Graduate Department of Theology

John Mark Robeck, PhD, Director

Mission: The graduate programs in the School of Theology and Ministry offer opportunities as a learning community for students and faculty to passionately engage in the study of Scripture, theology, spirituality, and leadership to equip missional leaders for transformative ministry in various contexts.

Vanguard University, formed in 1920 with a conviction to train Christian leaders within the Pentecostal tradition, continues its commitment to educate leaders from diverse backgrounds who are Christ-centered and Spirit-empowered in their witness and service. Faculty are identified within the Pentecostal tradition and students come from a variety of religious denominations and backgrounds.

The mission of graduate studies in the School of Theology and Ministry is fulfilled through two graduate programs: Master of Arts in Theology and Master of Arts in Leadership Studies.

Students will study with outstanding faculty, who are widely published, and come from a variety of cultural backgrounds and ministry experience in the local church, global missions, nonprofits, and the academy. Resident faculty have earned doctoral degrees from a variety of institutions including: University of Basel, Biola University, University of Birmingham, Claremont Graduate University, Fuller Theological Seminary, New York University, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, and Princeton Seminary.

Abbreviations used in this Section:

GPT — Graduate Programs in Theology
M.A.L.S. — Master of Arts in Leadership Studies
M.A.T. – Master of Arts in Theology

Summary of Academic Programs

The Graduate Programs in Theology and Leadership offers the following graduate degrees:

Master of Arts in Leadership Studies (M.A.L.S.)

The purpose of the MA in Leadership Studies is to inspire transformational leaders to serve their organizations, churches, and nonprofits within the global community. Integrating best practices of real-world leadership with theology, culture, ethics, and spirituality, students engage in a learning community that develops critical thinking, energetic participation, and the cultivation of long-standing networks.

The M.A.L.S. is also offered in a Spanish language cohort program. Contact the department for more details. 

Master of Arts in Theology (M.A.T.)

The MA in Theology offers rigorous study in the various disciplines of biblical, systematic and historical, and applied theology. The program invites students to join our learning community to be empowered for advanced study or ministry in the church.

Application Information

Applications and information about graduate program admission may be obtained from the Graduate and Professional Education Admissions Office:

Academic Policies 

Classification of Students

REGULAR STANDING

Students who intend to obtain a Master’s degree and who have met all admission requirements are granted regular standing in the GPT. Only those students who have regular standing may become candidates for the Master’s degree.

PROVISIONAL STANDING

This classification is used for degree-seeking students who have their B.A. degree, but enter the program with academic deficiencies: They may lack some of the prerequisite undergraduate courses, their entering GPA is deficient, or their B.A. degree is from a non-regionally accredited institution.

M.A.L.S. and M.A.T. students accepted with provisional standing must complete the first 12 units of graduate level courses with grades of “B” (MALS) and “B-” (MAT) or above before receiving further consideration for regular standing in the GPT.

Students who qualify to move from provisional to regular standing should contact the GPT Office.

STUDENT-AT-LARGE STANDING

Students who have earned a B.A. degree but who do not plan to earn the Master’s degree may be granted special standing in the GPT. Students-at-Large may apply to the Graduate Admission Office for provisional standing in the degree program of their choice by completing an abbreviated application; however, the University and the GPT Office are not obligated to accept a student with special standing into regular degree standing.

Students who are currently in the senior year of their undergraduate studies and within 18 units of completing their Bachelor’s degree program (including the VU general education religion requirements) may be granted Student-at-Large admission. Such students may enroll simultaneously in undergraduate and graduate coursework while completing the requirements for the Bachelor’s degree. When the Bachelor’s degree is complete, students may apply for full admission into the Graduate Program. A maximum of  6-9 credit hours of graduate coursework may be applied toward the Master’s degree requirements.

Students whose applications are in the process of approval may be allowed to matriculate temporarily as Students-at-Large. A maximum of two (2) courses taken in this way may be applied to the requirements of an academic degree.

An application form is available from the Graduate Admission Office for students applying for student-at-large standing.

Auditor Standing

Auditor standing is the classification for students who attend classes for personal enrichment rather than for academic credit, with no obligations to participate actively in the work. Audit courses do not earn units of credit. All students who audit any course will complete the audit form available in the Graduate Admission Office. Students who take audit courses exclusively and who are not enrolled in the degree program, will complete the application form. Audit students are welcome in any available course.

  • Audited course are recorded on the student’s transcript.
  • Auditing Fee - The fee for auditing courses is one-half the rate of regular tuition.

