BMA Seminary

DEGREE PROGRAMS

Master of Divinity

Master of Arts (Religion)

Master of Arts in Church Ministries

Bachelor of Arts in Religion

Associate of Divinity

Diploma & Certificate Studies

NOTE: The degree programs have changed significantly in the new catalog. Students who were enrolled under the old catalog can continue with the degree program they are currently working on. If you want to change to one of the new degree programs, please see the Dean's Office.

ACCREDITATION

BMA Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Ga., 30033-4097; phone: 404-679-4501) to award the Associate of Divinity, Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Master of Arts in Religion, and Master of Divinity degrees, an associate member of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, a member of the Council of Southwestern Theological Schools, and an associate institutional member of the American Theological Library Association.

DEGREE PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Enable the student to:

    1. receive theoretical and practical education which will afford preparation for ministry in the field of his/her calling.

    2. develop an attitude of commitment to God and professional dedication toward the service ministries of the church.

    3. acquire the skills necessary to minister effectively in the area of his/her specialization.

    4. acquire the foundational experience and education necessary for advanced ministerial or doctoral studies in his/her chosen area of service. (Not applicable to the A.Div. student).

DIRECTED (OR INDEPENDENT) STUDIES

        With special approval of Dean and Professor, a student may take an independent study course after he has completed 39 hours of studies. Only one such course per semester may be taken. (An exception to this rule may be made during the semester of graduation.)

TIME LIMITATION

        Graduate students must complete all program degree requirements within seven (7) years of their initial enrollment in a particular program of studies. Credits that meet the requirements of a particular degree program, satisfy the minimum grade requirement ("C"), are not more than ten years old, and do not exceed transfer limitations may be applied toward degree requirements. Credits that are in excess of ten years old may not be applied toward a master's degree.

MASTER'S IN MOTION SCHEDULING

        This unconventional scheduling plan allows students the convenience of combining home studies with intensive on-campus classes. Study at home for one month. Attend classes on campus for one week. Return home and complete all requirements within two months, and earn 3 semester hours of credit toward the appropriate degree! Courses will be available in early January and during the summer months.

A SECOND MASTER'S DEGREE

        Students who have earned one master's degree at BMA Seminary may work toward a second master's degree. Acceptance into another seminary degree program must be approved by the faculty. Students who wish to follow this course for earning a second master's degree should consult with the Dean's Office. The following guidelines will be used in determining the necessary work for the second degree:

(1) Every student will meet all residence requirements.

(2) The Dean will determine, on the basis of individual needs and background, what specific courses are required for the second degree.

(3) The completion of two Master of Arts degrees from the seminary will require a total of 96 hours. The completion of the seminary's Master of Divinity degree and an additional degree will require a minimum of 120 hours.

TRI-LEVEL CURRICULUM

    A specially designed tri-level curriculum assures students of maximum benefit from each degree program.

LEVEL I COURSES:  (numbered 100-200) are for Associate of Divinity students. 

LEVEL II COURSES:   (numbered 300-400) are for students in Bachelor of Arts in Religion studies, but a limited number of these courses may be taken by Associate and Master's students. 

LEVEL III COURSES:   (numbered 500-600) are for Master's students only.

Each student is responsible for seeing that he takes the necessary courses to fulfill his program requirements.