Academic Catalog 2023-2024 by Columbia Theological Seminary

Academic CATALOG 2023-2024

Cultivating Faithful Leaders for God’s Changing World Columbia Theological Seminary P. O. Box 520701 S. Columbia Drive Decatur, Georgia 30031 www.CTSnet.edu Columbia Theological Seminary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award masters and doctorate degrees. Columbia Theological Seminary also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Columbia Theological Seminary may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org ). Columbia Theological Seminary is also accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada to award the following degrees: Decatur, GA — Master of Art (Theological Studies), Master of Arts in Practical Theology, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Educational Ministry Questions regarding Columbia Theological Seminary’s accreditation status or adherence to ATS’s standards should be addressed to the Association of Theological Schools, 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1110 or by calling 412-788-6505. The regulations, requirements, and general information included in this catalog are official for the 2023-2024 academic year, but are subject to revision at any time and, therefore, are in no way binding upon the seminary. An electronic update of this catalog will be available on the Columbia Theological Seminary website for the 2023–2024 academic year and will serve as the official catalog for that year. Please consult the Columbia Theological Seminary website for updates and the most current information.

Table of Contents Mission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Our Identity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Our Mission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Our Vision Grows Out of Our Mission . . . . . . . . 3 Our Institutional Goals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Our Educational Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Resources and Related Academic Programs. . . . 56 The John Bulow Campbell Library . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Related Academic Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Programs in Other Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Columbia in Service to the Church and Its Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 The Center for Lifelong Learning. . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 International Theological Education. . . . . . . . . . . 59 Community Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Yearly Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Vocational Support and Development. . . . . . . . . 60 Community Worship and Convocations . . . . . . . 61 Awards and Prizes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Graduate Fellowships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Degree Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Master of Divinity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Master of Arts in Practical Theology . . . . . . . . . . 13 Master of Arts (Theological Studies). . . . . . . . . . 19 Advanced Degrees Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Master of Theology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Doctor of Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Doctor of Educational Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Curriculum and Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Biblical Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Historical Doctrinal Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Practical Theology Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Interdisciplinary Courses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Supervised Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Application Information for International Students and Exchange Visitors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Special Students and Auditors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Housing and Financial Information. . . . . . . . . . . 48 Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Health Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Scholarships for Master's Degree Students. . . . . 51 Tuition, Fees, and Other Charges Effective Summer Term 2023. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Refund Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Academic Notes and Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Calendar 2023-2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Our Identity

Mission

Columbia Theological Seminary is an educational institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and a community of theological inquiry, leadership development and formation for ministry in the service of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Our Mission

Columbia Theological Seminary exists to educate and nurture faithful, imaginative, and effective leaders for the sake of the Church and the world.

Our Vision Grows Out of Our Mission

On the doorstep of our third century, we believe God is doing a new thing in, with, and through Columbia Theological Seminary for the sake of the Church and the world; we yearn to join in that holy work. We offer this vision as a statement of our collective intention and a prayer for moral courage to follow where the Spirit is leading. We pray that Columbia’s students will be educated, equipped, and nurtured to become a new generation of pastoral leaders for the Church and the world. Since its founding, Columbia’s students have gone forth to serve local congregations as pastors and teachers, and they have also led the way in redefining the frontiers of ministry. Columbia will continue to prioritize the formation of pastoral leaders for congregations in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and other denominations. Likewise, Columbia graduates will be equipped to step into pastoral leadership across the broad spectrum of ministry, in congregations, chaplaincy, counseling, nonprofit organizations, and elsewhere. We pray that Columbia’s community will embody the welcome, hospitality, justice, and belonging of the reign of God. Columbia affirms and celebrates that God forms all persons in the divine image and calls leaders to serve in Jesus’ name whose identities emerge and intersect across the dazzling array of human diversity. We claim the promise of Isaiah 56, in which God announces, “my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.” We affirm this promise, not lightly or naively, but confessing and repenting of the Seminary’s entanglement with the sins of slavery, racism, and white supremacy. We pray that all may desire and experience new possibilities of relationship and belonging, healing and trust at Columbia. We pray that Columbia’s partnerships will bring vibrant spiritual, cultural, and academic exchange, with opportunities to generate new ideas and knowledge, create connection, and engage in experiential learning.

Columbia’s commitment to institutional connections grounds the seminary in systems of mutual learning, support, and accountability, all of which benefit our students. We pray for renewed commitment to three main arenas of partnership: regional partnerships that embrace the gifts of the Atlanta Metro-Area; global partnerships with international students, scholars, and sibling churches; and denominational and institutional partnerships as an institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and a seminary committed to serving the Church of Jesus Christ. We pray that Columbia will join boldly in the new thing God is already doing among us and in the world, enabling us to learn, teach, serve, and live joyfully in God’s holy house of prayer and in God’s good creation. We pray for the faith to both risk and trust, in this moment: to follow the Spirit’s leading, to join in God’s work, and to be witnesses to Jesus in resurrection hope. We pray to be joyful in this, God’s house, and God’s vision for it.

