Master Degree Program

Parent Category: Academics

The Chaplaincy Program

Those who are interested in preparing themselves to serve as a chaplain, either in hospital, hospice, jail, military, corporate, or other setting, are invited to consider the 18-credit hour Chaplaincy Program, either as an emphasis in the Master of Divinity degree program, as a track in the Master of Arts in Ministry program.

For those combining the Chaplaincy program with the Master of Divinity degree, the counseling courses listed below will be substituted for the following courses: PPT 5813, Administration of the Congregational Body, PPT 5811, Congregational Administration Field Experience, HIS 5438, Ecclesiastical History II, CWM 5913, Congregation Planting and Development, CWM 5911, Congregation Planting and Development Field Experience, EDG 5021, Philosophy of Religious Education, PRE 5221, Philosophy of Religious Education Field Experience, and PPT 6822, Expository Preaching II.
Those who elect to pursue the Master of Arts in Ministry degree will follow the Chaplaincy track of that degree, completing the courses listed below.

Course Requirements for the Chaplaincy Program, 18 hours			Credits
PCO	6013	Basic Counseling Techniques	3
PSY	6013	Psychosocial Theory	3
PSY	6513	Pastoral Care Through Chaplaincy	3
PSY	6521	Chaplaincy Practicum (May be repeated)	1
And two of the following three courses:
PSY	6703	Diagnosis, Appraisal, Assessment and Testing for Individual or Interpersonal Disorders	3
PSY	6033	Psychopathology
PSY	6103	Substance Abuse Theory and Counseling Techniques	3

* NOTE: 2 (or 3) additional credits will be completed in consultation with the program director.

The Master of Divinity Program

The following is a recommended organization of the courses that make up the content of the Master of Divinity degree. Because this is not a required sequence, the student must consult with a faculty advisor to determine the best order of course selection, given the special needs of each student.

First Year			Semester 1	Semester 2
REL	2600	The Jewish Experience: Judaism 101*	3
CJS	5313, 5323	Jewish Roots and Foundations of Scripture I and II	3	3
REL	5700	Introduction to Theology	3
BST	5833	Biblical/Messianic Apologetics	3
BOT, BNT		Survey or other Bible course	3	3
REL	6715	Biblical Hermeneutics	3
CWM	5103	Personal Evangelism	3
CWM	5101	Personal Evangelism Field Experience	1
GRE, HBR		Beginning NT Greek or Beginning Hebrew	3	3
PPT	5521	Pastoral Retreat	1
16 (19)	16

Second Year			Semester 1	Semester 2
BOT	6543	The Pentateuch/Torah	3
BNT	5523	The Gospels in Their Jewish Context	3
PPT	5713	Homiletics: Sermon Preparation and Delivery I	3
PPT	5603	Aspects of Spiritual Formation	3
HIS	5437, 5438	Church History I and II	3	3
REL	5805	Introduction to Missions	3
PCO	6013	Basic Counseling Techniques	3
PPT	5813	Admin. of the Congregational Body	3
PPT	5811	Cong. Administration Field Experience	1
EDG	5021	Philosophy of Religious Education	3
PRE	5221	Philosophy of Religious. Ed. Field Experience	1
16	16

Third Year			Semester 1	Semester 2
BOT/ BNT		Bible courses	3	3
PPT	6812, 6822	Expository Preaching I and II	3	3
CCH	5933	American Church History	3
BST	5423	History of Doctrine	3
CWM	5913	Congregation Planting and Development	3
CWM	5911	Congregation Planting and Worship Planning Field Exp.	1
MAN	5149	Leadership Development	3
MAN	5141	Apply Leadership Principles in Ministry Setting	1
PPT	5833	Planning and Admin. Worship Service	3
Elective	3
16	16
Total Credits required for M. Div Degree:			96 Credits

*REL 2600 is prerequisite for REL 6715, Biblical Hermeneutics, BST 5833, Biblical/Messianic Apologetics, and all CJS (Judaic Studies) courses, unless exempted by instructor permission, examination, or prior applicable course work.

