Master of Arts in Christian Education
First awarded by Southwestern in 1919, this basic graduate degree program is designed to equip those who are called to one of the various educational ministries in the local church.
This program of study has a three-pronged focus: a strong, 26-hour component of biblical and theological study that makes up the seminary core; a 23-hour core of educational courses that provides a broad overview of Christian education in the local church; and a 15-to-17-hour focus of studies in one of several degree concentration areas:
The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling degree is a 62-hour degree program. It includes 14 hours of theological studies, 6 hours of educational ministries studies and 42 hours of psychology and counseling courses. One may also pursue a combined MACE/MAMFC degree consisting of 92 hours. This degree provides the academic and practicum requirements to prepare for state licensure.
The Master of Christian Counseling degree offers a heavy theological component in addition to advanced work in the psychology and counseling disciplines. It is a 92-hour degree and provides the academic and practicum requirements to prepare for state licensure.
The Master of Arts in Christian School Education is for teachers and administrators in Christian Schools (K-12). Certification by a state agency or Association of Christian Schools International is a requirement for admission into this program. The 47-hour degree includes 21 hours of theology, 18 hours of Christian school courses, three hours of research and a thesis for five hours of credit. Courses in the MACSE block are offered during the summer in one-week class formats (3 classes each summer).
Any student desiring to change degrees should fill out a Change of Degree Request Form and submit it to the Associate Dean for Masters' Programs. Forms are available in the registrar's office, the education school dean's office or the office of the associate dean for masters' programs.
The Doctor of Educational Ministry degree exists to enhance the practice of ministry for those who are presently involved in educational ministry leadership. This degree is designed to build upon the education base of the Master of Arts in Christian Education degree or its equivalent. It combines practical ministry with the classic skills of the Christian educator. It is intended for students with academic ability who show promise of ministerial excellence. It is structured so that students can attend seminars while continuing to work in the ministry setting.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in the School of Church and Family Ministries is designed specifically for various aspects of leadership in the Christian education field. The program is designed to discover and nurture sound scholarship, meaningful research and the interdependence of theory and practice. The Ph.D. degree is conferred on the basis of high scholarship and research skill as demonstrated by the student's resident work, examinations, dissertation and vocational experience.