Our Institutional Goals

COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY SEEKS:

1. To participate in the calling and formation of leaders for a wide range of pastoral vocations through

rigorous, inclusive, and innovative theological education grounded in the Reformed tradition;

2. To prepare students for ordained, professional, and lay ministries through master’s degrees, and to

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further the skills of students already engaged in ordained, professional, and lay ministries through advanced professional degrees; To enhance the ministries of leaders in a wide variety of vocations and provide theological resources for the PC(USA) and the ecumenical church through the Center for Lifelong Learning and other initiatives; To foster a communal environment and prepare leaders to build communities marked by justice, inclusivity, and intercultural competence; To convene and spark conversations that will shape the future of theological education through vibrant scholarship, conferences, and local and international partnerships; To build and maintain a human, physical, and technological infrastructure that increases access to theological education, pursues environmental sustainability, contributes to effective learning, and fosters community flourishing; and To expand and steward Columbia’s resources and promote its connection to the PC(USA) and ecumenical church in order to secure its mission both in the present and the future.

Our Educational Vision

AT COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, WE SEEK TO:

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Prepare persons to be led by God as they lead God’s people in worship, witness, mission, and service;

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Cultivate lifelong spiritual practices to sustain and support ministry;

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Pursue learning that joins body, mind, and heart, enlarges imagination, engages intellect, nurtures passion, and deepens empathy;

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Learn from the world, both locally and globally, from other faith traditions, and from those outside the centers of power and influence; and

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Interpret the Christian faith as a continuing conversation between the human situation and the gospel.

Degree Programs

COLUMBIA’S SEAL CARRIES A MOTTO WHICH CONSISTS OF THE GREEK WORDS FOR

PASTORS AND TEACHERS. These words are taken from the letter to the Ephesians: “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12 NRSV). Since its inception, Columbia has seen its role as training persons for leadership in the Church by offering courses of study leading to both master and doctoral level degrees.

The Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MAPT), and the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) (MA[TS]), are first-level master's degrees which combine academic and professional courses into coherent curriculums suited for a variety of vocational pursuits. Advanced degrees include the Master of Theology (ThM), the Doctor of Ministry (DMin), and the Doctor of Educational Ministry (DEdMin). People from all denominations are eligible to apply for any of Columbia’s degrees.

Master of Divinity Aims of the Program

THE MASTER OF DIVINITY DEGREE IS OFFERED AS A FIRST-LEVEL MASTER'S THEOLOGICAL DEGREE FOR THOSE WHO SEEK TO SERVE AS PASTORS, PROPHETS, EVANGELISTS, TEACHERS, AND OTHER LEADERS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST

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The curriculum offered to MDiv students emerges from the seminary’s identity as a community of memory and hope.

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that clarifies call. Interpret particular ministry contexts. Respond to the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary Church, the world, and creation by engaging biblical, historical, doctrinal, and practical theological resources. Interpret God’s changing world and respond with imagination and resilience.

These are the student learning outcomes for the Master of Divinity degree program.

Claiming memory, the seminary finds its identity as part of the people of God stretching back thousands of years. Resting in that identity, it leads students to a fresh and critical appropriation of the Christian tradition for themselves and for the sake of those to and with whom they minister.

Length of Program

The MDiv curriculum is designed so that a full-time student can complete the requirements for the degree in three full years and is comprised of 90 semester hour credits. A student’s program may Claiming hope, Columbia finds its identity in the be lengthened by a variety of factors, including promises of God, in the world that God will bring participation in internships or taking a reduced load about, and in the opportunities still ahead for the work of the Church in the midst of the work of God. in any given semester. All students must complete their work within six years from the date of matriculation. In all this, the MDiv curriculum draws upon the rich resources of the Church’s memory to nurture Advising students’ hope and engage their imaginations for In theological education, students integrate their mission in the Church and world. studies with their own lives. Advising happens in a variety of ways. Advising on course registration The Christian ministry needs persons who are possessed with a deep, informed, and personal faith is overseen by the Office of Academic Affairs and involves particular faculty. Faculty serve on and who are equipped with skills and imagination to Candidacy Discernment Consultation teams which lead the people of God in acts of compassion, proclamation, praise, confession, celebration, justice, meet with each student midway through their reconciliation, and healing. Teaching and learning at degree program giving feedback on the student’s Columbia equip and form the people who equip the progress and encouraging the student in areas of growth. Early in the first year of studies, students saints to engage in the work of ministry. undergo an individual supervised ministry assessment ONCE A STUDENT HAS COMPLETED THE DEGREE with the director of contextual education who PROGRAM, THE STUDENT IS EXPECTED TO BE ABLE TO: makes a recommendation to the student about ways to optimize the student’s contextual education • Provide effective leadership in corporate worship experience while at CTS. Faculty office hours and and the public arena. their involvement with student groups, create • Integrate personal experience with the history additional opportunities for advising and mentoring. and theology of the Christian Church in a way 7

Calendar and Credit System

Components of the Curriculum

Academic work for the MDiv is offered throughout the year. Two semester-length terms, in the fall and in the spring, anchor the academic year. Half-term courses are also offered during these terms. The calendar also includes an intensive term in January and a summer term designed primarily for language study and supervised ministry experiences. Each semester-length term consists of 6 weeks of classes, a midterm exam and assessment period, another 6 weeks of classes, and a final exam week. The exam days enable students to complete the work for halfterm courses.