Field Experience an Integral part of the Master of Divinity Program

The Master of Divinity degree program is designed to emphasize the parish ministry. Thus, those skills that are needed for the care and discipleship of God’s people are given not only in the classroom, but also in field experience. Usually this is combined with a course taught in the classroom but sometimes the field experience is a credit that stands alone. In both cases it is important for students to work with their advisor to be sure to include these components progressively. The degree is designed to provide experience in a wide variety of field service applications that move throughout the development of the program. In each of the field experience credits students will be assigned either to a parish ministry or ministries that are extensions of the parish ministry, e.g., hospital, hospice care, personal counseling mentoring, etc.

The Master of Divinity Program - Flexible Tracks

The following chart displays the Master of Divinity required courses in a more flexible arrangement to accommodate several purposes: 1) to guide those who have an accredited MA and wish to complete additional courses to meet the requirements for the MDiv (the Seminary gives advanced standing toward the MDiv for those who already have the prerequisite courses [see below on page 26], as well as allowing credit for any additional SPTS MA-MS courses that meet the regular MDiv requirements, to further reduce the hours needed for the MDiv, hour for hour), 2) for those who have an accredited MA and need to complete an MDiv in preparation for doing the DMin (see p. 36 for DMin requirements) , 3) for those who have a BA and wish to work toward an MDiv, while completing the requirements for an MA in Ministry on the way. The Pastoral Ministry Track (column 1) and the Religious Educator Track (column 4) in the chart are exemplary for any of the seven MA in Ministry concentrations. The specialized courses for any of these seven concentrations are shown (here for the Congregational Education track) in the last cell of the "Further area requirements" row.

Master of Divinity Requirements, 96 hours

	Pastoral Ministry	Military Chaplain	Hospital Chaplain	Religious Educator
Bible	Hermeneutics 3, Biblical Language 6, Bible Electives 18,	Hermeneutics 3, Biblical Language 6, Bible Electives 12,	Hermeneutics 3, Biblical Language 6, Bible Electives 12,	Hermeneutics 3, Biblical Language 6, Bible Electives 12,
Credits	Total 27	Total 21	Total 21	Total 21
Theology	Introduction 3, Historical Theology 3, Apologetics 3, Jewish Roots 6, Spiritual Formation 3, Evangelism 3, Elective 3,	Introduction 3, Historical Theology 3, Apologetics 3, Jewish Roots 6, Electives 6,	Introduction 3, Historical Theology 3, Apologetics 3, Jewish Roots 6, Electives 9,	Introduction 3, Historical Theology 3, Apologetics 3, Jewish Roots 6, Electives 9,
Credits	Total 24	Total 21	Total 21	Total 21
Pastoral Ministry	Homiletics and Expository Preaching 6, Counseling 3, Religious Ed. 3, Leadership 3, Worship 3, Internship 6, Church Administration 3, Congregation Planting 3,	Homiletics and Expository Preaching 6, Counseling 3, Religious Ed. 3, Leadership 3, Worship 3, Internship 3,	Homiletics and Expository Preaching 6, Counseling 3, Religious Ed. 3, Leadership 3, Worship 3, Internship 3,	Homiletics and Expository Preaching 6, Counseling 3, Religious Ed. 3 Leadership 3, Worship 3, Internship 3,
Credits	Total 30	Total 21	Total 21	Total 21
History and Missions	Church History 6, American Church History 3, World Mission 3,	Church History 6, World Mission 3, Elective 3,	Church History 6, World Mission 3, Elective 3,	Church History 6, World Mission 3, Elective 3,
Credits	Total 12	Total 12	Total 12	Total 12
Further Area Require-ments	Elective 3,	Chaplaincy 3, PTS Disorder 3, Debriefing 3, Sex Trauma 3, Bio/Med. Ethics 3, Elective 6,	Chaplaincy 3, PTS Disorder 3, Debriefing 3, Sex Trauma 3, Bio/Med. Ethics 3, Elective 6,	Philosophy of Education 3, Curriculum 3, Adm. Congregation. Ed 3, Electives 12 ,
Credits	Total 3	Total 21	Total 21	Total 21
Grand Total	96	96	96	96

The Master of Arts and Master of Science Degree Programs

The Master of Arts and Master of Science degree programs require prerequisite courses from among the following, to ensure that all graduates have a familiarity with the distinctives of the Seminary. Students who received their undergraduate degree at St. Petersburg Theological Seminary are not required to repeat these courses. Graduates from other institutions, who have similar courses on their transcripts, may be exempted from taking them if they can demonstrate that those courses were closely comparable to these. Some of these may be exempted by examination. However, a student may be required to take other courses to complete the required minimum number of credit hours for that degree.