Scheduling Patterns

Many graduate students are adult learners who work full time. Therefore, GPT Office makes every attempt to schedule courses at times that will facilitate progress in the degree program. Most graduate courses are scheduled one evening per week, in 3 hour blocks for 8 weeks. The Semester schedule allows for two modules of 8 week sessions (two courses). In most cases, students should be able to carry a full load. The faculty and staff can help evaluate individual students’ ability to handle a full-time course load.

The typical academic year is structured as follows:

FALL SEMESTER

The Fall semester is generally scheduled from the last week of August through the second week of December and is divided into two modules of eight-week sessions. Full-time status is a minimum of 6 units which is two courses (two eight-week sessions) per semester.

SPRING SEMESTER

The Spring semester is generally scheduled from mid-January to early May and is divided into two modules of eight-week sessions. Full-time status is a minimum of 6 units which is two courses (two eight-week sessions) per semester.

SUMMER Semester

The Summer semester is generally scheduled from mid-May through late August and is divided into two modules of eight-week sessions. Full-time status is a minimum of 6 units which is two courses (two eight-week sessions) per semester.

TRADITIONAL SCHEDULE

The traditional schedule is organized in three semesters annually, Spring, Summer, and Fall.

COHORT SCHEDULING

In cohort education, students move through their curriculum as a group, which enhances camaraderie in the classroom. Special ministry groups or cohorts use unique intensified schedule formats.

INTENSIVES

Intensives are courses offered in compacted blocks of time. Sometimes intensives are scheduled on weekends, and sometimes in week-long blocks.

Credit Hour Policy

See Credit Hour Policy section in Academic Policies and Procedures.

Program Policies

The following policies apply to all degrees offered in the Graduate Programs in Theology. Such policies govern the student’s relationship to the University and to other students, and are intended to protect students against arbitrary or unfair treatment.

Appeal Procedures

If at any time a graduate student should disagree with a policy decision (or believe it is unfair, unclear or inaccurate), he or she is encouraged to express it to the Office of Graduate Programs in Theology. Every effort will be made to resolve the discrepancy. If the student is not satisfied, any formal decision made by the GPT Office may be appealed to the Provost. The decision of the Provost is final.

Academic Load

A full-time academic load at the graduate level is 6 units or more per semester. Taking additional units per semester will require permission from the GPT Office.

Program Grade Requirements

M.A.L.S Degree

In order to graduate, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale). No more than two (2) course grades of “C+” or “C” may count toward the Master’s degree. Grades of “C-” and below cannot be used for credit toward the Master of Arts degree. Courses with a “C-“ and below may be repeated to improve the grade. Grades of “C-” and below will remain on the student’s permanent record.

M.A.T. Degree

In order to graduate, students must achieve a minimum grade point average of B- (2.67 on a 4.0 scale). No more than two (2) course grades of “C” or “C-” may count toward the Master’s degree. Grades of “D” and below cannot be used for credit toward the M.A.T. degree. Courses with  a “D” and below may be repeated to improve the grade. Grades of “D” and below will remain on the student’s permanent record.

Incomplete Work

An “Incomplete” grade is the way the institution agrees to respond to a student who has been prevented from completing some or all of the requirements in one or more courses due to circumstances which were beyond the student’s ability to prevent or foresee, and who has requested additional time to complete the course requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain a “Petition for Incomplete Grade in a Graduate Course” form from the GPT Office and to contact the course professor(s) as early as possible. Petitions are approved by the professor.  The professor is under no obligation to assign an Incomplete grade.

Examples of acceptable grounds for granting an incomplete grade include: personal or family illness of more than brief duration, serious personal or family crisis, or an unplanned increase in job responsibilities. Unacceptable grounds include heavy or difficult class load, heavy work schedule, or computer problems.

All incomplete work for full-semester courses is due 30 days from the last day of the semester. Failure to complete and submit the required work on time will result in a grade of “F”.

Incompletes in RELG coursework carry an alternate grade of “CE” (continued enrollment) and no credit is earned until all course requirements are satisfied, and the professor submits a grade change to CR (credit). Exceptions or extensions to this policy are made only with the approval of the Director and the course professor(s).

Academic Deficiencies

Students admitted with Provisional Standing due to a low GPA, must achieve a 2.67 cumulative GPA within the first 12 units of course work.  Students who do not meet this requirement will not be eligible to register for courses.

Program Time Limits

All work for the Master’s degrees will be completed within eight (8) years from the date of entrance as degree-seeking student.

