MATM - Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry
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Program Title
Program Type
Degree Designation
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 (13 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
II. Immersive Learning for Leadership (3-6 credits)
Complete either A or B.
A. Vocational Internship
One semester:
OR
One year:
AND
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
III. Electives (11-14 credits)
If a student takes one semester of internship or a practicum course, complete 14 credits of electives.
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)
Learning Enrichment Requirements
All students fulfill a learning enrichment requirement by taking a course designated with a PBL attribute as either an elective or part of their pathway program. If not completed as one of those courses, students will need to complete one of the following:
1 Problem-based learning course (PBL)