REQUIRED COURSES (11 COURSES/33 CREDITS):

Each of these courses must be successfully completed to earn the MDiv degree: • Imagination and Resilience in God’s Changing World (1 course/3 credits) • Old Testament Interpretation I & II (2 courses/6 credits) • New Testament Interpretation (1 course/3 credits) • Christian Theology I & II (2 courses/6 credits) • Introduction to Pastoral Care (1 course/3 credits) • Intercultural Intelligence (1 course/3 credits) • Contextual Immersions (1 course/3 credits) • Supervised Ministry (1 course/6 credits) • Cross/Roads (1 course/3 credits) • Scripture Reading Practicum (1 course/0 credits)

All credit is awarded in standard semester hours. Courses that meet for the whole term are assigned 3 credit hours. Those meeting for half the term are given 1.5 credit hours. The half-term courses allow students to take more subjects in a given term without increasing the number of classes they will carry simultaneously.

DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS (11 COURSES/36 CREDITS):

One course from among a specified set of elective courses in each of the following areas must be successfully completed to earn the MDiv degree: • Biblical language (Greek or Hebrew) (3 credits) • Biblical exegesis using Greek or Hebrew (3 credits) • American Religious History (3 credits) • Christian ethics (3 credits) • History of Christianities (3 credits) • World Christianities (3 credits) • Christian education (3 credits) • Christian leadership (3 credits) • Preaching (3 credits) • Worship (3 credits) • Advanced Supervised Ministry or Practica courses (courses with significant practice components) (6 credits)

Candidacy Discernment Consultation

A student’s admission to candidacy for the degree emerges from the Candidacy Discernment Consultation (CDC) and must be approved by the faculty. The CDC is a major review of the student’s work in the MDiv degree and the student’s potential for ministry and includes conversation with a small group of selected faculty and fellow students. It occurs after the student has completed at least thirty-nine credit hours of the degree requirements and three hours of a contextual education experience. At the CDC, questions of spiritual and vocational growth and other issues are addressed. Any recommendations or stipulations that arise from the consultation are reviewed by the faculty before they award the MDiv degree.

GENERAL ELECTIVES (21 CREDITS)

TOTAL OF 90 CREDITS

Requirements For The Master of Divinity Degree

Further Theological Study beyond the Master’s Degree

To be eligible for graduation with the Master of Divinity degree, students are required to: • Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college of liberal arts and sciences (unless admitted by special action of the faculty), a completed health form, and any required standardized test results; • Be tested for and achieve competency in English writing and speech; • Be admitted to degree candidacy through the successful completion of the Candidacy Discernment Consultation; • Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree with a total of 90 credit hours within six years of the date of matriculation, 48 of which must be completed at Columbia (excluding cross-registration courses); • Successfully complete the Scripture Reading Practicum, a not-for-credit transcripted requirement; • Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.30; • Lead community worship at least as once after having completed 66 credit hours (This requirement is suspended for those graduating in 2023-2024); • Be in residence for at least four semesters (residency is defined as enrollment as a degree-seeking student and registered for classes); • Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life and give promise of useful service in the ministry or related vocations; and • Pay all bills to Columbia and give assurance that all open accounts in the community and elsewhere have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments.

Although the Master of Divinity program does not equip graduates with everything they will need for effective and faithful ministry, they are equipped with initial and essential tools for their ministries. Because the search for faithful answers to the challenges of the Christian life today requires an ethic of learning for the faith, many graduates return to this and other places of group learning for regular additional formal study. Further knowledge, additional insight into the life of faith, and strengthened practice for faithful leadership result when graduates engage in regular, disciplined theological study at various stages in their ministries.

Admission to the Master of Divinity Program

Admission to the Master of Divinity program requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. All prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply regardless of their GPA or prior area of academic focus; all applications will be thoroughly reviewed and considered for admission. Offers of admission to the Master of Divinity program are made are made on a rolling basis between November 15 and June 30. Applications that are completed by November 15 will receive an admissions decision by December 15. To be considered for the Seminary’s largest scholarships and fellowships, applications need to be completed by January 15. Applications received after January 15 will be considered for scholarships as funds are available. In order to enroll at the Seminary in the fall semester, applications must be completed by April 15. All international applications must be completed by December 1.

Students who are unable to matriculate during the semester for which they were admitted may defer • their admissions decision for up to one academic year. Deferral requests must be submitted in writing to admissions@ctsnet.edu. Incomplete applications and/or admitted students that do not matriculate and do not submit a deferral request will be administratively withdrawn from the admissions process with Columbia retaining application materials for at least one academic year. After one academic year, applicants may be required to submit new application materials to be considered for admission. •

Application Requirements

The application process in entirely online. Applicants can apply by visiting https://ctsnet.edu/apply. To be considered for admission to the Master of Divinity program, an applicant must submit to the admissions office the following materials: • Online application for admission • $50 nonrefundable application fee • Resume / CV • Autobiographical Statement: three-four pages, typed, double-spaced autobiographical statement serves as an introduction to the admissions team. Applicants should carefully write their statement considering content, style, grammar, and organization. Ordinarily, applicants write about their personal life, sense of vocation/call, academic interests, and their reason for applying to Seminary/Columbia. A guiding document for the autobiographical statement can be obtained online or by emailing admissions@ctsnet.edu. • Academic Writing Sample: this should be a recent sample of the applicant’s writing that clearly demonstrates ability to write and critically engage an argument. Recent is defined as having been written in the last 3-5 years. If a recent sample is not available, the applicant may choose to submit an alternative writing assignment for which a prompt can be found online. Students seeking guidance concerning the academic