If additional time is needed to complete the requirements, approval from the Director must be obtained by filing a General Petition.

Adding or Dropping Courses

When circumstances necessitate changes in a course schedule, students are required to complete and file an Add/Drop form in the GPT Office.

Eight week classes that are dropped prior to the second class meeting will not be entered on the transcript.  Classes that are dropped following the second meeting and prior to the fifth meeting will be appear on the transcript with a grade of “W”.  Classes dropped following the 6th meeting will receive a grade of “WF” unless the professor, aware of extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student, is willing to grant a “WP.”

The professor(s) and the student’s academic advisor must approve all classes added after the first week of the class. Intensive courses and weekend only courses should be dropped by the end of the first day of classes for intensives, and by the end of the first weekend for weekend seminars.

Grade Appeals

See Grade Appeal Policy in the Academic Policies and Procedure section of catalog.

Leave of Absence Policy

See Leave of Absence and Withdrawal from University Policy in the Academic Policies and Procedure section of catalog. Note that with one or more semesters on leave of absence, the limit of 8 years for the M.A.T degrees still applies.

Military Leave of Absence Policy

See Military Leave of Absence Policy in Education and Training Benefits for Veterans section of the catalog.

RE-ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM

If the student has been absent from the GPT for one or more semesters and does not have a current Leave of Absence form on file, he or she will be administratively withdrawn and must submit an “Application for Re-admission” with the GPT Office. There is a fee for re-admission. Readmitted students will be subject to current academic catalog program requirements. Students must also submit transcripts (if any) from other institutions while absent from VU.

Commencement

Consult the University's Commencement website for more information.

Continuing Registration

Students who require more than one semester to complete the exit option must register for RELG-799 Continuted Registration: Master's Study (1) unit until the exit option is complete. A tuition fee for one (1) unit is required to maintain active standing in the program, to protect the thesis/project topic, to have access to library privileges, and accessible consultation with faculty.

Degree Programs 

NOTE: Courses with an "S" following the number are offered in Spanish. 

On This Page

Old Testament

OTG-503  Beginning Hebrew I  4 Credits  
An introduction to Hebrew grammar, vocabulary and syntax for the graduate student. Offered alternate years.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
OTG-504  Beginning Hebrew II  4 Credits  
A continuation of Beginning Hebrew I. Offered alternate years.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
OTG-506  Advanced Hebrew I  2 Credits  
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
OTG-518  Old Testament Theology & Interpretation  3 Credits  
This course surveys the basic issues in the historical, social, and theological interpretations of the Old Testament. As such, it constitutes a basic introduction to exegetical and theological methods.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
OTG-631  Intermediate Hebrew I  3 Credits  
Further study of grammar and syntax including extensive exegesis of the narrative portions of the Old Testament. Offered alternate years.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
OTG-670  Special Topic:  1-3 Credits  
Study in a special topic in Old Testament.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
OTG-690  Seminar in Old Testament  3 Credits  
An investigation of one topic in the Old Testament of particular relevance to graduate students in religion. Examples are: Exodus, Isaiah, and Psalms.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

New Testament

NTG-503  Beginning Greek I  4 Credits  
An introduction to Greek grammar, vocabulary and syntax for the graduate student. Offered alternate years.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
NTG-504  Beginning Greek II  4 Credits  
A continuation of Beginning Greek I.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
NTG-508  New Testament Theology & Interpretation  3 Credits  
This course surveys the basic issues in the historical, social, and theological interpretations of the New Testament. As such, it constitutes a basic introduction to exegetical and theological methods.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
NTG-631  Intermediate Greek I  3 Credits  
Further study of grammar and syntax, including extensive exegesis of selected Johannine and Pauline texts. Offered alternate years.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
NTG-632  Intermediate Greek II  3 Credits  
A continuation of Greek I. Offered alternate years.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
NTG-670  Special Topic:  1-3 Credits  
Study in a special topic in New Testament.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
NTG-680  Ind Study:  1-4 Credits  
An individualized study initiated by the student who must develop a written prospectus of the proposed study and secure an appropriate sponsoring faculty member to supervise and evaluate the study. A maximum of four units may be applied toward the degree requirements.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
NTG-690  Seminar:  1-3 Credits  
An investigation of one topic in the New Testament of particular relevance to graduate students in religion. Examples are: Jesus and the Gospels, New Perspectives on Paul, Spiritual Gifts, and Women in the New Testament.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Theology and Ethics

