Master of Arts in Family Ministry

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Family Ministry program, students will be able to:

1. Interpret and Teach: Explain and teach biblical perspectives on family life, as well as relevant social science content, in church and ministry settings.
2. Evaluate and Design: Assess existing educational programs and develop practical ministry initiatives that address the needs of families across different stages of the family life cycle.
3. Reflect and Plan: Evaluate their own spiritual growth and develop a personal plan for ongoing spiritual formation.
4. Cultural Insight: Develop a deeper understanding of how cultural factors shape human needs, emotional expression, and interpersonal relationships.

The Chinese version is pending approval by the Academic Council.

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must have completed a four-year undergraduate degree or graduated from a theological institution with a bachelor’s degree or higher, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67 (B− or 80%).
2. Applicants must be born-again Christians who have been baptized for at least two years.
3. Applicants must demonstrate strong character and spiritual maturity and provide a recommendation from a pastor or church leader. Applicants from mainland China must provide at least one overseas recommender and one church pastor.
4. Applicants must have sufficient proficiency in Mandarin Chinese to follow instruction.
5. Proof of English reading proficiency is required: a TOEFL score of at least 470 / 52 TOEFL iBT, an IELTS score of at least 5.5, or a Duolingo English Test score of at least 80. English proficiency scores are valid for two years and must be retaken thereafter. Applicants who earned a degree at an institution where English was the primary language of instruction or who have lived in North America for more than 20 years may be exempt. Other forms of equivalent English proficiency may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Curriculum and Program Structure

The program requires 46 credits of required coursework, 8 credits of Family Ministry electives, and 6 credits of general electives, for a total of 60 credits.

Program Duration and Location

The program may be completed in a minimum of two years and a maximum of seven years. Students who require more than seven years may apply for an extension on a case-by-case basis. Selected courses may be completed online.

Required Courses

M.A. in Family Ministry

1. Biblical Studies (15 Units)

2. Theological & Historical Studies (12 Units)

3. Practical Theology (5 Units)

4. Family Ministry Core Courses (14 Units)

5. Field Education (0 Units)

6. Family Ministry Electives (8 Units)

Two-Year Curriculum

First Year

Summer

• Short-Term Mission Practicum — 0 units
• Family Ministry Elective — 3 units

Second Year

Church Life

Students are required, with the exception of the first semester, to participate in local church activities.

Transfer Students

1. All transfer students from our school or other theological seminaries with ATS or ATA accreditation must have a GPA of at least 3.0 (B or 83.5%), and apply according to the Scholastic Regulations.
2. Please refer to Transfer of Credits in the Scholastic Regulations.

Graduation Requirements

1. Complete 60 semester units of course work with GPA of at least 3.0 (B).
2. Attend the seminary retreat at least once during the program.
3. Obtain an academic clearance.
4. Students who have 3 or less credit units left to complete the degree program may still attend the commencement. Such students must show proof of registration for the remaining units in the following summer term.