writing sample or alternate writing assignment should email admissions@ctsnet.edu. Official Transcript(s): applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, and graduate schools attended by the applicant for at least one course whether or not a degree was granted. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to Columbia Theological Seminary. If an applicant is currently enrolled in a degree program, the applicant should send an official transcript that includes all work todate. Such applicants will be admitted provisionally contingent upon receipt of the final transcript post-graduation. Three Letters of Recommendation: may be academic, pastoral, or professional. At least one letter must be provided by a pastor or pastoral equivalent (e.g., campus minister). Students are strongly encouraged to submit at least one academic reference. Applicants seeking ordination are strongly encouraged to obtain appropriate recommendations from the appropriate congregational and/or denominational representatives.

Additional Requirements INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | TOEFL REQUIREMENT

English Language Learners (ELL) and persons whose first language is not English are required to submit recent test scores, ordinarily taken within the last two years, from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). In most cases, students accepted to Columbia’s first-level master’s degree programs submit a TOEFL score of 84 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT, iBT Home Edition, or Paper-delivered) with a minimum score of 21 in each of the skill sections. TOEFL scores should be submitted by TOEFL directly to Columbia (Institutional Code: 5118). All test fees are the responsibility of the applicant.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | I-20S AND FINANCIAL CERTIFICATION

All international students are required to complete Columbia’s financial certification process upon admission and prior to applying for a visa. The process will ensure the student has adequate financial resources to cover tuition, fees, travel, and living expenses for the duration of their study in the United States. The I-20 will not be issued until the financial certification process has been completed. For fall enrollment, the certification process must take place by May 30 for those living abroad, and no later than June 30 for those currently in the United States who are transferring from another institution. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENT

ADMISSIONS DEPOSIT

A nonrefundable admissions deposit of $250 is required of all students enrolling at Columbia Theological Seminary. The deposit is due within thirty (30) days of a student’s admission decision and no later than July 30, in order to confirm the student’s place in the program. GRE TEST SCORES

The Columbia Admissions Office welcomes the submission of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores. However, this is not required to be considered for admission.

Transfer Credit

Students in good standing in other regional or International students will automatically be billed for ATS accredited seminaries may be admitted health insurance unless they can meet the insurance after transcripts have been evaluated and their applications approved by the Admissions requirements outlined by the seminary with an Committee. Such students must secure a letter alternative provider. from their academic dean indicating that they are TRANSFER STUDENTS | LETTER OF GOOD STANDING students in good standing. Students in the MDiv Students transferring from another seminary or degree program may receive no more than 45 credit graduate school are required to submit a letter of hours for work completed at another Association good standing that certifies the student will leave of Theological Schools (ATS) accredited institution their current school in good standing with the within the past five years. Transfer credit will only be institution – academic, financial, and otherwise. given for courses passed with a grade of B or higher. A student who has completed a Master of Arts CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (MA) degree from an ATS accredited institution After admission and prior to enrollment, all admitted may transfer up to half of the MA degree toward students must complete a background check that Columbia’s MDiv degree. The determination of will be conducted via a Columbia-approved thirdwhether or not particular courses taken at other party. All admissions decisions are contingent institutions receive credit is made by the Office of upon the successful completion of the criminal Academic Affairs, which also determines whether background check. the credits will fulfill either required or elective credit hours. All petitions for transfer credit and TITLE IX TRAINING BY EVERFI All admitted students are required to complete an advanced standing must be made by the end of the student’s first academic year. All admitted students are required to complete an online Title IX training provided by Columbia prior to matriculation. The training will familiarize students with matters related to Title IX, sexual misconduct, and reporting.

Master of Divinity The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree is a basic theological degree for those who seek to serve as the pastors, prophets, evangelists, teachers, and other leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ.

COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM Required Courses

Distribution Requirements

11 COURSES · 33 CREDITS Each of these courses must be successfully completed to earn the MDiv degree:

11 COURSES · 36 CREDITS One course from among a specified set of courses in each of the following areas must be successfully completed to earn the MDiv degree:

· Old Testament Interpretation I & II (6 credits) · New Testament Interpretation (3 credits) · Christian Theology I & II (6 credits) · Pastoral Care (3 credits) · Intercultural Intelligence (3 credits) · Explorations (3 credits) · Cross/Roads (3 credits) · Supervised Ministry (6 credits) · Scripture Reading Practicum

· Biblical Greek OR Biblical Hebrew (3 credits) · Biblical exegesis using Greek or Hebrew (3 credits) · History of Christianities (3 credits) · American Religious History (3 credits) · World Christianities (3 credits) · Christian ethics (3 credits) · Christian education (3 credits) · Christian leadership (3 credits) · Preaching (3 credits) · Worship (3 credits) · Advanced Supervised Ministry or Practica courses (courses with significant practice components) (6 credits)

General Electives

7 COURSES · 21 CREDITS

TOTAL: 90 CREDITS As an accredited theological school of the Presbyterian Church (USA), we engage students with some of the best faculty anywhere! We host a large table for people from all denominations and backgrounds. For full descriptions of our graduate degree programs and academics, please visit our website, CTSnet.edu.

