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Programs of Study
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2012-2013 Seminary Programs Academic Catalog
Community expectation (evangelical or secular)
does not ultimately determine the meaning of a
degree from CIU SSM. We are responsible to
define our own purpose and establish our own
achievement standards.
All CIU SSM degree programs are intended to
help you prepare for Christian ministry. Criteria for
granting a degree, therefore, are designed to
reflect your character and competence in both
general and professional areas.
Commitment to whole-life training designed to
prepare Christians “to know Him and to make
Him known” means that earning a degree from
CIU SSM involves more than meeting academic
requirements. Graduating students also must
reflect appropriate achievement of CIU SSM edu-
cational objectives including evidence of personal
morality, positive interpersonal and family rela-
tionships, and local church involvement.
Although educational objectives cannot be meas-
ured with complete objectivity, we believe valid,
fair and useful assessment is possible and neces-
sary.
To qualify for a degree, you must demonstrate an
accurate understanding of basic biblical doctrines
and be in agreement with the institution’s doctri-
nal statement (with the exception of section 8,
which is not required). You must also demon-
strate an accurate understanding of and commit-
ment to the inerrancy of the Scriptures.
The Building Block Approach
For most students, the CIU SSM faculty believes
the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is the degree pro-
gram of choice because:
•
The M.Div. curriculum affords the most thor-
ough training for ministry leadership.
•
The M.Div. is the stated or preferred qualifica-
tion for ordination in many churches.
•
The M.Div. is the degree required for continuing
professional development in any accredited
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program.
Another degree, however, might better meet the
needs of some students. The Certificate and
Master of Arts programs are also each complete
in themselves and are specifically designed so
that a student may begin in the certificate pro-
gram and later use those courses to proceed to
an M.A. or M.Div. degree, as illustrated below:
master of divinity
(90 semester
hours)
advanced courses in
Biblical Languages
Cultures and Worldviews
Church History
Preaching and Teaching
Leadership and Counseling
Ministry Care
concentration courses in
Bible Exposition
Ministry Leadership
Theological Studies
Muslim Studies
Intercultural Studies
Ministry Care
Global Studies
Chaplaincy
foundational courses in
Bible
Theology
Worldview
Spiritual Formation
master of arts
(60 semester
hours)
Bible and
theology
certificate
(30 semester
hours)