Graduation Requirements

You can complete your MA in Practical Theology and Ministry in 2 years, studying full-time (12 credit-hour maximum per semester). You can also pursue your degree on a part-time basis. The MA must be completed within seven years from the date you initially enroll.

Coursework

For completion of the degree, you will need to:

1. complete a minimum of 39 hours of course work, of which
   • 27 credit-hours are fulfilled from the Core Curriculum which includes 6 credit-hours of courses in Supervised Ministry
   • 12 credit-hours are taken as electives
2. pass written and oral comprehensive examinations.

Formation Plan

Barry’s Department of Theology and Philosophy is intentional about preparing you for active ministry in a local and global church. Our emerging model for ministerial formation requires that you develop a sound personal and contextual consciousness that will complement the excellent theological education you receive through your coursework.

Dr. Elsie Miranda, Director of the MA in Practical Theology and Ministry program and Director of Formation, will assist you in the development of a formation plan involving spiritual direction, retreats, and ministerial-skills workshops. This formation plan will encourage you to address your own spiritual growth and maturity through a variety of experiences. You will be encouraged to strengthen your professional and personal life by developing balance and accountability.

Formation for students in the MA in Practical Theology and Ministry program also involves a communal immersion project (THE 620) and Supervised Field Education (THE 621), along with classroom interaction. These courses are designed to prepare you to master the skills of theological reflection as you develop skills for effective pastoral ministry.

Comprehensive Exams

The Department will provide you with questions and a reading list for examinations in Old Testament, New Testament, Practical Systematic Theology, Liturgical Theology, and Moral Theology. Each area of theology is examined from historical and practical perspectives. You are expected to prepare all topic areas and questions. On the day of the examination, one question from each area will be given.

The oral examination is based on the responses to the written examination as well as on other topics and questions in the five areas. This part of the examination will be conducted by at least three examiners from the Department of Theology and Philosophy.

Contact Us. If you have any questions regarding the graduation requirements for the Master’s in Practical Theology and Ministry, please feel free to contact us online or you can call us at 305-899-3469 or 1-800-756-6000, ext. 3469.