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www.CTSnet.edu

Master of Arts in Practical Theology Aims of the Program THE PURPOSE OF THE MASTER OF ARTS IN PRACTICAL THEOLOGY DEGREE IS TO EQUIP PERSONS FOR A BROAD ARRAY OF MINISTRIES WITH RIGOROUS, CREATIVE, INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSEWORK.

The degree program integrates a core curriculum of theological studies with particular focus in practical theology through three areas of concentration: Educational Ministries, Pastoral Care/Pastoral Theology, or Worship, Preaching, and the Arts.

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Engage in theological action and reflection by experiencing and reflecting on actual ministry settings, practicing public theology, and completing integrative theory and practice assignments within their concentration. Develop the habitus of Christian identity for service in the church and world. “Habitus” involves the habits, movements, and dispositions of daily life that often go unnoticed but that inform and ascribe meaning to persons and communities. Students demonstrate this learning goal in a professional portfolio that includes a statement of faith, grounding spiritual practices, vocational discernment, working metaphor for practical theology, and self-understanding as a practical theologian.

Educational Ministries focuses on the teaching, learning, and spiritual formation of people and communities through liberative forms of education. • Pastoral Care/Pastoral Theology integrates therapeutic practices of care with attention to These are the student learning outcomes for intercultural and global structures that affect and the Master of Arts in Practical Theology degree inform suffering and healing. program. • Worship, Preaching, and the Arts focuses on how arts and aesthetics support transformational Components of Program practices of worship and preaching. The Master of Arts in Practical Theology requires 48 credit hours and can be completed in two years The degree may be appropriate for ordination in and one summer if pursued on a full-time basis. traditions that do not require a three-year Master Typically, the summer will be used to complete the of Divinity program, or for lay people who desire supervised ministry requirement. Over the course theological education in order to carry out their professional or volunteer ministries in congregational of the 48 credit hours in this program, all students will complete the Introduction to Practical Theology settings and beyond. and Capstone Course in Practical Theology (6 credit hours total) and a supervised ministry course (6 ONCE A STUDENT HAS CONCLUDED THE MAPT DEGREE credit hours). In addition, students will complete a PROGRAM, THE STUDENT IS EXPECTED TO BE ABLE TO: core set of general courses in biblical studies, history, • Understand the nature and task of practical and doctrine totaling 15 credit hours. Courses in theology by using different frameworks, methods, metaphors and issues of concern within the area of concentration (Educational Ministries, Pastoral Care/Pastoral Theology, or Worship, the field of practical theology to understand congregations, faith communities, and the wider Preaching and the Arts) and general electives will constitute the remaining 21 credit hours. world. •

MAPT/MDIV Dual Degree Opportunity

Admission to the Master of Arts in Practical Theology Program

The Master of Arts in Practical Theology degree may also be used to add an area of specialization to a Master of Divinity degree. Students may thus pursue the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Practical Theology in a dual degree format. Both degrees are awarded at the same commencement, after the student has earned 114 credits and met the requirements of both degrees.

Requirements for the Degree •

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Admission to the Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MAPT) program requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. All prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply regardless of their GPA or prior area of academic focus; all applications will be thoroughly reviewed and considered for admission.

Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college of liberal arts and sciences, a completed health form, and standardized test results; Be tested for and achieve competency in English writing skills; Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree with a total of 48 credit hours within five years of the date of matriculation, 24 of which must be completed at Columbia (excluding cross-registration courses); Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.30; Be in residence for at least three long terms (residency is defined as enrollment as a degreeseeking student and registered for classes), unless having already attained a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree; Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life and give promise of useful service in the ministry or other church vocations; and Pay all bills to the seminary and give assurance that all open accounts in the community and elsewhere have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments.

Offers of admission to the MAPT program are made are made on a rolling basis between November 15 and June 30. Applications that are completed by November 15 will receive an admissions decision by December 15. To be considered for the Seminary’s largest scholarships and fellowships, applications need to be completed by January 15. Applications received after January 15 will be considered for scholarships as funds are available. In order to enroll at the Seminary in the fall semester, applications must be completed by April 15. All international applications must be completed by December 1. Students who are unable to matriculate during the semester for which they were admitted may defer their admissions decision for up to one academic year. Deferral requests must be submitted in writing to admissions@ctsnet.edu. Incomplete applications and/or admitted students that do not matriculate and do not submit a deferral request will be administratively withdrawn from the admissions process with Columbia retaining application materials for at least one academic year. After one academic year, applicants may be required to submit new application materials to be considered for admission.

Application Requirements

Requirements for the MAPT Degree • Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college of liberal arts and sciences, a completed health form, and standardized test results; • Be tested for and achieve competency in English writing skills; • Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree with a total of 48 credit hours within five years of the date of matriculation, 24 of which must be completed at Columbia (excluding cross-registration courses); • Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.30; • Be in residence for at least three long terms (residency is defined as enrollment as a degreeseeking student and registered for classes), unless having already attained a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree; • Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life and give promise of useful service in the ministry or other church vocations; and • Pay all bills to the seminary and give assurance that all open accounts in the community and elsewhere have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments. Students who are unable to matriculate during the semester for which they were admitted are permitted to request, in writing, a deferral of admission for up to one academic year. Incomplete applications and/or admitted students that do not matriculate and do not submit a written request to defer their admissions decision will have their application materials kept on file for one academic year. After one academic year, a new application for admission will be required to be considered for admission.