THOG-510  Systematic Theology: Christology, Anthropology, Soteriology  3 Credits  
This course explores the subject of Christ, his person and work, and the topics of humanity and salvation using both a historical and constructive approach.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THOG-520  Systematic Theology: Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology  3 Credits  
This course explores the subject of the Holy Spirit, including personage and deity, and the topics of the church, nature and purpose, and eschatology, including the nature of hope and the kingdom of God using both a historical and constructive approach.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THOG-530  Systematic Theology: Theological Method, Revelation, and Theology Proper  3 Credits  
This course explores the sources and method of theology, the topic of revelation, and the subject of God, including the Trinity and divine attributes using both a historical and constructive approach.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THOG-536  Contemporary Pentecostal Theology  3 Credits  
This course examines current trends and issues in Pentecostalism by critically exploring global Pentecostal Theologians and movements. The historical origin and development of Pentecostal thought in theology will also be covered.
THOG-645  Theology & Ministry/Postmodern Context  3 Credits  
The cultural-linguistic turn, otherwise known as postmodernism, changes everything. This course aims to enable students to recognize the effect of postmodernity on the twin tasks of doing theology and engaging in ministry. The goal will be to explore what it means to effectively contextualize the timeless message of God's work without accommodating it to the prevailing zeitgeist. Toward this end, students will evaluate various evangelical responses to postmodernism, explore what it means to do ministry in a missional rather than institutional manner, and examine the various ways in which evangelical churches have endeavored to reinvent themselves so as to minister effectively (make disciples, image the kingdom of God) in a postmodern, post-Christian context.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THOG-670  Special Topic:  1-3 Credits  
Study in a special topic in theology and ethics.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Summer.
THOG-680  Individual Study:  1-3 Credits  
An individualized study initiated by the student who must develop a written prospectus of the proposed study and secure an appropriate sponsoring faculty member to supervise and evaluate the study. Up to a maximum of three units may be applied toward the degree requirements.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Summer.

