Degree Overview

Master of Arts in Christian Education

The Master of Arts in Christian Education (M.A.C.E.) is designed specifically to equip Great Commission ministers to lead, teach, and disciple with excellence. The 67-hour degree includes 29 hours in Biblical and Theological Studies, 15 hours in Great Commission Studies, and 23 hours in Educational Ministry and Concentration Studies. Concentrations within the Terry School include: Biblical Counseling, Biblical Languages, Children and Family Ministry, Christian Leadership, Collegiate Ministry, Discipleship and Teaching, Student and Family Ministry, and Ministry to Women.

Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling

The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (M.A.B.C.) is a 68-hour program of study designed primarily to equip Christian men and women to minister God's Word through counseling in the context of the local church or other Christian ministries. The degree includes 29 hours of Biblical and Theological Studies, 15 hours of Great Commission Studies, and 24 hours of Biblical Counseling Studies to prepare students to effectively interpret and minister the Word of God, apply God's Word in both formal and informal counseling settings, and lead the church in the Great Commission mandate to make disciples.

Master of Divinity (Educational Ministries)

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in the Jack D. Terry School of Educational Ministries provides comprehensive preparation for students to lead, teach, disciple, and counsel in a broad range of Christian ministry opportunities, especially in local churches. The 85-hour degree includes 44 hours in Biblical and Theological Studies, 18 hours in Great Commission Studies, and 23 hours in Educational Ministry and Concentration Studies. Concentrations within the Terry School include: Biblical Counseling, Biblical Languages, Children and Family Ministry, Christian Leadership, Discipleship and Teaching, Student and Family Ministry, Women’s Ministry, and Women’s Studies.

Advanced Master of Divinity (Educational Ministries)

The Advanced Master of Divinity in the Jack D. Terry School of Educational Ministries allows students to build upon their undergraduate theological training by taking advanced and/or alternative courses in place of selected courses in the standard Master of Divinity degree plan.

Master of Theology (Educational Ministries)

The most advanced theological degree at the master's level, the Master of Theology (Th.M.) allows students to gain a high level of competency in one major area of study after completion of the Master of Arts in Christian Education, Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling, or the Master of Divinity. The Th.M. enhances ministerial practice, preparation for doctoral studies, and further mastery of specialized disciplines.

Doctor of Ministry

The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) develops reflective and expert practitioners in ministry who will grow not only in ministry comprehension and competence, but also in character and virtue. Because it is a doctoral degree program, the student is expected to pursue a high standard of expertise in ministry reflection and practice. Students will be challenged to think biblically and critically about the work of ministry and to articulate and demonstrate a thorough biblical and theological vision for ministry practice. Concentration areas of study include Biblical Counseling, Christian Apologetics, Christian Leadership, Church Planting Leadership, Church Revitalization, Discipleship and Christian Growth, Evangelism and Missions, Executive Leadership, Family Ministry, Pastoral Theology, Text-driven Preaching, and Worship Leadership.

Doctor of Educational Ministry

The Doctor of Educational Ministry (D.Ed.Min.) degree further prepares graduates for advanced leadership in ministry. Intended for those who are actively involved in ministry leadership, this degree is designed to develop reflective and expert practitioners in ministry who will grow not only in ministry comprehension and competence, but also in character and virtue. The D.Ed.Min. challenges the student to think and write biblically about ministry, and its focus on the application of the Scriptures to practical ministry concerns allows the student to directly apply their doctoral studies to their own ministry setting. Concentration areas of study include Biblical Counseling, Christian Leadership, Church Planting Leadership, Church Revitalization, Discipleship and Christian Growth, Evangelism and Missions, Executive Leadership, Family Ministry, and Worship Leadership.

Doctor of Education

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program is designed to equip the graduate with scholarship and educational and leadership competencies. The graduate will be prepared to serve in leadership and teaching positions in higher education contexts, as well as in educational ministries of the church and in non-profit organizations. The Ed.D. will uniquely equip scholar-practitioners who influence their organizations as they become published writers, excellent teachers, thought-leaders, and problem solvers. Specialized concentrations include Higher Education Administration, Organizational Leadership, and Teaching and Educational Ministry.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree prepares graduates for leadership in the field of Christian Education. The program is designed to develop the skills of sound scholarship, an understanding of the fundamental authority of the Scriptures over our philosophy and practice, and the creative leadership necessary to teach in a graduate institution or to serve in a significant place of service. The Doctor of Philosophy degree is conferred on the basis of high scholarship and research skill as demonstrated by the student's seminar work, examinations, and dissertation. Major fields of study include Biblical Counseling, Family and Generational Studies, and Foundations of Christian Education. Students may minor in any of the fields listed above with the addition Childhood Education and Ministry to Women.