MA in Pastoral Studies (MAPS)
For more information: (626) 815-5451
Mission Statement
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) program prepares women and men for a specialized field of church ministry through a program of study comprising 48 units in biblical, theological, and ministerial studies. An important feature of the program is the intentional integration of academic and experiential components.
Exceptions to Admission Requirements
A limited number of applicants who do not have baccalaureate degrees but have extensive ministerial experience may be considered for admission. For a description of the standards governing this exception, contact the Azusa Pacific Seminary associate dean. Students admitted under this exception must obtain a B or better in their first 12 units of coursework.
Program of Studies
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies requires 48 units of coursework: 28 units of core courses, 12 units in a selected ministry concentration, 3 units of Mentored Ministry, 1 unit for the Community Retreat, and 4 units of a Capstone Project. Most students concentrate in one area of ministry: church leadership and development, urban studies, or youth ministry. Instead of choosing one of these concentrations, some students use their 12 units of general electives to develop their own areas of interest.
Requirements for the MA in Pastoral Studies, Church Leadership and Development Concentration
Today’s hurried, fragmented society calls for healthy, effective ministry leaders. This concentration provides students with education in practical ministry, with particular focus on leadership development and spiritual formation, equipping ministers for the broad, multifaceted needs of the contemporary Church. Concentration outcomes build on the Azusa Pacific Seminary core competencies and MAPS program outcomes.
Concentration Outcomes
- Synthesize the vital role of healthy church management for the empowerment of the laity.
- Develop vocational proficiency and leadership ability.
- Apply ministry principles of Christ-like formation for lifelong ministry effectiveness and personal growth.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Studies Core | 8 | |
| Biblical Interpretation: Exploring Genesis | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Torah and Prophets: Exodus-2 Kings | ||
| Paul the Pastor and Theologian | ||
| Theological Studies Core | 8 | |
| Christian Theology | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Church History I | ||
| Church History II | ||
| Ministry Core | 8 | |
| Christian Formation and Discipleship | ||
| Ministry Life and Leadership | ||
| Integrated Core | 4 | |
| The Gospels and Christology | ||
| Mentored Ministry | 4 | |
| Community Retreat | ||
| Mentored Ministry 1 | ||
| Church Leadership and Development Concentration | 12 | |
| Servant Leadership and Church Management | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Ministry | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| The Missional Church | ||
| Seminar in Ministry | ||
| Capstone/Portfolio | 4 | |
| Integrative Ministry Project | ||
| Total Units | 48 | |
- 1
Repeat for a total of 3 units.
Requirements for the MA in Pastoral Studies, Urban Studies Concentration
The North American Church is becoming increasingly urbanized. To prepare students for ministry in the city, this concentration engages them with urban social structures, trends, and ministry strategies. Issues of contextualization, social analysis, and cross-cultural communication will be addressed.
Concentration Outcomes
- Evaluate and apply ministry concepts, theories, and methodologies found in the urban setting.
- Develop cultural awareness and sensitivity for ministry in the urban context.
- Analyze the methods of evangelism and discipleship unique to the city.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Studies Core | 8 | |
| Biblical Interpretation: Exploring Genesis | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Torah and Prophets: Exodus-2 Kings | ||
| Paul the Pastor and Theologian | ||
| Theological Studies Core | 8 | |
| Christian Theology | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Church History I | ||
| Church History II | ||
| Ministry Core | 8 | |
| Christian Formation and Discipleship | ||
| Ministry Life and Leadership | ||
| Integrated Core | 4 | |
| The Gospels and Christology | ||
| Mentored Ministry | 4 | |
| Community Retreat | ||
| Mentored Ministry 1 | ||
| Urban Studies Concentration | 12 | |
| Urban Sociology and Christian Ministry | ||
| Current Issues in Urban Ministry | ||
Select one of the following: | ||
| City in Theological Perspective | ||
| Urban Cross-Cultural Ministry | ||
| Capstone/Portfolio | 4 | |
| Integrative Ministry Project | ||
| Total Units | 48 | |
- 1
Repeat for a total of 3 units.
Requirements for the MA in Pastoral Studies, Youth Ministry Concentration
Youth ministry in the 21st century must be rooted in scriptural principles and able to address the challenges facing youth in today’s complex culture. This concentration is desirable for leaders in youth ministry not seeking ordination.
Concentration Outcomes
- To think theologically and biblically about the nature of youth in relationship to church and family.
- To comprehend youth issues that are impacting the home, church, and community.
- To build healthy intergenerational relationships within the church.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Studies Core | 8 | |
| Biblical Interpretation: Exploring Genesis | ||
| Select one of the following | ||
| Torah and Prophets: Exodus-2 Kings | ||
| Paul the Pastor and Theologian | ||
| Theological Studies Core | 8 | |
| Christian Theology | ||
| Select one of the following | ||
| Church History I | ||
| Church History II | ||
| Ministry Core | 8 | |
| Ministry Life and Leadership | ||
| Christian Formation and Discipleship | ||
| Integrative Core | 4 | |
| The Gospels and Christology | ||
| Mentored Ministry | 4 | |
| Community Retreat | ||
| Mentored Ministry 1 | ||
| Youth Ministry Concentration | 12 | |
| Foundations of Youth Ministry | ||
| Leadership in Youth Ministry | ||
| Select one of the following | ||
| Multicultural Youth Ministry | ||
| Pastoral Counseling of Youth | ||
| Capstone/Portfolio | 4 | |
| Integrative Ministry Project | ||
| Total Units | 48 | |
- 1
Repeat for a total of 3 units.
Requirements for the MA in Pastoral Studies, General Electives Concentration
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Studies Core Courses | 8 | |
| Biblical Interpretation: Exploring Genesis | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Torah and Prophets: Exodus-2 Kings | ||
| Paul the Pastor and Theologian | ||
| Theology and Ethics Core | 8 | |
| Christian Theology | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Church History I | ||
| Church History II | ||
| Ministry Core | 8 | |
| Christian Formation and Discipleship | ||
| Ministry Life and Leadership | ||
| Integrated Core | 4 | |
| The Gospels and Christology | ||
| Mentored Ministry | 4 | |
| Community Retreat | ||
| Mentored Ministry 1 | ||
| General Electives Concentration | 12 | |
| Capstone/Portfolio | 4 | |
| Integrative Ministry Project | ||
| Total Units | 48 | |
- 1
Repeat for a total of 3 units
Additional Degree Requirements
Supervised Ministry
All students should devote at least eight hours per week, for the duration of the program, to the practice of some form of supervised ministry in an approved church or parachurch field center. In order to graduate, students must maintain at least a 2.7 grade-point average.
Time Limit
The program must be completed within 10 years from the date of admission. APU coursework completed more than 10 years prior to completion of degree requirements is not acceptable toward the degree.
Admission
University graduate admission and program-specific requirements must be met before an application is complete (see Admission to the University). Program-specific application requirements are available online.
International students should contact Graduate and Professional Admissions for application procedures.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this program shall be able to:- Model a holy life through spiritual disciplines reflecting a Wesleyan heritage of faith and love.
- Interpret Scripture with reverent criticism, theological insight, and constructive imagination, beginning with the inductive method of Bible study, for the edification of the Church.
- Think theologically through the Wesleyan quadrilateral (Scripture, Church tradition, reason, and experience) in a manner that is faithful to the past and responsive to the present.
- Develop competence in the pastoral responsibilities of teaching, leadership, and pastoral care.
- Analyze various cultural constructs and global issues in order to provide transformational leadership for the church.
- Develop competency in design, application, and evaluation of a specialized ministry.