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. Had been converted and baptized for at least two years.
3. A demonstration of maturity in personal and spiritual life, with two recommendations from church pastors or leaders. (Applicants in Mainland China must have at least one overseas referee and one church pastor to make recommendations).
4. The ability to understand Mandarin.
5. Proof of English proficiency is required. Minimum TOEFL score of 470 / 52 (TOEFL iBT). Or IELTS with a score of 5.5. Or Duolingo English Test score of 80. (TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test valid scores are only limited to two years, more than two years must be retaken) (Applicants with a Bachelor or higher degree from English speaking schools; or those who have lived in North America for more than 20 years are exempt from this requirement.) Other forms of proof of English proficiency may be considered on special individual cases.

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 if pass 7 years.

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 our school or 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 the Transfer of Credits in the Scholastic Regulations.

Graduation Requirements

1. Complete 58 semester units of course work with a 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.