Prerequisite Course Requirements for Master of Arts and Master of Science Degrees (see following degree program descriptions for which of these courses are required in each degree program):

REL	2600	The Jewish Experience: Judaism 101*	3
REL	6715	Biblical Hermeneutics	3
REL	5244	New Testament Survey*	3
REL	5211	Old Testament Survey*	3
REL	5700	Introduction to Theology*	3
BST	5833	Biblical/Messianic Apologetics	3
HIS	5437, 5438	Church History I, II	6
CJS	5313, 5323	Jewish Roots and Foundations of Scripture I and II	6

*REL 2600, The Jewish Experience, REL 5244, New Testament Survey, REL 5211, Old Testament Survey, and REL 5700, Introduction to Theology, are prerequisite respectively for Judaic Studies courses, for New Testament courses, for Old Testament courses, and for theology courses, unless exempted by instructor permission, examination, or prior applicable course work.

Master’s Thesis, Survey Research or Basic Research Requirement:

A Master’s thesis is required for each Master of Arts and Master of Science degree, except the Master of Arts in Ministry, for which a survey research project may be substituted for the thesis, and the Master of Arts in Counseling, for which a basic research project may be substituted for the thesis. When the student is ready to begin the research and writing of the Master’s thesis, survey research project, or basic research project, he or she will register for the Master’s thesis writing course, TRW 6971, Thesis Writing and Research Design, which is the same for all areas of study. However, since it generally takes more than one semester to complete the thesis or project, after the student has completed the required courses for that degree program and TRW 6971, he or she will continue to register for 1 credit hour of Master’s thesis/survey research continuation, TRW 6970, each Fall and Spring term until the thesis or project and all other requirements are completed (see pg. 18, “Continuing Matriculation Requirement”).

Minimum Total Required Hours: The minimum total number of credit hours for the degree programs varies from 36 to 45, including 3 credit hours for the thesis, but exclusive of the master’s thesis matriculation continuation credits (see previous paragraph).

The Master of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies is an academic degree designed to enhance scholarship in Biblical studies and prepares men and women to provide congregational leadership as teachers or elders, to teach Bible in a Christian or synagogue school, or to prepare for doctoral study to teach in higher education institutions.

A. Prerequisite Course Requirements:			30 crs., as needed, in addition to the requirements in Parts B or C
REL	2600	The Jewish Experience: Judaism 101*		3
REL	6715	Biblical Hermeneutics		3
REL	5244	New Testament Survey*		3
REL	5211	Old Testament Survey*		3
REL	5700	Introduction to Theology*		3
BST	5833	Biblical/Messianic Apologetics		3
HIS	5437, 5438	Church History I, II		6
CJS	5313, 5323	Jewish Roots and Foundations of Scripture I, II		6

B. Courses Required in the Area of Bible:			33 crs. plus Thesis
HBR	5108, 5109	Beginning Hebrew I, II*		6
GRE	5102, 5103	Beginning N. T. Greek I, II*		6
GEO	6466	Historical Geography of the Bible		3
REL	5206	New Testament Introduction		3
BOT	6713	Former Prophets		3
BOT	6543	The Pentateuch /Torah		3
BNT	5523	The Gospels in their Jewish Context		3
BIE, BNT, BOT, BST, or CJS	Six (6) crs. chosen under the direction of the student’s advisor and the area head.		6
TRW	6971	Thesis Writing and Research Design		3
Total				36

*If either or both of these language courses were taken as an undergraduate, the Intermediate year or an advanced exegesis course should be taken to total 12 credits of graduate language study.

