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Master of Arts in Urban Ministry
(MA in UM)

TEDS, with the approval of the Association of Theological Schools, offers the Master of Arts in Urban Ministry degree program at the South Chicago Regional Center in Dolton. Although some urban-ministry–related courses are available in Deerfield, participants should plan to make the South Chicago Regional Center the center of their program activities.

MA in UM Program Purpose

The MA in UM serves students engaged in urban ministry who desire a graduate degree that provides knowledge and skills for effective ministry in an urban setting. The emphasis is designed for the mature student with significant experience in urban ministry. While the objectives of this emphasis focus on the specific needs of minority students in urban ministry, others with appropriate urban ministry background or vocational goals are encouraged to apply. The MA in UM has the following objectives:

• Professional Competence. The program will contribute to effectiveness as a pastor, preacher, and teacher.
• Educational Legitimization. The structures of a complex urban society often call on urban pastors to intercede with agencies such as the welfare department, courts, public schools, and social work systems. Adequate professional skill and academic credentials legitimizes the urban pastors ministry in these contexts.
• Theological Integration. The integration of social and spiritual responsibilities in urban ministry often lacks a clear framework. The MA in UM program provides a contextualized setting for engaging this integration.
• Marketable Skills. Professional competence and academic credentials enhance the opening of ministry opportunities for urban pastors.

MA in UM Design and Requirements

The MA in UM’s main campus in the city of Chicago offers classes at times conducive for persons engaged in full-time employment. The entire program may be completed at the South Chicago Regional Center; however, many courses are also offered on the Deerfield Campus.

The curriculum design enables completion of the required 48 hours in approximately three years when taking two courses (6-8 hours) per semester, making the emphasis accessible to those engaged in full-time ministry. Upon completion of course work, a written professional project is also required that reflects the engagement of the student’s academic training with ministry experience.

Currently, courses are offered in Dolton across the street from New Life Celebration Church of God at 14240 Dante Avenue. Updated course information may be obtained through Dr. Michael Reynolds, Assistant Dean of Extension and Continuing Education and Director of the MA in UM program at 312.505.8498.

MA in UM Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

In addition to the General Admission Requirements described in the Admissions section of the catalog, the following further requirements are specific to the MA in UM program:

• The applicant’s undergraduate grade point average must be a minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; however, since GPA is not always an accurate indication of an applicant’s abilities for graduate work, those with a lower GPA are encouraged to consult with our admissions counselors. Alternative evaluation is sometimes possible as is admission status that will permit the applicant to demonstrate the ability to do graduate work.

MA in UM Residency Requirement and Continuation

Residency requirements for the MA in UM degree:

• Twenty-four hours must be completed through Trinity course work.
• The final 8 hours must be taken through Trinity.

Upon completion of all but 6 hours of course work in a program, continuous registration each fall and spring semester is required. If a student is not registered for remaining course work, a continuation fee is assessed each semester until all program requirements have been met. If the student has not completed the program after four semesters of continuation status, the fee amount is doubled for the next four semesters.

MA in UM Statute of Limitation

All MA in UM program requirements must be completed within five years of matriculation into the program for students enrolled on the Deerfield Campus. Students enrolled at extension sites must complete all requirements within eight years. Petition to extend the statute of limitation may be made by a student to the Academic Exceptions Committee.

MA in UM Candidacy Requirements

Admission to the MA in UM program must be followed by achievement of candidacy for the degree. Program candidacy occurs when

• A minimum of 16 hours in the program are completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5 after admission to the program.
• All entrance deficiencies and conditions are removed.
• Formal action has been taken by the faculty to grant candidacy for the degree.

MA in UM Graduation Requirements

The following requirements must be completed to earn the MA in UM degree:

1. Complete the General Graduation Requirements for all master’s programs.
2. Complete a minimum of 48 hours with a cumulative GPA for program course work of at least 2.5, with no course work graded below a “C-” applicable to the degree. A maximum of 33 percent of course work may be completed in an independent study format (Reading, Guided Research, and Distance Education courses).
3. Meet the general comprehensive requirements in Old Testament, New Testament, and three in Systematic Theology through either successful completion of the exams or parallel course work. See the Academic Handbook for details on these exams.
   
   MA in UM students may complete the general comprehensive requirement through Distance Education courses (OT 5000, NT 5000, ST 5101, ST 5102, ST 5103) when available, which must be passed with a “C” or higher. Failure to pass at this grade level necessitates completion of the classroom course.
4. MA in UM students must complete an approved professional project (PT 7471, PT 7472), reflecting academic training, practical experiences, and demonstrated ability in the practice of urban ministry.