Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry requires 60 credit hours of course work. The program includes biblical and theological understanding and reflection, biblical/theological/cultural hermeneutics, opportunities to practice theology through participation and competency development, and the development of pastoral/ministry identity and character.

One of the unique aspects of this program is the Ministry Discernment Process. This process, which finds students meeting with denominational and church leaders to discern their suitability and readiness for ministry, enables individuals to move towards ministry with the support, encouragement and discernment of their church.

While formation for ministry clearly takes place throughout the designed curriculum, 12-15 credit hours are specifically designated as “Ministry Formation.”

Qualified occasional students may take courses on a part-time basis.

Application Due Dates

• April 30 – To begin classes in September
• August 31 – To begin classes in January
• If you have missed the due date, contact the Director or Mitch Krohn in Admissions at mkrohn@cmu.ca

Advanced Standing
Students may be eligible for advanced standing if they have completed a four-year Bachelor of Arts with a major in Biblical and Theological Studies (or its equivalent) or courses at the graduate level. The amount of advanced standing is limited by the residency requirement.

Admission Requirements
A baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (‘B’).

Residency Requirement
Must take 30 credit hours at CMU.

Curriculum Requirements
A minimum of 60 credit hours
Distribution requirements—48-51 credit hours

Bible—12 credit hours
Theology and History of Christianity—12 credit hours
Practical Theology—12 credit hours
Ministry Formation—12-15 hours, including
BTS-5330/3 Spiritual Formation for Ministry
BTS-5340/0 Ministry Discernment Process (0 hours credit)
One of the following two tracks:

1. Option for Supervised Ministry Experience—9-12 credit hours, including
BTS-5931/6 Supervised Ministry Experience
OR BTS-5932/9 Supervised Ministry Experience
BTS-5935/3 Ministry Practicum Seminar
2. Option for Field Research—9 credit hours including
BTS-5900/3 Research and Methodology
BTS-6020/6 Field Research Project or Thesis

Electives—as required to reach a total of 60 credit hours

Notes:
1. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (‘B’) to remain in the program.
2. Students who have at least five years of relevant ministry experience may propose to embark on a Field Research Project or Thesis. Students who wish to choose this option must submit a proposal by April 30, one year before the student expects to graduate. Acceptance of the proposal will depend on the following criteria: (i) the strength of the proposal, (ii) the student’s overall academic performance, and (iii) the availability of a faculty member to serve as thesis advisor. Information regarding procedures for thesis writing can be downloaded here or obtained from the Director of Graduate Studies.
3. Students admitted to the program will be assigned a faculty advisor to assist them in selecting courses and negotiating their program.