MA in Ministry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. I would like to begin MA in Ministry studies this coming semester. What do I do?
Apply immediately, completing your admission file as soon as possible. Applicants with completed applications receive a response within thirty days; or ask about starting as a Visiting Student while your application is processed.
2. I am currently enrolled in another Trinity graduate program and would like to transfer to the MA in Ministry. Is that possible?
Persons who have already completed 16 or more semester hours will find that hours completed beyond 16 will not apply in the MA in Ministry program, and are encouraged to complete their present program of enrollment. All MA in Ministry applicants must meet all program admission criteria. The MA in Ministry requires 16 semester hours be completed after admission to the program. This allows for the necessary integration and specialization central to the program's objectives. Persons making application with 16 hours already completed must have a ministry specialization clearly defined and essentially will complete the midterm assessment as a part of their admission process.
3. I anticipate future pastoral ministry in the church and am currently on staff as a youth pastor. Should I apply for the MA in Ministry?
No, the MA in Ministry is not the program for you. Persons anticipating pastoral ministry in the local church should apply for the Master of Divinity program.
4. I volunteer in our church as director of children's ministry. I really wish I knew more about children and the Bible but plan to keep my day job as a public school teacher. Should I apply?
Yes, the MA in Ministry program is designed for persons engaged in volunteer or lay ministry in the church who wish to further their ministry skills. Many TEDS classes are scheduled evenings and weekends, enabling part-time students to complete the program without leaving their regular employment.
5. Next week will be my 53rd birthday. I've served as a volunteer in the church for most of my life and am considering a career change to full-time ministry. I cannot bear the thought of facing three-plus years to complete an MDiv. What should I do?
Optimally the MDiv program will best prepare you for pastoral ministry; however, the realities of career transitions late in life or at retirement sometimes make the MDiv daunting. You are encouraged to talk with an admissions counselor and/or the director of the MDiv program, Dr. Wayne Johnson (wjohnson@tiu.edu) or director of the MA in Ministry program, Dr. Jim Moore (MAinMinistry@tiu.edu) for further counsel.
6. Will I have to relocate to Deerfield to complete the program? Can it be completed through Distance Education courses?
The program is designed as a Deerfield-based program and not designed simply to be taken at a distance; however, it may be possible to complete the program, depending on the area of specialization and curricular offerings, with a combination of summers, independent studies, extension site classes, and short-term modulars. Again, a participant's area of specialization may determine this.
7. I am currently a student at a TEDS extension in Ohio. Can I complete the program here?
ATS has approved the MA in Ministry only for the Deerfield campus; however, like most of the TEDS programs, some courses relative to the program may be completed at extension sites. Enrollment would be at the Deerfield campus.
8. Who will my program advisor be? What opportunity is there for small group advisement?
All program participants are initially assigned to the program director, Dr. Jim Moore, for advisement. As an area of ministry specialization is identified, other arrangements for an advisor may be made
9. I need more information. Who can help me?
Information about the new MA in Ministry program is posted on the MA in Ministry webpage. As additional information is developed and questions arise, they will be addressed on the MA in Ministry page or on this FAQ page. Continue to watch the FAQ section for new postings that will address common questions.
Questions about program admission and program information should be directed to the TEDS Admissions Office. If your question persists, your best mode of query is to email MAinMinistry@tiu.edu for a response, which depending on the question's nature will result in an email response or a telephone call from the person who can best assist.