M.A. in Biblical Studies with a Concentration in Apologetics

The Seminary offers an M.A. in Biblical Studies with a concentration in apologetics for those interested in an apologetics-related ministry or a ministry to college campuses. This degree concentration incorporates the requirements under A. as needed, and those of B. above, with the following changes: Instead of BOT 6713, Former Prophets, BOT 6543, The Pentateuch (Torah), BNT 5523, The Gospels in their Jewish Context, and the 6 elective credits under B. above, the following courses are required for this degree with the apologetics concentration:

C. Courses Required for an Apologetics Concentration:			33 crs. plus Thesis
HBR	5108, 5109	Beginning Hebrew I, II*		6
GRE	5102, 5103	Beginning N. T. Greek I, II*		6
GEO	6466	Historical Geography of the Bible		3
REL	5206	New Testament Introduction		3
BST	5663	Evolution and Creation		3
BHI	5407	The Bible and Science		3
BST	5823	Cults		3
REL	5307	World Religions		3
REL	6216	Bible Introduction		3
TRW	6971	Thesis Writing and Research Design		3
Total				36

Master of Arts Degree in Counseling

The emphasis of the Master of Arts in Counseling program integrates professional standards with biblical applications.

Course requirements for the M.A. in Counseling are:

A. Prerequisite Course Requirements:			(12 crs. as needed, in addition to the requirements in Part B.)
REL	6715	Biblical Hermeneutics		3
BST	5833	Biblical/ Messianic Apologetics		3
CJS	5316, 5325	Jewish Roots and Foundations of Scripture I and II		6

B. Courses Required in the Area of Counseling:			39 crs. plus Basic Research or Master’s Thesis
PCO	6013	Basic Counseling Techniques		3
PSY	6013	Psychosocial Theory		3
PSY	6023	Human Sexuality Theory and Counseling Techniques		3
PSY	6103	Substance Abuse Theory and Counseling Techniques		3
PSY	6313	Pre-Marital/ Marriage Therapy and Counseling Theory and Techniques		3
*PSY	6353	Family Therapy and Counseling Theory and Techniques		3
*PSY	6703	Diagnosis, Appraisal, Assessment, and Testing for Individual or Interpersonal Disorders		3
*PSY	6903	Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards in the Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy		3
*PSY	5003	Dynamics of Marriage and Family Systems		3
*PSY	5113	Individual Human Development Theories Throughout the Life Cycle		3
*PSY	5613	Supervised Clinical Practicum I		3
*PSY	6033	Psychopathology		3
*PSY	6613	Supervised Clinical Practicum II		3
PSY TRW	6910 – 6971	Basic Research OR Thesis Writing and Research Design		3
Total				42

*Listings require a prerequisite.

The Master of Arts Degree in Judaic Studies

The Master of Arts in Judaic Studies is an academic degree designed to assist men and women who desire to learn more about our Jewish heritage in order to serve as lay leaders in Messianic Jewish congregations, or other ministries, to teach in a Christian or synagogue school, or to prepare for doctoral study to teach in higher educational institutions. This program is essentially the same as that offered through the Netzer David International Yeshiva, described on pp. 31 and 32 of this catalog.

A. Prerequisite Course Requirements:			21 crs., as needed
REL	2600	The Jewish Experience: Judaism 101*		3
REL	6715	Biblical Hermeneutics		3
REL	5244	New Testament Survey*		3
REL	5211	Old Testament Survey*		3
BST	5833	Biblical/Messianic Apologetics		3
CJS	5313, 5323	Jewish Roots and Foundations of Scripture I, II		6

*REL 2600, The Jewish Experience, REL 5244, New Testament Survey, REL 5211, Old Testament Survey, are prerequisite respectively for Judaic Studies courses, for New Testament courses, for Old Testament courses, unless exempted by instructor permission, examination, or prior applicable course work.

