Master of Arts (M.A.)

The master of arts (M.A.) degree is designed to meet a number of different goals, which may include one or more of the following:
    To equip persons for competent leadership in some form of specialized ministry in congregations and others settings (e.g., Associates in Ministry, Diaconal Ministers, or Deaconesses)
    To provide a basic understanding of theological disciplines for further graduate study
    To advance general educational purposes and/or to nourish a student’s faith

The two-year M.A. program consists of sixteen courses. The required courses focus on biblical, historical, systematic and contextual study while the electives allow for concentrated work in a particular field or for exploring a wide range of theological offerings. All requirements for the degree must be completed within four years of admission into the program although a petition for extension may be submitted.

Because Associate in Ministry and Diaconal Ministry candidates must fulfill specific ecclesiastical expectations, their program is adjusted appropriately in order to meet those requirements. The program outline below clarifies those adjustments.

With the exception of Diaconal Ministry candidates, who must take an Ethics course as an ecclesiastical requirement, M.A. students may choose a course from one of four area options in order to fulfill this requirement. The four options are:

Communities of Color: This area requirement has a multi-sided intent as it engages in theological inquiry emphasizing communities of color and communities representing emerging majority cultures: (1) to ensure that all students experience the challenges of multiple cultural heritages in order to curb the ethnocentrism that is particularly difficult to resist for dominant groups; (2) to prepare students for meaningful dialogue in an increasingly multicultural world; (3) to provide opportunities for students to prepare for ministry in their own communities as well as in other communities within the wider church.

Ethics: The study of ethics is by nature an interdisciplinary process. This area requirement provides opportunity for students to engage in critical reflection on contemporary issues facing church and society. Students may choose from courses in biblical, social, and theological ethics, as well as courses which address specific issues or which approach ethics through a particular focus.

World Religions: This area requirement addresses the growing opportunity and challenge of living in an interfaith environment. The reality of religious pluralism is not confined to cities like Chicago. It is also increasingly the reality in rural and suburban U.S. contexts as well. Those who live their Christian vocations in this multi-faith world need skills in interfaith dialogue--skills crucial to making a compelling witness of their own faith as well as respectfully learning about the faith of others. Students may focus their work in World Religions in a particular area (such as Islam or Judaism) as well as develop a working knowledge of more than one world religion.

Leadership for Mission and Public Life: Courses in this area are designed to assist students to develop particular leadership skills and thinking processes that help them navigate the challenges of church and community leadership. Theoretical models of leadership as well as practical application are important elements of these courses.

Dual Degree program: Those who wish to combine theological study with the study of clinical practice and social administration may apply to a coordinated program leading to the degrees of Master of Arts from LSTC and the A.M. (Master of Arts) in Social Work from the University of Chicago.

Emphases: An "emphasis" allows students to focus on a specific field of study in order to enhance their ministry preparation or to prepare for further graduate study. The requirements for an emphasis can be met in the process of fulfilling the requirements of the M.A. program. They include specific course work, the completion of a field component, the production of a project in the second year of study and the passing of a summative evaluation. A certificate of study and a notation on the student's transcript recognize the completion of an emphasis. Currently LSTC offers emphases in biblical studies, environmental ministry, urban/metropolitan ministry and religion and science.

Concentrations: M.A. candidates may develop an area of concentration in any discipline represented by the LSTC faculty. The professor or professors in a specific field may determine which courses are essential for a concentration in that field and identify pertinent cognate courses. A concentration requires six courses which may include courses taken to fulfill M.A. requirements.

Credit by examination or waiver of required courses: M.A. candidates may petition that they be allowed to gain credit by examination or that a required course be waived and substituted with an elective.

Clinical Pastoral Education (C.P.E.): M.A. candidates may receive one elective credit for C.P.E.

Abbreviated Course of Study: International students who enroll at LSTC for a full academic year may earn the M.A. degree provided that they are assigned sufficient advanced standing on the basis of previous theological study. The Director of the M.A. program reviews the relevant academic records and determines whether such advanced standing is possible. International students must complete at least eight courses at LSTC, including the Summative Evaluation, in order to qualify for the M.A. degree.

Internship: All M.A. candidates may complete an internship in a variety of ministry settings. The internship is arranged through and supervised by the Director of Field Education. It requires 600 hours of work and the completion of a project. The internship can fulfill one elective credit.

Summative Evaluation: The M.A. program requires the successful completion of the summative evaluation, which consists of the production of a major research paper. Associate in Ministry candidates may substitute a vocational project for the paper. The specific topic of the paper or the nature of the project are determined by the student in consultation with an advisor, a second reader and the Director of the M.A. program. Diaconal Ministry candidates fulfill the summative evaluation requirement by completing their diaconal project. The summative evaluation earns one course credit.

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