Leadership Studies

CLSG-601  History of Spirituality  3 Credits  
An exploration of Spirituality throughout church history that includes examples from Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant (including Pentecostal) traditions.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring and Summer.
CLSG-601S  Historia de la Espiritualidad  3 Credits  
Una exploraci¢n de la espiritualidad a lo largo de la historia de la iglesia que incluye ejemplos de las tradiciones ortodoxa, cat¢lica romana y protestante (incluida la pentecostal).
Terms Typically Offered: Spring and Summer.
CLSG-606  Spiritual Formation  3 Credits  
An examination of the theological foundation for spiritual formation and an exploration of the spiritual practices as a means of grace for personal growth, communal spirituality, and faithful service.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring and Summer.
CLSG-606S  Formaci¢n Espiritual  3 Credits  
Un examen del fundamento teol¢gico de la formaci¢n espiritual y una exploraci¢n de las pr cticas espirituales como medios de gracia para el crecimiento personal, la espiritualidad comunitaria y el servicio fiel.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring and Summer.
CLSG-607  Spiritual Direction  3 Credits  
The course introduces and develops foundational understandings and resources necessary to explore the practice of spiritual direction, and seeks to assist persons in discerning the ways that God is present and at work in their lives.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Summer.
CLSG-607S  Direcci¢n Espiritual  3 Credits  
El curso introduce y desarrolla conocimientos y recursos fundamentales necesarios para explorar la pr ctica de la direcci¢n espiritual y busca ayudar a las personas a discernir las formas en que Dios est  presente y trabajando en sus vidas.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Summer.
CLSG-612  Hispanic Pentecostal Ch History/in US  3 Credits  
This course is a graduate level study of the history and theology of the Hispanic Pentecostal Church in the United States. A particular focus will be on the development of the Hispanic Pentecostal Church following the Azusa Street Revivial in downtown Los Angeles, with special attention to spirituality, social engagement, and culture.
CLSG-613  Hisp Ch Leadership/Contemporary Context  3 Credits  
The Hispanic Church Leadreship in a Contemporary Context focuses on the development of church leaders in the Hispanic community. Technology and socio-political shifts have contributed to a redefinition of the needs and expectations of a new generation of Hispanic leaders and their congregations. The course uses the lens of anthropology, history, sociology, psychology and theology to examine the constructs of Hispanic church leadership in contemporary context.
CLSG-614  Indentity/Culture/Social/Hispanic Comm  3 Credits  
The Identity, Culture and Social Engagement in the Hispanic Community course provides a theological exploration of human identity rooted in the doctrine of God and current trends in identity development. It engages Hispanic identity and the emerging cultural and social practices as well as challenges within the evolution of the Hispanic Pentecosta church context.
CLSG-624  Change and Strategic Planning  3 Credits  
An examination of change within congregations and religious organizations with a view toward understanding systematically the relationship between the organization and its environment. Alternate strategic planning, problem solving and program evaluation models will be explored in light of intentional mission and ministry.
Terms Typically Offered: Summer.
CLSG-632  Team Development & Conflict Management  3 Credits  
An exploration of team development and conflict management in relation to leadership effectiveness with an emphasis on team dynamics, the nature of conflict, and strategies of assessment and intervention.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring and Summer.
CLSG-632S  Desarrollo de Equipos Y Gesti¢n de Conflictos  3 Credits  
Una exploraci¢n del desarrollo de equipos y la gesti¢n de conflictos en relaci¢n con la eficacia del liderazgo, con ‚nfasis en la din mica del equipo, la naturaleza del conflicto y las estrategias de evaluaci¢n e intervenci¢n.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring and Summer.
CLSG-638  Leadership/Global Issues  3 Credits  
This course focuses on leadership in global and intercultural contexts with an emphasis on the interdisciplinary and interlocking themes of culture, theology and the church. The course explores dimensions of social and organizational identities and examines how cultural perspective impacts both theology and practice. Cultural competence across a range of domains equips leaders to be relevant and innovative in theological reflection and ministry practices.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
CLSG-638S  Liderazgo/Cuestiones Globales  3 Credits  
Este curso se enfoca en el liderazgo en contextos globales e interculturales, con ‚nfasis en los temas interdisciplinarios e interconectados de la cultura, la teolog¡a y la iglesia. El curso explora las dimensiones de las identidades sociales y organizacionales y examina c¢mo la perspectiva cultural impacta tanto la teolog¡a como la pr ctica. La competencia cultural en una variedad de campos capacita a los l¡deres para ser relevantes e innovadores en la reflexi¢n teol¢gica y las pr cticas ministeriales.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
CLSG-642  Soul Care of Others  3 Credits  
A practical and theological exploration of the nature of the soul and of soul care, and the partnering relationship between pastoral care and other forms of counseling.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Summer.
CLSG-642S  Cuidado Del Alma de Los Dem s  3 Credits  
Una exploraci¢n pr ctica y teol¢gica de la naturaleza del alma y del cuidado del alma, y la relaci¢n entre el cuidado pastoral y otras formas de consejer¡a.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Summer.
CLSG-646  Leadership/Character Developmt  3 Credits  
This course examines how character development and spirituality can enable leaders to become more authentic in their working relationships and more effective as transformational leaders through their organizations.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
CLSG-646S  Liderazgo/Desarrollo Del Car cter  3 Credits  
Este curso examina c¢mo el desarrollo del car cter y la espiritualidad pueden facilitar que los l¡deres sean m s aut‚nticos en sus relaciones de trabajo y m s efectivos como l¡deres transformacionales en sus organizaciones.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
CLSG-670  Special Topic:  1-3 Credits  
Study in a special topic in leadership studies.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
CLSG-680  Ind Study: Leadership Studies  1-3 Credits  
An individualized study initiated by the student who must develop a written prospectus of the proposed study and secure an appropriate sponsoring faculty member to supervise and evaluate the study. Up to a maximum of three units may be applied toward the degree requirements.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
CLSG-710  Mission/Culture in Theo Persp  3 Credits  
This interdisciplinary study, integrating theology and praxis, seeks to develop a theology of mission based on the premise that the unifying theme of Scripture is embodied in the concept of the Kingdom of God introduced in the Old Testament, fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, and demonstrated to the world through the life and actions of a believing community empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Summer.
CLSG-710S  Misi¢n/Cultura En Perspectiva Teol¢gica  3 Credits  
Este estudio interdisciplinario, que integra teolog¡a y praxis, busca desarrollar una teolog¡a de la misi¢n basada en la premisa de que el tema unificador de las Escrituras est  encarnado en el concepto del Reino de Dios introducido en el Antiguo Testamento, cumplido en el ministerio de Jesucristo en el Nuevo Testamento y demostrado al mundo a trav‚s de la vida y las acciones de una comunidad creyente empoderada por el Esp¡ritu Santo.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Summer.
CLSG-715  Church/Contemporary Moral Issues  3 Credits  
This course aims to develop a constructive Christian ethic as a basis from which to address the moral problems confronting leaders in the contemporary church. The course explores the relationship between theological reflection and ethical thinking and examines how cultural perspective and context impact ethical decision-making.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
CLSG-715S  Iglesia/Cuestiones Morales Contempor neas  3 Credits  
Este curso tiene como objetivo desarrollar una ‚tica cristiana constructiva como base para abordar los problemas morales que enfrentan los l¡deres de la iglesia contempor nea. El curso explora la relaci¢n entre la reflexi¢n teol¢gica y el pensamiento ‚tico y examina c¢mo la perspectiva y el contexto cultural impactan la toma de decisiones ‚ticas.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
CLSG-720  Theology/Theory of Leadership  3 Credits  
An examination of leadership, including theological and theoretical frameworks, that will enable students to assess their own mental models and inform their leadership practices in organizational settings.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
CLSG-720S  Teolog¡a/Teor¡a Del Liderazgo  3 Credits  
Una examinaci¢n del liderazgo, incluyendo los encuadres teol¢gicos y te¢ricos, que capacitara a los estudiantes a evaluar sus propios modelos mentales e informar sus pr cticas de liderazgo en entornos organizacionales.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
CLSG-741  Expository Preaching  3 Credits  
Building on coursework in either Old or New Testament Interpretation, this course teaches the development of a biblical text and the practical delivery of a sermon. While focused primarily on expository preaching, narrative and topical sermon structures will also be explored.
Terms Typically Offered: Summer.
CLSG-750  Capstone Project  3 Credits  
This course serves as a capstone for the Masters of Arts in Leadership Studies (MALS) program, in which the student integrates personal program experience with an investigation in one of the folloiwng options: a directed reading, action research, or a directed research.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Religion