B. Courses Required in the Area of Judaic Studies			42 crs. plus Thesis
HBR	5108, 5109	Beginning Hebrew I, II*		6
BOT	6103, 6113	Intermediate Hebrew I, II		6
CJS	5873	Messianic Jewish Theology		3
CJS	5403	The Intertestamental Period		3
CJS	5443	Introduction to Jewish History		3
CJS	21 Credits, as directed by the Area Head		21
TRW	6971	Thesis Writing and Research Design		3
Total				45

The Master of Arts Degree in Ministry

The Master of Arts in Ministry is a professional degree which prepares men and women to work in various congregation ministries or venues in a church- or synagogue-related setting. Course requirements for the M.A. in Ministry: in addition to any prerequisite courses needed (Letter A), select one of the following seven concentrations (Letters B through H):

A. Prerequisite Course Requirements:			30 crs., as needed, in addition to the requirements in Parts B or C
REL	2600	The Jewish Experience: Judaism 101*		3
REL	6715	Biblical Hermeneutics		3
REL	5244	New Testament Survey*		3
REL	5211	Old Testament Survey*		3
REL	5700	Introduction to Theology*		3
BST BST	5833 5743	Biblical/Messianic Apologetics, OR Ethics from the Perspective of Jesus’ Teaching		3
HIS	5437, 5438	Church History I or II		3
CJS	5313, 5323	Jewish Roots and Foundations of Scripture I, II		6

B. Courses Required in the Area of Congregational Education:			33 crs., Plus Thesis or Project
EDG	5021	Philosophy of Religious Education		3
PRE	5221	Religious Education Field Experience		1
EDG	5046	Learning Differences		3
PRE	5223	Administering Cong. Educational Programs		3
EDG	5620	Cognitive Curriculum and Instruction Twenty (20) crs. chosen under direction of the student’s advisor and the Area Head		20
TRW	6971	Thesis Writing and Research Design		3
Total				36

C. Courses Required in the Area of Pastoral Ministry:			33 crs., Plus Thesis or Project
PPT	5603	Aspects of Spiritual Formation		3
PPT	5813	Administration of the Congregational Body		3
PPT	5811	Congregational Administration Field Exp.		1
PPT	5833	Planning and Administering the Worship Serv.		3
PPT	5831	Worship Planning Field Experience		1
PPT	5713	Homiletics: Sermon Prep. And Delivery, I		3
PCO	6013	Basic Counseling Techniques		3
Sixteen (16) crs. Chosen under direction of the student’s advisor and the Area Head		16
TRW	6971	Thesis Writing and Research Design		3
Total				36

D. Courses Required in the Area of Youth Ministry:			33 crs., Plus Thesis or Project
CWM	5133	Teaching Youth		3
CWM	5233	Youth Ministry Discipleship		3
CWM	5143	Youth Ministry Dynamics		3
CWM	5243	Youth Ministry Theories		3
Twenty-one (21) crs. Chosen under direction of the student’s advisor and the Area head, including one course with field experience (see NOTE 2)		21
TRW	6971	Thesis Writing and Research Design		3
Total				36

E. Courses Required in the Area of Evangelism and Congregation Planting:			33 crs., Plus Thesis or Project
CWM	5103	Personal Evangelism		3
CWM	5101	Personal Evangelism Field Experience		1
CWM	5403	Discipleship in the Congregation		3
CWM	5913	Congregation Planting and Development		3
CWM	5911	Congregation Planting and Admin. Field Exp.		1
MAN	5149	Leadership Development		3
MAN	5141	Apply Leadership Principles in a Ministry Setting		1
Eighteen (18) crs. Chosen under direction of the student’s advisor and the Area Head		18
TRW	6971	Thesis Writing and research Design		3
Total				36

*NOTE: For performance emphasis, students are required to have a vocal-instrument component.

G. Courses Required in the Area of Missions:			33 crs., Plus Thesis or Project
REL	5805	Introduction to Missions		3
CWM	5313	Theology and History of Mission		3
ANT	5241	Folk Religion		3
CWM	5773	Cross Cultural Communication of the Gospel		3
ANT	6212	Cultural Anthropology		3
Eighteen (18) crs. chosen under direction of the student’s advisor and the Area Head, including one course with field experience (see NOTE 2)
TRW	6971	Thesis Writing and Research Design		3
Total				36

The Master of Science Degree in Religious Teacher Education

The Master of Science degree in Religious Teacher Education is a professional degree that prepares men and women to teach in congregations and religious and secular schools. The program aligns with the ACSI and FCIS school accreditation requirements, as well as aiding teachers to meet Florida State Competencies, teacher recertification and preparation for a teaching license.

