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MATM - Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry

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Program Title

Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry

Program Type

Major

Degree Designation

MATM

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry (MATM) prepares students for specialized ministries within and beyond religious institutions. The program consists of an integrated core curriculum, a vocational pathway, and a professionally-relevant apprenticeship.

Vocational Pathway

Ecology and Religion: Understand and analyze the intersections of religion, ecology, and justice. Students explore how to promote faith-based environmental justice work both within and outside the larger church.

Pastoral Care: Study the theory and practices of pastoral care, emphasizing themes–such as trauma, addiction, and family–in multicultural contexts.

Social Justice Advocacy: Explore methods of organizing and advocating for and with socially marginalized communities within church and society and develop gospel-based practices for the transformation of systemic forms of injustice.

Theology and Ministry: Pursue general study across several subject areas in the regular Theological School curriculum.

Worship, Music, and the Arts: Develop competencies in the fields of worship, church music, and the arts, with emphasis on theological depth and liturgical creativity and innovation, and an understanding of the deep connections between social transformation and the arts.

Immersive and Integrative Learning

In the MATM, students bring the wisdom and challenges of context into conversation with their study of Christian and multifaith traditions, practices, and values. At the conclusion of the program, the internship or practicum experience mobilizes skills, perspectives, and commitments developed throughout the MATM to respond to a pressing question in ministry and/or in the world.

Requisites

Degree Requirements (42 credits)


I. Required Courses (14 credits)

Complete all of the the following:

  • course - Bible and Its Interpreters

  • course - Global Faiths and the Earth

  • course - Transforming Theologies

  • course - Identity, Spirituality, and Vocation

  • course - Mentored Portfolio A

  • course - Mentored Portfolio B

  • Capstone Portfolio (Choose A or B):

         A) course - Mentored Portfolio C & course - Mentored Portfolio D 

         B) course - MATM Final Portfolio 


Immersive Learning for Leadership (3-6 credits)

A. Year-Long Vocational Internship

  • course - Leadership Seminar I

  • course - Leadership Seminar II

    AND

  • course - Vocational Internship I

  • course - Vocational Internship II )

    OR

  • course - Clinical Practical Education - Extended Unit

B. Practicum

Choose one of the following: 

  • course - Justice Ministry Education

  • course - Vocational Apprenticeship

  • course - Clinical Practical Education - Full-Time Unit

  • course - Clinical Practical Education - Extended Unit

Learning Enrichment Requirements

All students fulfill a learning enrichment requirement by taking a course designated with the following attribute (no additional credits)

  • 1 Problem-based learning course (PBL)


III. Electives (11-13 credits)

  • Credits from Theological School or approved Caspersen Graduate School listings


IV. Vocational Pathway (12 credits)

A. Ecology and Religion (ECRE)

  • 12 credits from Ecology and Religion offerings (ECO)

B. Pastoral Care (PASC)

  • 12 credits from Pastoral Care and Counseling offerings (PCC or RPSY)

C. Social Justice Advocacy (SOJA)

  • 12 credits in Social Justice Advocacy offerings (SJA)

Note: In this pathway, one course should be a PREP course (no additional credit)

D. Theology and Ministry (THMI)

  • 12 credits from Theological School or approved Caspersen Graduate School offerings

E. Worship, Music, and the Arts (MWA)

  • 12 credits from Worship, Music and the Arts offerings (WOR, TMUS, ARTS)