Application Requirements

Applicants should apply online at ctsnet.edu. For additional information, contact the Columbia Admissions Office at admissions@ctsnet.edu. To be considered for admission to the program, an applicant must submit to the admissions office the following materials: • Online application for admission • $50 nonrefundable application fee • Resume / CV • Autobiographical Statement: a three-four page, typed, double-spaced autobiographical statement serves as an applicant’s introduction to the admissions team. Applicants should carefully write their statement considering content, style, grammar, and organization. Ordinarily, applicants write about their personal life, sense of vocation/call, academic interests, and their reason for applying to Seminary / Columbia. A guiding document for the autobiographical statement can be obtained by emailing admissions@ctsnet.edu. • Concentration Declaration Statement: a onetwo page, typed, double-spaced concentration declaration statement that helps the admissions committee and degree program director gain a better sense of the applicant’s choice of concentration (i.e., Worship, Preaching and the Arts; Educational Ministries; or Pastoral Care/ Pastoral Theology), how the concentration fits into the applicant’s sense of vocation, and how the selected concentration will help prepare the applicant for their work and ministry. • Academic Writing Sample: this should be a recent sample of writing that clearly demonstrates the applicant’s ability to write and critically engage an argument. Recent is defined as having been written in the last 5-10 years. If a recent sample is not available, the applicant may choose to submit an alternative writing assignment that can be provided by the Columbia Admissions Office upon request. • Official transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, and graduate schools attended by the applicant for at least one course whether or not 15

•

International students will automatically be billed for health insurance unless they can meet the insurance requirements outlined by the Seminary with an alternative provider.

a degree was granted. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to Columbia Theological Seminary. If an applicant is currently enrolled in a degree program, the applicant should send an official transcript that includes all work to-date. Such applicants will be admitted provisionally contingent upon receipt of the final transcript post-graduation. Three letters of recommendation: recommendations may be academic, pastoral, or professional. Students are strongly encouraged to submit at least one academic and one pastoral reference.

TRANSFER STUDENTS | LETTER OF GOOD STANDING

Students transferring from another seminary or graduate school are required to submit a letter of good standing that certifies the student will leave their current school in good academic, financial, etc. standing with the institution. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

Additional Requirements INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | TOEFL REQUIREMENT

Persons whose first language is not English and/or English Language Learner (ELL) students are required to submit recent test scores, ordinarily taken within the last two years, from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). In most cases, students accepted to Columbia’s first-level master’s degree programs submit a TOEFL score of 84 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT, iBT Home Edition, or Paper-delivered) with a minimum score of 21 in each of the skill sections. TOEFL scores should be submitted by TOEFL directly to Columbia (Institutional Code: 5118). All test fees are the responsibility of the applicant. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | I-20S AND FINANCIAL CERTIFICATION

All international students are required to complete Columbia’s financial certification process upon admission and prior to applying for a visa. The process will ensure the student has adequate financial resources to cover tuition, fees, travel, and living expenses for the first year of study in the United States. The I-20 will not be completed until the financial certification process has been completed, which must occur no later than June 30 of each academic year for fall enrollment.

After admission and prior to enrollment, all admitted students must complete a background check that will be conducted via a Columbia-sanctioned thirdparty. All admissions decisions are contingent upon the successful completion of the criminal background check. TITLE IX TRAINING BY EVERFI

All admitted students are required to complete an online Title IX training provided by Columbia prior to matriculation. The training will familiarize students with matters related to Title IX, sexual misconduct, and reporting. ADMISSIONS DEPOSIT

A nonrefundable admissions deposit of $250 is required of all students enrolling at Columbia Theological Seminary. The deposit is due within thirty (30) days of a student’s admission decision and no later than June 1, in order to confirm the student’s place in the program. GRE TEST SCORES

The Columbia Admissions Office welcomes the submission of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores. However, this is not required to be considered for admission.

DEGREE RECLASSIFICATION FOR CURRENT STUDENTS

Students currently enrolled in the MDiv and MATS programs, or as special students at Columbia, may also apply for admission to the Master of Arts in Practical Theology program. A reclassification application with supporting materials must be submitted to the Admissions Office. If the applicant is admitted to the program, satisfactory coursework from the student’s prior degree program will be considered toward the Master of Arts in Practical Theology program. The faculty advisor, lead professors for the degree programs, and academic affairs staff will work with the student to determine which credits may be applied to the MAPT program.

Transfer Credit

A student may receive no more than 18 credit hours for work completed within the past five years towards an unearned degree at another Association of Theological Schools (ATS) accredited institution. Transfer credit will only be given for courses passed with a grade of B or higher. The determination of whether or not courses taken at other institutions may receive credit is made by the Office of Academic Affairs, which also determines whether the credits will fulfill either required or elective credit hours. All petitions for transfer credit and advanced standing should be made by the end of the student’s first academic year.

