offered in courses specifically adapted to meet local conditions and culture. Adjustments may be made in admissions policy pertaining to the length of ministerial experience.
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. Applicants must also complete and return the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire as directed.
NAD Ministerial Applicants
- Hold a BA degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
- Provide evidence of successful pastoral leadership during the past five years.
NAD Lay Leader Applicants
- Hold a BA degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
- Be at least 35 years of age.
- Demonstrate excellent academic skills,
- Provide evidence of extensive, active, and successful ministry leadership in service areas such as Sabbath school teacher, youth leader, elder, deacon, etc. during the past five years,
- Recommended by their local church pastor and local conference leadership.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate proper biblical interpretation skills and application of biblical teachings.
- Apply ethical principles in the context of the Seventh-day Adventist ministry.
- Understand the historical-theological development of major SDA doctrines.
- Prepare and deliver effective expository and prophetic sermons.
Program 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.
- Course work should be completed within six years of beginning the program.
- Attendance of at least one session on campus at Andrews University is required.
- 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.
- 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.
Transfer Credits
Upon approval by the dean, a maximum of 24 graduate credits may be transferred from approved seminaries or universities, including Andrews University. Approved credits under the Credit Through Learning in Professional Experience provision (see below) are considered part of the maximum.
A maximum of 8 credits may be transferred from another conferred degree upon approval by the dean.
Reapplying to the MA: Pastoral Ministry 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.
Credit Through Learning in Professional Experience (LPE) or Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
Students may be eligible to receive up to 6 credits for LPE or CPE 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
- For LPE 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.
- LPE applicants must submit the completed Professional Experience Portfolio to the Dean of the Theological Seminary not later than the semester prior to graduation. For details, contact the respective director of the MA in Pastoral Ministry program.
- Applicants transferring CPE credits must have their transcripts reviewed and recommended by the Seminary chaplain.