RELG-693  Integrative Seminar  3 Credits  
The Integrative Seminar is a classroom experience designed to help students reflect theologically on ministry experience by integrating what they have learned in graduate coursework with the practice of ministry.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
RELG-788  Resrch Meth: Leadership Studies  3 Credits  
An introduction to research and inquiry regarding leadership and religious organizations. Students will design and complete a mini research project that includes: a problem statement, definition of terms, limitations and delimitations, literature review, description of research method, collection of data, data analysis and interpretation of data. Required for all M.A. students, and M.T.S. students who have chosen the thesis, project or directed reading option in the field of Leadership Studies. May be used as one elective M.T.S. course.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring and Summer.
RELG-788S  M‚todos de Investigaci¢n: Estudios de Liderazgo  3 Credits  
Introducci¢n a la investigaci¢n y la indagaci¢n sobre el liderazgo y las organizaciones religiosas. Los estudiantes dise¤ar n y completar n un mini proyecto de investigaci¢n que incluye: un planteamiento del problema, definici¢n de t‚rminos, limitaciones y delimitaciones, revisi¢n de la literatura, descripci¢n del m‚todo de investigaci¢n, recopilaci¢n de datos, an lisis de datos e interpretaci¢n de datos. Obligatorio para todos los estudiantes de maestr¡a en artes y maestr¡a en estudios teol¢gicos que hayan elegido la opci¢n de tesis, proyecto o lectura dirigida en el campo de estudios de liderazgo. Puede utilizarse como un curso electivo para la maestr¡a en estudios teol¢gicos.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring and Summer.
RELG-791  Exit Option Design/Proposal:leadership  3 Credits  
The development of appropriate thesis and directed reading topics in the field of Leadership Studies, and the description of these topics in a formal proposal format. Students will meet with selected faculty and other students enrolled in each semester to research proposals until approved by faculty. After approval of the research proposal, students will continue to meet in this seminar to report progress on their research exit options. Required for all M.A. students, and M.T.S. students who have chosen the thesis or directed reading option in the field of Leadership Studies. May be used as one elective M.T.S. course.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring and Summer.
RELG-795  Directed Reading  3 Credits  
The development of a problem statement necessary to conduct a literature search in a given area. Written critiques, a summary reflection paper and meetings between the student and the directed reading mentor monitor the student's progress and mastery of research topic.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
RELG-798  Master's Thesis  3 Credits  
The study of a well-defined problem that both emerges from and carries forward some existing body of knowledge or theory. Students who choose this research option, work with the guidance of a faculty committee.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
RELG-799  Continuted Registration: Master's Study  1 Credit  
Required for each semester subsequent to registration of RELG 790, 791, 795, 797, or 798 until completed. Must be enrolled in semester of completion. RELG 799 credits do not count toward M.A. or M.T.S. degree requirements.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.