70 Programs of Study
2012-2013 Academic Catalog
Master of Arts in Aging and Spirituality M.A.: Professional degrees Oversight/location of the program within the Seminary: School of Practical Theology In this “age of aging� there is an urgent demand in the church and society at large to equip professional leaders, such as clergy, educators, social workers, counselors, health care workers and congregational lay ministers, to effectively respond to the vast needs of our rapidly expanding elder population. This newly developed Master of Arts in Aging and Spirituality degree program is designed to provide a leading edge professional education to meet this need. The purpose of the Master of Arts in Aging and Spirituality degree program is to develop professional, skilled, and creative leaders to transform and guide the vision, attitude, and ministry practices of congregations, faith communities, and other social organizations with regard to the spiritual significance and social-spiritual realities of aging and elderhood.
Program goals Master of Arts in Aging and Spirituality graduates will have a developing ability to‌ 1. Commit to cultivate holy love of God and neighbor demonstrated by a knowledge of and practice in the Christian disciplines including works of service, with particular attention to a Wesleyan understanding of the means of grace. 2. Articulate a practical theology of human aging and elderhood grounded in the biblical narrative and orthodox theology with attention to the significance, spiritual, religious, and existential dimensions of older adulthood and informed by insights from human sciences, church tradition, and experience. 3. Demonstrate insight into the historic and current cultural contexts of aging among diverse populations applicable to the student, the potential and needs of older adults and those who support and care for them. 4. Demonstrate proficiency for professional, holistic spiritual nurture of older adults: congregational leadership; pastoral care; chaplaincy; program development; care giving; and advocacy. 5. Demonstrate personal spiritual integrity and maturity appropriate for professional older adult ministry leadership.
Admission requirements and procedures Application for admission must be made on the Admissions Office form at asburyseminary.edu. 1. Baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or holding membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada. Applicants whose baccalaureate degree is from a college not accredited by the recognized national or regional accrediting agency must have one complete year of work at an accredited institution before being considered for admission to Asbury Seminary. 2. Official transcripts of all postsecondary schools where more than one semester of coursework was completed sent directly by each institution to the Asbury Seminary Admissions Office. 3. A nonrefundable $50 (US) application fee that includes processing of the application and a personal background check. 4. Four references completed on the Admissions Office form at asburyseminary.edu, including a pastoral reference (required) and a professor or academic administration reference (recommended). Laity or personal acquaintances are accepted. 5. Personal history essay, addressing questions as posted at asburyseminary.edu. 6. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75/4.00 for admission in good standing. A GPA between 2.50 and 2.75 is permitted for admission on reduced load basis. The grade point average as calculated by the Admissions Office at Asbury Seminary shall be considered the official grade point average for admission. Applicants with marginal averages are urged to check with the Admissions Office.