Program Description
The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree is designed for students who have a personal interest in theological study, are engaged in congregational or parachurch ministries, or are considering further advanced academic study in theology. The Low-Residency version allows students to complete this program in a mostly online, distance-learning format. This affords students the opportunity to pursue their vocational objective without disrupting their local obligations.
You may transfer easily from this degree program to any of the other MA degree programs, or to the Master of Divinity program, if your professional objectives change during your course of study.
The Seattle Pacific Seminary Faculty are a collegium of scholars and pastors who are comitted to growing together in wonder, love, and praise.
Learn more about the various programs offered at SPS on the Seattle Pacific Seminary Website
Admission Requirements
To enroll in Seattle Pacific University's Master of Arts in Theology (MA) program, you must submit:
- A graduate online application for admission.
- A $50 processing fee.
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions.
- Two letters of recommendation:
- one from a clergyperson, church staff person, or parachurch professional who will attest to the your emotional, spiritual, and academic readiness for graduate theological study; and
- one academic reference from a former professor who knows your academic work well.
- A typed personal statement. Statements should be three to four pages in length (double spaced). The statement should address your career objectives, a narrative of your personal Christian experience, rationale for seeking the degree and choosing to attend SPU, and other insights you deem appropriate.
Transfer Credits
If you wish to apply graduate-level coursework completed at a regionally accredited university or an ATS-accredited divinity school or seminary toward your MA, you must provide official transcripts and, in some cases, course syllabi. You may transfer up to 20 quarter credits from other graduate programs.
- To receive transfer credit, each course must be at least 3 graduate-quarter credits and be equivalent to courses taught in the School of Theology at SPU.
- Each course will be considered on a case-by-case basis as to the fulfillment of specific curricular requirements.
- A minimum grade of B will be needed for transferred work.
- All courses applied toward the graduate degree must be taken within seven years of admission.
- In all cases, the final 20 MA credits must be taken at SPU.
Credit for Prior Coursework
You will have your transcripts evaluated during the admissions process for the following:
- If you have been granted a master’s degree from another regionally accredited university.
- If you have taken graduate-level coursework in theology.
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