A. Prerequisite Course Requirements			15 crs.*
REL	2600	The Jewish Experience**		3
REL	6715	Biblical Hermeneutics		3
BST	5833	Biblical/ Messianic Apologetics		3
CJS	5313, 5323	Jewish Roots and Foundations of Scripture I and II		6

*Students who have taken all or some of the named prerequisite courses listed here, or demonstrable equivalents, will take an equivalent number of credit hours of comparable courses under direction of their advisor and the area heads to accumulate a total of 15 credit hours of prerequisite courses for the degree.

**REL 2600, The Jewish Experience, is a prerequisite for Judaic Studies courses, unless exempted by instructor permission, examination, or prior applicable course work.

B. Courses Required in the Area of Education / Religious Education			18 crs., Plus Thesis
EDG	5021	Philosophy of Religious Education		3
EDG	5310	Managing Your Class		3
EDG EDG	5620 6287	Cognitive Curriculum and Instruction, OR Advanced Curriculum and Instruction		3
EDG	5019	School Leadership and Supervision		3
EDG	6362	Action Research; Qualitative		3
EDG	5326	Testing and Assessment		3
TRW	6971	Thesis Writing and Research Design		3
Total				36

The Master of Science Degree in Teacher Education

The Master of Science degree in Teacher Education is a professional degree that assists teachers and administrators in professional development. This program is designed to provide teachers and administrators with “Best Practices in Teaching,” in order to prepare them for today’s students. The program aligns with ACSI and FCSI school accreditation requirements, as well as aiding teachers in meeting Florida State Competencies, teacher recertification and preparation for a teaching license.

A. Prerequisite Course Requirements:			15 crs., as needed
REL	2600	The Jewish Experience: Judaism 101*		3
REL	5244	New Testament Survey*		3
REL	5211	Old Testament Survey*		3
CJS	5313, 5323	Jewish Roots and Foundations of Scripture I, II		6

*Students who have taken all or some of the named prerequisite curses listed here, or demonstrable equivalents, will take an equivalent number of credit hours of comparable courses under direction of their advisor and the area heads to accumulate a total of 12 credit hours of prerequisite courses for the degree.

B. Courses Required in the Area of Education			18 crs., Plus Thesis
EDG	6701	Managing Intercultural Relations		3
EDG EDG	6287 5620	Advanced Curriculum and Instruction OR Cognitive Curriculum and Instructions		3
LAE	6093	Reading and Writing in the Content Area		3
EDS	6019	School Leadership and Supervision		3
EDG	6303	Alternative Teaching and Assessment Approaches		3
EDG	6362	Action Research: Qualitative Study		3
TRW	6971	Thesis Writing and Research Design		3
Total				36

F. Courses Required in the Area of Liturgical Studies:			33 crs., Plus Thesis or Project
PSM	5523	Music in the Congregation		3
PSM	5223	Choral Methods and Literature		3
PPT	5653	Worship Renewal		3
PPT	5833	Planning and Administering the Worship Service		3
PPT	5831	Worship Planning Field Experience		1
CJS	5453	Jewish Worship and Liturgy		3
Seventeen (17) crs. Chosen under direction of the student’s advisor and the Area Head		17
TRW	6971	Thesis Writing and Research Design		3
Total				36

H. Courses Required in the Area of Chaplaincy:			33 crs., Plus Thesis or Project
PCO	6013	Basic Counseling Techniques		3
PSY	6013	Psychosocial Theory		3
PSY	6513	Pastoral Care Through Chaplaincy		3
PSY	6521	Chaplaincy Practicum		1
And two of the following three courses:
PSY	6703	Diagnosis, Appraisal, Assessment and Testing for Individual or Interpersonal Disorders, OR		6
PSY	6033	Psychopathology, OR
PSY	6103	Substance Abuse Theory and Counseling Techniques
Seventeen (17) crs. chosen under direction of the student’s advisor and the Area Head.		17
TRW	6971	Thesis Writing and Research Design		3
Total				36