Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

MA / EM

Master of Arts / Educational Ministries

Master of Arts / Educational Ministries

The MA / EM is an academically-oriented program that provides specialized study in the discipline of educational ministries broadly defined. The MA / EM melds academic and professional interests, providing participants a rigorous theoretical background in educational thinking with intentional application to the ministry context.  It is designed for those with an undergraduate educational ministries program (or specialized EM program such as youth ministry, etc.) who wish to further their understanding of educational theory and its application; or for those without a signficiant educational background who recognize the necessity of helping persons grow in their Christain faith in the church and other Christian contexts.

Where can this degree take me?

The MA / EM is designed primarily for those who are either leading educational ministries or interested in pursuing further graduate or doctoral work in educational studies or a related discipline. It would serve as an excellent foundation for our PhD (Educational Studies), graduates of which currently serve in academic and organizational leadership roles worldwide, from colleges and universities to denominations and parachurch organizations. This program may also prepare you for teaching in Christian secondary schools and some Christian colleges.

What will I study?

A theology foundation is coupled with educational ministries core courses, which vary widely according to availability and your interests. Courses you’ll take include the following:

  • Required Foundation Core - 18 hours

    Core courses are listed below. Appropriate substitutions may be made in consultation with the EM faculty advisor.
    Theology Core 6 hrs
    Generally ST 5101 (Theology I) and ST 5102 (Theology II).
    Bible Core 6 hrs
    Generally OT or NT 5000 and OT or NT 100
    EM Foundations Core 6 hrs
    EM 5000 Educational Ministries in the Local Church 2 hrs
    EM 5125 Teaching and Learning 2 hrs
    EM 5210 Leadership and Administration 2 hrs
    Components of each of the above courses will contribute to the MA / EM Portfolio for degree students.

  • EM Concentration - 11-14 hours

    Participants consult with their EM faculty advisor in focusing their concentration courses around an educational area of personal interest. Suggested courses are offered on a regular basis (though not every course is offered every semester or every year). Consult your EM advisor for current occasional special course work that may be appropriate for your area of interest.

  • Electives, Field Education & Capstone - 6-10 hours

    MA/EM program participants will participate throughout their program in field-based and community based activities which contribute to a robust EM Portfolio which will culminate in the MA/EM Capstone experience.  Details are available from the Department. Participants work with the Department faculty who will determine on basis of ministry goals and prior experience in completing one of the following:
    (a) Two EM 7980 MA Major Research Paper 0 hrs
    (b) EM 7xxx Educational Ministries Internship 0-3 hrs

  • Suggested Interdepartmental Courses

    The following courses in other departments may be applicable to the EM Concentration, depending on a participant’s interest area. This is a partial list and is meant to illustrate the breadth of elective coursework you might take. MA / EM students should work with their advisor in determining which are appropriate.
    CC 5610 Cultural Hermeneutics
    CH 5010 History of Christianity
    CM 6572 Pastoral Counseling for Marriage and Family
    CO 5210 Counseling Skills Training
    CO 6530 Child and Adolescent Counseling
    HM 5000 Theology and Methodology of Biblical Preaching
    ID 5000 Biblical Theology and Interpretation
    ID 6012 Prayer and Life in the Spirit
    ME 5001 Foundations of Evangelism
    ME 7215 Teaching the Bible in Intercultural Settings
    ME 8815 Ethnicity: Modes of Inquiry and Analysis
    PT 5000 Personal Assessment and Ministry Orientation
    PT 6300 Intro to Chaplain Ministries
    PT 7860 Social and Cultural Exegesis

Field Education

All MA / EM students must complete a field education requirement. Learn more about field ed here.

Student Learning Outcomes

The MA / EM will enable participants to:

  • Critique educational practices and experiences with renewed theoretical and educational understanding
  • Ground their educational thinking in a strong biblical and theoretical base
  • Integrate educational theory with Christian character and formation
  • Link their educational framework within a contextualized ministry practice
  • Identify and articulate a leadership philosophy and implementation strategy within an organizational system

What are the prerequisites for admission to this program?

In addition to the requirements for general admission, you’ll need the following:

  • An undergraduate major in educational ministries or its equivalent that includes a minimum of 30 hours in educational ministries, Bible / theology, and social science studies; or
  • An undergraduate major or its equivalent with exposure to educational practice in the church, in parachurch / other Christian organizations, or in the public education arena; and
  • Leadership experience in educational practice.