A student who has completed a Master of Arts (MA) degree from an ATS accredited institution A student may apply to the MAPT/MDIV dual degree option. In addition, some students who apply may transfer in up to 18 credit hours or one half of to the MAPT or MDIV degrees later decide to move the total credit hours of the degree program (if less than 48 CH) toward Columbia’s MAPT degree. A into the dual degree program. Students submit a student who has completed an MDiv at Columbia reclassification application to move into the dual or at another ATS accredited institution, may also degree program. Some students who enroll in the dual degree program discern a call to reclassify into apply up to 18 hours toward the MAPT degree. Applied credit will only be given for courses passed only one program. This does not require a new with a grade of B or higher. The determination of application, but is a process administered thorough whether or not courses taken at other institutions the Office of Academic Affairs, and the lead may receive credit is made by the Office of professors for the degree programs. Academic Affairs, which also determines whether the credits will fulfill either required or elective credit hours.

Dual Degree Option

Master of Arts in Practical Theology The Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MAPT) degree equips persons for a broad array of ministries through the practice of theological and contextual reflection.

COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM Contextual Education Course Credits

Areas of Concentration

· Educational Ministries · Pastoral Care/Pastoral Theology · Worship, Preaching, and the Arts

1 COURSE · 6 CREDITS

Required Courses

7 COURSES · 21 CREDITS Each of these courses must be successfully completed to earn the MAPT degree: · Intro to Practical Theology (3 credits) · Old Testament Interpretation (3 credits) · New Testament Interpretation (3 credits) · Christian Ethics (3 credits) · 1 course in History of Christianities, American Religious History, or World Christianities (3 credits) · Christian Theology I (3 credits) · Capstone Course in Practical Theology (3 credits)

Area of Concentration Course Credits 4 COURSES · 12 CREDITS

· Intro course in Area of Concentration (3 credits) · Three additional courses (9 credits)

Elective Course Credits 3 COURSES · 9 CREDITS

TOTAL: 48 CREDITS

www.CTSnet.edu

Master of Arts (Theological Studies) Aims of the Program

Components of the Program

THE MASTER OF ARTS (THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) (MA[TS]) IS A FLEXIBLE DEGREE PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES THEOLOGICAL STUDIES FOR PERSONS WHO ARE EXPLORING CAREER OPTIONS OR WHO ARE PREPARING FOR DOCTORAL STUDIES, CHURCH LEADERSHIP POSITIONS, OR SPECIALIZED FORMS OF LAY MINISTRY.

The MA(TS) program is also for those persons who wish to engage theological issues of faith and the modern world in relation to their current professions. While this program is not designed to prepare persons for ordained ministry, it may be useful for those ministers who serve in traditions that do not require a degree in divinity for ordination, but who nevertheless wish to develop their formal knowledge of theological studies. The degree can be completed in two years of fulltime study but may take longer if pursued online or on a part-time basis. Once a student has concluded the degree program, the student is expected to be able to: 1. Articulate an intersectional understanding of their cultural context, theological convictions, and vocation in response to the needs of God’s changing world. 2. Critically engage contemporary issues in church and society with biblical and theological acuity. 3. Demonstrate competence in an area of theological study (New Testament, Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, Theology, Ethics, or Church History) to support the flourishing of the Church and the world. These are the student learning outcomes for the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) degree program.

Because students enroll in the MA(TS) program for a wide variety of reasons, they enjoy an extremely flexible course of study. Indeed, the only class they must all take is the MA(TS) Seminar (I500), normally during their first year of study at the seminary. Among its primary purposes, this seminar helps students to clarify their plans for the degree, structure their coursework accordingly at the seminary, and confirm their area of specialization. The seminar will also help students explore various career options. Please note that admission to the online modality is not available in Academic Years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. The MA(TS) degree is offered in two modalities: residential and online. Residential MA(TS) students must choose one of five disciplines as a concentration: Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History, or Ethics. In addition to their primary area of specialization, residential MA(TS) students must choose a secondary discipline other than their area of specialization and take any 9 credit hours in it. Additionally, they must take at least 3 credit hours in yet a third discipline. Beyond these requirements, students are invited to take any courses offered, including courses in Practical Theology. Courses that are either Interdisciplinary or in Supervised Ministry may be allowed with the prior approval of the lead professor of the MA(TS) degree program. Near the end of their degree work, typically in their final semester, they will complete an additional

3 credit hours in the course B699 or HD699 MA(TS) Independent Study, which is done under the supervision of a faculty member in their area of specialization. This course requires the production of a 25-35 page thesis or praxis-focused project. Students will choose to complete a thesis or praxisfocused project in consultation with the MA(TS) lead professor and a faculty member in their primary area of specialization who will serve as the thesis/ project supervisor. This course provides students the opportunity to explore a critical issue in their field, thus revealing their ability to do in-depth and independent research, to critically engage and analyze that research, to think constructively and do original work, and to write at a master’s level. Ordinarily, residential MA(TS) students shall take only one independent study (which is B699 or HD699). Note: Students specializing in Old Testament must take Hebrew; likewise, students specializing in New Testament must take Greek—either through coursework at CTS or through coursework prior to matriculation. Students undertaking a praxisoriented project must have taken P 500 Introduction to Practical Theology, which is offered each August as a one-week intensive course with monthly class sessions held throughout following fall semester. Please note that admission to the online modality is not available in Academic Years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. Students in the Online MA(TS) Program have the flexibility to take courses in any MA(TS) discipline area (Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History, or Ethics), as well as courses in the Practical Theology area. Near the end of their degree work, typically in their final semester, online students will complete 3 credit hours in B699 or HD699 MA(TS) Independent Study. The Independent Study must be in a MA(TS) discipline area in which the online student has taken at least 9 credits and will be done under the supervision of a faculty member in that discipline. B699 or HD699

