PTS Catalogue - Princeton Theological Seminary

Master of Divinity/Master of Arts Dual-degree Program
Persons who at the time of application know that they wish to emphasize teaching,
youth and young adult ministries, or spiritual formation and mission in their program
may seek admission to a combined Master of Divinity/Master of Arts degree program
and may be admitted to candidacy for both degrees simultaneously. Pursued
over a period of four years, the studies are coordinated from the outset to integrate
preparation for ministry in the church with a specialization in teaching youth and
young adult ministries or spiritual formation and mission. The requirements for the
two programs are unchanged. Now, an integrated pattern of advisement enables
the student to attain greater proficiency in theological studies as related to understanding
and practice in specialized areas of Christian education and formation than
would be possible if the degrees were pursued in sequence. Students enrolled in
this four-year program may also qualify for financial aid and housing for the duration
of the program. A decision to discontinue the program, once admitted, will not
guarantee that either degree separately may be concluded in what otherwise might
be standard time.
M.Div. candidates who become interested in the dual-degree program after
matriculation at Princeton Seminary can request to transfer to that program,
provided that space is available. Applicants must:
1. present a written petition to the Admissions Committee requesting the
transfer;
2. meet with the registrar, associate director of admissions, and a faculty
member in the education formation area to discuss the reason for
his/her request.
The deadline for this transfer request is March 1. Students who transfer into the
dual-degree program after matriculation at Princeton Seminary may not receive
the same financial aid and housing benefits as those persons who are admitted to
the Seminary as candidates in the dual-degree program.
Master of Arts Program
The two-year program for the Master of Arts in the area of Christian education
includes basic studies in Bible, theology, church history, and practical theology
and continues the ministry of the Tennent School of Christian Education, see page
195. Students choose from one of three tracks: teaching, youth and young adult
ministries, or spiritual formation and mission. The program emphasizes theory
and practice for the ministry of education and formation for the church. Each track
attends to philosophical, cultural, developmental, and procedural dimensions of
Christian education and formation. The M.A. is designed to prepare students for
the ministry of education and formation in congregational and institutional settings
and to provide training for teaching the Christian religion in church or secular
schools. The M.A. is a professional degree and does not constitute adequate preparation
for doctoral education in practical theology unless it is obtained alongside
an M.Div. Note: While dual-degree students must meet the requirements for both
the M.Div. and the M.A. degrees, some coordination of requirements is possible.
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