Christian Studies, M.A. + Community Development, M.S.

Program Overview

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The MACS + MSCD program combines theological education with practical community development skills, equipping graduates to integrate faith and social justice in their work. Through a holistic approach, the program prepares individuals for leadership roles in diverse ministry and community development contexts, empowering them to address complex social issues and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Program Outline

• Community Development, M.S.

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(MACS + MSCD)

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Degree Overview

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Aim:

The MACS + MSCD program aims to combine graduate theological education with practical community development skills. This includes grant writing, program design and evaluation, data gathering, and political, economic, and managerial tools.

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Objectives:

• Equip graduates to integrate theological understanding with practical community development skills.
• Train individuals to effectively serve and empower communities through transformative development initiatives.
• Prepare graduates for leadership roles in diverse ministry and community development contexts.

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Program Description:

The MACS + MSCD program caters to individuals passionate about combining theological knowledge with practical community development expertise. It equips graduates to address complex social issues through a holistic approach grounded in Christian principles. The program emphasizes real-world application through its curriculum, ensuring graduates are prepared to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• The program integrates theological foundations with practical community development skills.
• The curriculum covers areas such as biblical studies, theology, ethics, social justice, community organizing, program development, and evaluation.
• Students gain hands-on experience through internships, case studies, and collaborative projects.

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Structure:

• The program spans two and a half years, with students typically taking 12 credit hours per semester plus summer courses.
• The program format combines online and on-campus learning, offering flexibility for working professionals.

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Course Schedule:

• The program follows a defined course schedule, ensuring a comprehensive and structured learning experience.
• Specific course offerings and schedules can be found in the PBA Graduate and Pharmacy Catalog.

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Individual Modules:

• The program curriculum comprises a variety of modules covering different aspects of Christian Studies and Community Development.
• Descriptions of individual modules and their learning objectives are available in the PBA Graduate and Pharmacy Catalog.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
• Exams and quizzes
• Essays and research papers
• Presentations and group projects
• Case studies and simulations
• Internship evaluations
• These methods ensure a comprehensive assessment of students' knowledge, skills, and application abilities.

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Assessment Criteria:

• The program utilizes specific criteria to evaluate student performance, including:
• Depth of understanding
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Communication and writing skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ethical reflection and application
• Collaboration and teamwork skills
• These criteria reflect the program's commitment to developing well-rounded graduates who can apply their knowledge effectively in real-world settings.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program utilizes diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and preferences.
• These methods include:
• Interactive lectures and discussions
• Case studies and simulations
• Group projects and presentations
• Guest lectures from industry professionals
• Online learning modules and resources
• This variety of methods ensures an engaging and stimulating learning environment.

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Faculty:

• The program boasts a dedicated faculty with expertise in both Christian Studies and Community Development.
• The faculty members are experienced professionals and active researchers who bring their real-world insights and knowledge to the classroom.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program integrates theological reflection and ethical considerations into all aspects of community development practice.
• This approach fosters a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness between faith, social justice, and community empowerment.
• The program utilizes a collaborative learning environment that encourages students to actively engage with their peers and faculty.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Graduates of the MACS + MSCD program are prepared for diverse career paths in various sectors, including:
• Non-profit organizations
• Faith-based ministries
• Community development agencies
• Government and public service organizations
• International development organizations
• Social entrepreneurship ventures
• Higher education and research institutions

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Career Opportunities:

• The program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to pursue various roles within these sectors, such as:
• Community development practitioners
• Program directors and managers
• Grant writers and fundraisers
• Policy analysts and advocacy specialists
• Social entrepreneurs
• Researchers and educators
• Nonprofit leaders

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Career Outcomes:

• The program boasts a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers in community development.
• Graduates report high satisfaction rates and a positive impact on their communities.

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Other:

• Dual Degree Structure: The MACS + MSCD program allows students to earn two degrees simultaneously, reducing the overall time and cost compared to obtaining each degree separately.
• Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet the admission requirements for both the MACS and MSCD programs individually.
Details on admission requirements can be found in the PBA Graduate and Pharmacy Catalog.