Master of Arts in Specialized Ministry

The purpose of the Master of Arts in Specialized Ministry (MASM) is to provide theologically informed and competent lay and ordained leaders in specialized ministry for the local church and the church at large. This 60 credit hour degree is designed to:

• cultivate knowledge of the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of faith and develop awareness of the social and cultural contexts in which ministry occurs.
• promote growth in understanding of the student's denominational tradition and in basic knowledge and skills for competence in a specialized area of ministry.

The MASM degree program includes distinct coursework that tests students' growth and competency in their specialized areas of study. This degree program meets the academic requirements for ordination as Deacon in the United Methodist Church.

Degree Requirements

The MASM degree program is equivalent to two years of full-time study. Although opportunities for part-time study are available within the program, all requirements must be completed with in six years.

Specializations

Areas of specialization include:

• Christian Religious Education & Spiritual Formation (with an optional focus in Youth Ministry)
• Congregational Leadership & Evangelism
• Deacon Ministries
• Pastoral Care & Health and Welfare
• Social Justice Ministries

Praxis and Conference

Students enroll in MASM 401 Praxis Project Proposal (1 hr. credit) in the fall semester of the final year of study. A copy of the Praxis Project Proposal accepted by the MASM Committee and Ministry Supervisor is to be submitted to the Registrar with a signed MASM form.

Students enroll in MASM 402 Praxis Project and Conference (2 hr. credit) during the spring semester of the final year of study. Focused on a particular specialized ministry, the praxis project is an integrative paper supported by biblical, historical, and theological foundations. The conference is a two-hour oral defense with the faculty thesis committee. The goal is to demonstrate capacity for scholarship, skill in the practice of specialized ministry, and ability to articulate one's ideas in discourse with specialists in the field.

Advanced Placement

Students completing a MDiv degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher from an ATS accredited school (including Saint Paul) may qualify for advanced placement.

Advanced standing means that students may complete the M.A.T.S. degree program with 30 credit hours of upper level courses and a summative evaluation as long as both degrees are completed within six years. Students with advanced placement must complete 15 credit hours within their concentrations while at Saint Paul.

For more information:

Click here for the Saint Paul School of Theology Catalog, Community Handbook, and course schedules.

Home Page