Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies (M.A.I.C.S.)

Purpose

The Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies program is designed to equip students in Christian leadership to serve in global missions with a vision and to work effectively with other cultures through learning to better understand and appreciate them.

Goals

Upon completion of the M.A.I.C.S. program, students will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Biblically Informed Practices: The Foundation of Missional Leadership || Graduates will integrate theology and practice to develop informed responses to needs and challenges encountered in their ministries in a cross-cultural context.
• Spiritual Formation: The Heart of Missional Leadership || Graduates will cultivate a lifelong learner’s attitude that nurtures personal and spiritual vitality and maturity.
• Missional Church: The Goal of Missional Leadership || Graduates will develop plans for their church’s missional participation in cross-cultural contexts.
• Leadership Development: The Implementation of Missional Leadership || Graduates will demonstrate familiarity with the diversity of theories and practices in leadership and management, and apply selected ministry tools.
• Global Diversity: The Perspective of Missional Leadership || Graduates will articulate a global perspective with respect to their professional training.

Admission Requirements

1. A bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited four-year university or seminary with a GPA of 2.67 (B- or 80%) or above.
2. Converted and baptized for at least two years.
3. A demonstration of personal and spiritual maturity, with two recommendations from church pastors or leaders.
4. The ability to understand Mandarin. (An interview will be given to assess listening comprehension)
5. Proof of English proficiency is required. A minimum TOEFL score of 470 / 52 (TOEFL iBT) is required. (Applicants with a bachelor’s or higher degree from English-speaking schools are exempt from this requirement.)

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete 58 units of coursework. This includes 50 units of core courses, and 8 units of ICS elective courses.

Duration and Location

The program must be completed between 2 to 7 years. Students may petition for an extension on a case-by-case basis.

Core Courses

1. Biblical Studies (15 units)

2. Theological & History Studies (12 units)

3. Practical Theology (11 units)

4. Intercultural Studies (12 units)

Elective Courses

1. Intercultural Studies Elective (8 units)

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 other accredited seminaries must have a GPA of at least 3.0 (B or 83.5%), and complete an application in accordance with the Scholastic Regulations.
2. For all other transfer situations, please refer to “Transfer of Credits” in the Scholastic Regulations.

Graduation Requirements

1. Complete 58 semester units of coursework with a GPA of at least 3.0 (B).
2. Attend the seminary retreat at least once during the program.
3. Obtain academic clearance.
4. Students who have 3 or less credit units remaining 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.