2011-12 Seminary Catalogue - Portal - Princeton Theological ...

Master of Divinity/Master of Arts Dual-degree Program
Persons who at the time of application know that they wish to emphasize youth
ministry or Christian education 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 Christian education or youth ministry. Although requirements for
the two programs are unchanged, an integrated pattern of advisement enables the
student to attain greater proficiency in theological studies as related to educational
understanding and practice than would be possible were the degrees to be 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 School of Christian Education to discuss the reason for
their 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
146. During the second year of study, students choose either a Christian education
or youth ministry emphasis. The program emphasizes theory and practice for the
educational ministry of the church and it also attends to philosophical, cultural,
developmental, and procedural dimensions of discipleship formation. The M.A. is
designed to prepare students for Christian religious education or youth ministry
in parish and institutional settings; to provide training for teaching the Christian
religion in church or secular schools; and to afford an opportunity for specialized
preparation for youth ministry. It is not a degree earned as preparation for doctoral
studies, and only under special circumstances should it be viewed as preparation
for teaching in higher education.
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