MA in Theology: Student Ministry and Culture Track

Focus of the Track

The Student Ministry and Culture Track of the MA in Theology relates foundations of the Christian faith to cutting-edge research on reaching students enmeshed in today’s postmodern culture.

Who Should Pursue This Degree

If you are interested in working as a professional in ministry with students and their families, this degree track is especially geared toward you. The Student Ministry and Culture Track will prepare you for effective ministry in high school and university settings.

Benefits

The MA in Theology allows you to focus on traditional theological disciplines while at the same time integrating recent insights and methods from the humanities, social sciences, fine arts, education, psychology, business, and economics. Our goal is that you will be able to apply what you learn in each field of study to the pressing needs of the contemporary church and the postmodern world.

As an MA student in the Student Ministry and Culture Track, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and multicultural sensitivities you need to understand the Christian faith and put it into faithful and effective practice in a hurting world. You will also experience rich opportunities for worship, fellowship, and personal spiritual growth in the context of SPU’s evangelical Wesleyan heritage.

Requirements

The MA core curriculum of 39 credits consists of three 2-credit “intensives” — introductory courses in spiritual formation and mission — and three courses each in Bible, church history, and theology/ethics.

Of the remaining credits required for the degree, 9 will be taken in SPU’s schools of Psychology, Family, and Community; Education; and Business and Economics. For example, you might take classes on nonprofit finance and development, family systems, educational theory, and adolescent and college faith development.

Another 12 credits are required in a prescribed suite of School of Theology courses covering effective student program planning and ministry, and six credits will be devoted to a student internship.

The “capstone” of the program is a 3-credit final project.

View or download the MA in Theology: Student Ministry and Culture program tracking sheet (PDF) .

Parachurch Organization Tuition Discount

The Parachurch Tuition Discount program offers a 50 percent tuition discount for full- and part-time staff actively employed with the following organizations:

• InterVarsity
• Navigators
• Young Life
• Youth for Christ
• Campus Crusade
•  World Vision

Eligible staff will receive this benefit on their first 40 credits of Seminary courses while enrolled in either the MDiv, MA in Theology, or Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies (GCCS) program. This discount is extended to the first 10 students who apply each year. For more information, email seminary@spu.edu. 

Richard Steele

Professor of Moral and Historical Theology; Associate Dean, Seminary

Email: rsteele@spu.edu
Phone: 206-281-2160
Office: Alexander 107