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| ACADEMICS: DEGREE PLANS |

Degree Plans Offered

The Harding University Graduate School of Religion offers four graduate degrees and a doctoral degree: Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry. Requirements for academic programs are determined by the catalog that is in effect at the time of the studentís first enrollment at the Graduate School. Students who wish to change programs may change only to programs that are offered in the catalog that is in effect at the time the change is requested.

MASTER OF ARTS

The Master of Arts degree program prepares students for teaching and for further research in their chosen area of concentration. Emphasis in the program is on scholarly research. The M.A. degree is designed to provide a foundational understanding of one of four areas: New Testament, Old Testament, History or Doctrine.

MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree is designed to equip students for leadership in some form of specialized ministry in churches or other settings, such as missions, youth ministry, campus ministry, womenís ministry or worship ministry.

MASTER OF ARTS IN COUNSELING

The Master of Arts in Counseling degree fulfills the academic requirements for state licensure as a marriage and family therapist. It is a professional degree emphasizing clinical skill development for effective ministry in counseling, both in church and community settings.

MASTER OF DIVINITY

The Master of Divinity degree lays a solid foundation for a lifetime of ministry through a focus on spiritual growth, research tools and methodology. This degree provides opportunities and encouragement for personal spiritual growth, an understanding of Scripture and theology, an introduction to the historical and cultural contexts of churches, and both an understanding of and supervised experience in major aspects of ministry.

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY

The Doctor of Ministry degree advances the knowledge and skills of the candidate by providing both the stimulus and the curriculum for increased competency in ministry. The D.Min. program focuses primarily on the practical aspects of ministry and provides the candidate with opportunities to cultivate self-directed learning skills; to integrate biblical, historical and theological disciplines into ministry; to participate in peer learning; and to connect the resources of the library and faculty to a specific ministry context.

Organization of Curriculum

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
For each masterís degree listed above, an area of concentration is offered. Depending upon the degree pursued, students may choose from the following:

• Old Testament
• New Testament
• Systematic Theology
• Historical Theology
• Apologetics
• Homiletics
• Campus Ministry
• Church Planting
• Counseling
• Family Life Ministry
• Global Missions
• Leadership and Church Health
• Urban Missions
• Worship Ministry
• Childrenís Ministry
• Youth and Family Ministry

DIVISIONS
The course offerings of the Graduate School of Religion are grouped into three divisions, all biblically oriented:

Biblical: The Old and New Testaments are approached from historical, contextual and linguistic viewpoints. Its purpose is to prepare the student to apply the message of the Bible to contemporary settings in ministry.

Theological: Focuses on historical and systematic theology, Christian thought, philosophy of religion and apologetics. Its aim is to help the student bridge the historical and theological distances between the past and the present.

Ministerial: Teaches the student how to integrate theory and practical ministry. Methods are emphasized along with knowledge of the principles of working with people.

Non-degree Offerings

CERTIFICATE IN MINISTERIAL COUNSELING
The Harding University Graduate School of Religion also offers a Certificate in Ministerial Counseling designed especially for preachers, elders, Bible-school teachers and other active Christians who wish to increase their expertise in ministerial counseling but are not interested in completing a degree program. A college degree is required for admission. Courses must be taken for credit and completed with at least a grade of C in each course. Specific courses required are as follows: 5990, Advanced Theological Research; 5730, Basic Counseling; 5780, Group Counseling; 5760, Family Development and Parenting; 5752, Marital Therapy; 5771, Counseling Ethics and Professional Issues; and 5790, Internship/Practicum in Counseling. All requirements must be completed within five years from time of entry into the program.

For further information, contact the Admissions Office at the Graduate School address, or call (901) 761-1356 or 1-800-680-0809.

CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES
Learning is a continuing process throughout life. To encourage this process, the Harding University Graduate School of Religion offers a continuing education program. Seminars and classes are scheduled on various subjects of interest for preachers, elders, deacons, teachers and others. Credit in the form of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) is given for each seminar or class completed. A Continuing Education Certificate in Ministry will be awarded upon the successful completion of 10 CEUs (100 clock hours of instruction). Registration is required by Tuesday before the seminar or class meets, and no refunds are given after that date. No academic prerequisites are required for admission. Call (901) 761-1356 for details and registration.