minary W orld Class Seminary - Bethel Seminary - Bethel University

tem. Both the MA(TS) and the M.Div.degrees are grounded in biblical foundations,in transformational leadership,and in personal and spiritual formation.The class schedules and course calendarsare designed for students whoneed maximum flexibility. Classesmeet one night per week, typically onMonday evenings. Approximately 20hours of directed independent study areexpected between class periods. Thisrequires essentially the same amountof “involvement time” as a traditionallyscheduled course. For most students,this will allow full‐time employmentwhile pursuing the degree.The program is designed to encourageon‐time completion. Approximately 25students move through the sequence ofcourses together, providing the opportunityfor interaction, shared insight,and mutual support. This model hasbeen shown to have a powerful effecton student success. Students whoremain continuously enrolled have fulltimestatus throughout the program.The M.A.(T.S.) degree requires thecompletion of 96 credits, participationin the self-assessment and evaluationprogram, the writing of a satisfactorypersonal statement of faith, achieving agrade point average of C (2.0) or above,financial clearance from the businessoffice, and participation in graduationceremonies. The M.A. program is completedin three years, and is consideredto be a generalist degree.Students wishing to pursue the M.Div.degree will take 48 credits beyond theprescribed M.A. track. All course workin the M.A. program contributes directlyto the M.Div. degree (Greek track,applied generalist), but the M.A.(T.S.)will not be granted. Students who wishto pursue a specific concentration inthe Master of Divinity program areadvised to work with the registrar earlyin their programs to discuss appropriateelective courses. Students should alsomeet with the director of supervisedministry to develop a plan for completionof the required internships.Students desiring to continue theM.Div. on the Monday-evening-onlyformat can complete the degree in sixquarters. However, other options areavailable for the additional courses.Students may take courses during theday or evening, in modular or quarterformats, in one-week intensives, oras independent studies. (Students arelimited to a maximum of three independentstudies in elective areas only.)Tuition for each course will be the standardrate at the time each class is taken.The Master of DivinityThe Master of Divinity program isdesigned to provide a balanced backgroundof studies, with courses takenfrom each of the departments of study.The aim of the program is to guidestudents in a process of growth throughcognitive studies, skill courses andexperiences, self‐assessment measures,counseling, and community life thatleads to self‐understanding and spiritualmaturity. Such preparation shouldalso develop an attitude that learningand growth are a lifelong process.The M.Div. degree is designed to preparepersons for professional ministryin the church (e.g., pastor, missionary,chaplain, denominational minister,parachurch leader). It seeks to graduatepeople who have knowledge and experienceof the Christian faith, who giveevidence of emotional and spiritual maturity,who relate to others with integrity,who possess skills for ministry, andwho meet the educational requirementsfor ordination. Specifically, it seeks todevelop leaders who:1. understand the contents of the Oldand New Testaments, and have theability to interpret the Scripturesusing appropriate methods;2. have knowledge of the history andtheology of the church;3. are able to formulate their owntheological positions with awarenessof past and present alternatives;4. are committed to the evangelismand discipleship of all peopleswithin those peoples’ own culturalcontexts;5. are sensitive to ethical problems andoppose social injustice;6. understand and are skilled inpreaching, evangelism, teaching,and counseling;7. are able to develop, administer, andevaluate programs and ministries;8. model the practice of prayer, worship,a servant attitude, and personaldiscipleship; and9. are able to function as lifelong learners.For graduation with a Master of Divinitydegree, a student must complete aminimum of 144 credits and maintainat least a C (2.0) average. Failure tomeet the deadlines indicated in the calendarwill incur forfeiture of candidacyfor a year. In addition, the followingrequirements must be met by all candidatesfor a degree.1. participate in covenant groups;2. complete supervised ministry requirementsincluding the three‐yearassessment and evaluation program;3. write a personal statement of faithacceptable to the faculty;4. present a clearance of financial accounts;and5. participate in graduation ceremoniesunless approval has been given bythe Academic Programs Assessmentand Accreditation Committee tograduate in absentia.However, graduation is not automaticwhen academic requirements have beenmet. Since the seminary aims to graduatequalified Christian leaders, the facultyand staff will, on an ongoing basis,evaluate a student’s readiness in termsof spiritual, developmental, doctrinal,and professional standards as well asacademic standards.The Master of Divinitywith a Concentration inChristian ThoughtA concentration in Christian Thoughtserves students whose sense of leadingpoints toward teaching, evangelism,discipleship, and apologetics withina pastoral context. In supplementingthe broader ministry preparation providedby the M.Div., this concentrationgives students a systemic grasp of theChristian worldview. The program mayappeal to those who approach churchlife with a passion for reaching peoplewith the gospel and for strengtheningbelievers by helping them know thereasons for faith.St. Paul33