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Master of Arts

Concentration in Christian Studies (MA/CS)

Program Purpose

The MA/CS purposes to provide a basic understanding of Christianity for general educational purposes. Trinity's MA/CS program draws from the breadth of the curriculum requiring substantive study in biblical, theological, and historical and global areas, combined with a significant number of hours in the student's areas of interest. The program is particularly suited for Christians desiring to better understand God's revelation to humanity in the biblical and theological context of orthodox historic Christianity and who are engaged in nonchurch-related vocations or for those seeking a general theological degree to accompany a specialized master's degree. As a seminary degree, its particular concern is to relate Christian studies to the work of the church. Program participants may also elect to focus their elective course work, capstone project, and field education course work on a particular subject area available in the curriculum or at their particular site.

Though the course work for the MA/CS is available at Davie, Florida, some of the work may be completed through Distance Education.

Program Objectives

The MA/CS will enable participants to:

• Understand the biblical and theological constructs that form the foundation for the Christian faith
• Think critically and constructively about the historic and global contexts of Christianity
• Examine closely an area of Christian studies of personal interest
• Articulate their Christian faith in light of their present vocational engagement
• Grow in personal and spiritual maturity

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

The admission requirements for the MA/CS are those described under the Admissions section of the catalog, and the following further requirements specific to the MA/CS program:

• Applicants must possesss a bacalaureate degree, or the educational equivalent, from a recognized accedited institution. In some cases, admission with deficiencies is possible with fulfillment of those deficiencies at Trinity.
• The applicant's undergraduate cumulative grade point average must be a minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; however, since grade point average is not always an accurate indication of an applicant's abilities for graduate work, those with a lower grade point average are encouraged to consult with an admissions counselor.
• Scores from the Miller Analogies Test (MA/T) (preferred) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) are required for applicants whose undergraduate grade point average is less than 2.5, and for others upon request from the Admissions Office.

Residency Requirement

The residency requirement for the MA/CS degree is that a minimum of 24 hours must be completed through Trinity course work, with the final 8 hours taken through Trinity. The 24 hours may be completed at Davie, Florida, or through Trinity Distance Education or independent study courses as arranged with the program advisor.

Statue of Limitation

All MA/CS program requirements must be completed within eight years of matriculation into the program. Extension of the statute of limitation for up to two years may be granted by petition when a student has demonstrated consistent program progress toward the degree.

Candidacy Requirements

Admission to the MA/CS program must be followed by achievement of candidacy for the degree. Program candidacy occurs when:

• A minimum of 16 hours in the program are completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 for program course work after admission to the program
• All entrance deficiencies and conditions are removed
• Formal action has been taken by the faculty to grant candidacy for the degree

Graduation Requirements

• Complete the general graduation requirements for all master's programs.
• Complete a minimum of 42 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average for program course work of at least 2.5, with no course work graded below a "C-" applicable to the degree.
• Complete two semesters of Field Educaiton.
• Complete the MA/CS capstone project in the form of an integrative paper or ministry project for two hours.

Curriculum

Fees and Expenses