The Master of Arts in Christian Studies (MACS) degree program is a 48-credit curriculum designed as an introduction to understanding the biblical text, the soul, and listening and speaking to the culture.   This degree offers a worldview that brings the beauty of the human face, the truth of the scriptures, and the complexity of culture into a transforming conversation.
    Upon completion of the M.A. in Christian Studies degree the graduate should be able to:

1. Begin the life-long process of developing:
   a. A foundational perspective on their unique gifts and weaknesses;
   b. A reading of the biblical text in a manner relevant to the human condition.
2. To “read” the human soul for the purpose of healing and soul care.
3. Understand the impact of an informed theological and psychological perspective as a vital function of Christian community.
4. To become relevant within contemporary culture and learn the importance of God-at-work in the culture.

The M.A. in Christian Studies invites people to think beyond – to experience the beauty and mystery of God through what is visible and unpredictable.  The program, informed by theological, philosophical, biblical and psychological paradigms, prepares persons to become articulators of faith, facilitators of change and engaged in transformational conversations in whatever vocation they have been called to serve. The program serves persons who wish to expand their theological thinking and bring that thinking into the marketplace.
  
The M.A. in Christian Studies program offers students improved skills in interpersonal relationships and an enhancement of the biblical and theological categories that under gird the framework of relationships. Possible vocations of this type include, but are not limited to community, church and world leaders, administrators, managers, and career professionals.  This degree offers general training for ministry in the church, though it is not as extensive as the Masters in Divinity (MDiv) degree, and is not viewed as the standard degree for ordination.  We invite students who seek to experience God through an approach that involves an encounter with the traditions of faith, the risk of trust, and becoming faithful people to the passion God has written into our life.

In addition to the graduate school’s goals, the M.A. in Christian Studies program has been designed to achieve the following specific goals:

1. Equip persons to understand and develop a global perspective with consideration of divergent and opposing theologies, philosophies and lifestyles.
2. Promote personal spiritual growth demonstrated through more effective interpersonal relationships.
3. Integrate an opportunity for personal reflection preparing students to work with people in a broad range of settings.
4. To develop a paradigm of relating that is dialogical in its intent.

In the classroom, students in the M.A. in Christian Studies program explore biblical, theological, psychological and philosophical perspectives. In addition to these classroom experiences, the student may expect personal reflection that takes place in small group practicums and focused peer interaction.  This includes an experiential approach that calls forth a dialogue between disciplines and with other learners to deepen both our hunger to know and our knowledge of what we don’t yet know in order to be life long learners.  Through these experiences, the student is given the opportunity to reflect on the practical and personal significance of theoretical constructs for himself/herself personally and professionally.
    

The M.A. in Christian Studies degree is conferred upon the attainment of certain academic and personal requirements.

In addition to the graduate school requirements, degree candidates must:

1. Give evidence of a level of personal maturity and stability that is consistent with ministry vocations.
2. Complete all courses in the prescribed M.A. in Christian Studies curriculum with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.