MA(TS) Independent Study requires the production of a 25-35 page thesis or a praxis-focused project. Students will choose to complete a thesis or praxisfocused project in consultation with the MA(TS) lead professor and a faculty member in their primary area of specialization who will serve as the thesis/ project supervisor. This course provides students the opportunity to explore a critical issue in their field, thus revealing their ability to do in-depth and independent research, to critically engage and analyze that research, to think constructively and do original work, and to write at a master’s level. Courses that are either Interdisciplinary or in Supervised Ministry may be allowed with the prior approval of the MA(TS) lead professor. Ordinarily, online MA(TS) students shall take only one independent study (which is B699 or HD699). Note: Students wishing to write a thesis in Old Testament must take Hebrew; likewise, students wishing to write a thesis in New Testament must take Greek—either through coursework at CTS or prior to matriculation. Students undertaking a praxis-oriented project must have taken P 500 -Introduction to Practical Theology, which is offered each August as a one-week intensive course with monthly class sessions held throughout following fall semester.

Requirements for the Degree

To be eligible for graduation with the MA(TS) degree, students are required to: • Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college of liberal arts and sciences, a completed health form, • and any required standardized test results; • Be tested for and achieve competency in English writing skills (see TOEFL requirements below); • Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree with a total of 48 credit hours within five years of the date of matriculation, 30 of which must be completed at Columbia (excluding cross-registration courses);

• • •

•

Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.30; Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student and registered for classes); Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life and give promise of useful service in the ministry or other church vocations; and Pay all bills to the seminary and give assurance that all open accounts in the community and elsewhere have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments.

their admissions decision for up to one academic year. Deferral requests must be submitted in writing to admissions@ctsnet.edu. Incomplete applications and/or admitted students that do not matriculate and do not submit a deferral request will be administratively withdrawn from the admissions process with Columbia retaining application materials for at least one academic year. After one academic year, applicants may be required to submit new application materials to be considered for admission.

Application Requirements

The application process in entirely online. Applicants Details of the program are available from the lead can apply by visiting https://ctsnet.edu/apply. professor of the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) program and in the MA(TS) Handbook. To be considered for admission to the MA(TS) program, an applicant must submit to the admissions Admission to the Master of Arts office the following materials: • Online application for admission (Theological Studies) Program • $50 nonrefundable application fee Admission to the Master of Arts (Theological • Resume / CV Studies) (MA[TS]) program requires a bachelor’s • Autobiographical Statement: a three-four degree from a regionally accredited college or page, typed, double-spaced autobiographical university with a cumulative grade point average statement serves as an introduction to the of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. All prospective admissions team. Applicants should carefully students are strongly encouraged to apply regardless write their statement considering content, of their GPA or prior area of academic focus; style, grammar, and organization. Ordinarily, all applications will be thoroughly reviewed and applicants write about their personal life, sense considered for admission. of vocation/call, academic interests, and their reason for applying to Seminary/Columbia. Offers of admission to the MA(TS) program are A guiding document for the autobiographical made are made on a rolling basis between November statement can be obtained online or by emailing 15 and June 30. Applications that are completed by admissions@ctsnet.edu. November 15 will receive an admissions decision by • Plan of Study: one – two pages, typed, doubleDecember 15. To be considered for the Seminary’s spaced that identifies their area of concentration largest scholarships and fellowships, applications and clearly outlines the applicant’s plan for need to be completed by January 15. Applications achieving their research goals within the MA(TS) received after January 15 will be considered for program. scholarships as funds are available. In order to enroll • Academic Writing Sample: this should be a at the Seminary in the fall semester, applications recent sample of the applicant’s writing that must be completed by April 15. All international clearly demonstrates ability to write and critically applications must be complete by December 1. engage an argument. Recent is defined as having been written in the last 3-5 years. If a recent Students who are unable to matriculate during the sample is not available, the applicant may choose semester for which they were admitted may defer 21

•

to submit an alternative writing assignment for which a prompt can be found online. Students seeking guidance concerning the academic writing sample or alternate writing assignment should email admissions@ctsnet.edu. Official Transcript(s): applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, and graduate schools attended by the applicant for at least one course whether or not a degree was granted. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to Columbia Theological Seminary. If an applicant is currently enrolled in a degree program, the applicant should send an official transcript that includes all work to-date. Such applicants will be admitted provisionally contingent upon receipt of the final transcript post-graduation. Three Letters of Recommendation: recommendations may be academic, pastoral, or professional. At least two letters of recommendation must be academic.

Additional Requirements

living expenses for the duration of their study in the United States. The I-20 will not be issued until the financial certification process has been completed. For fall enrollment, the certification process must take place by May 30 for those living abroad, and no later than June 30 for those currently in the United States who are transferring from another institution. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENT

International students will automatically be billed for health insurance unless they can meet the insurance requirements outlined by the seminary with an alternative provider. TRANSFER STUDENTS | LETTER OF GOOD STANDING

Students transferring from another seminary or graduate school are required to submit a letter of good standing that certifies the student will leave their current school in good standing with the institution – academic, financial, and otherwise. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

After admission and prior to enrollment, all admitted students must complete a background check that INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | TOEFL REQUIREMENT will be conducted via a Columbia-approved thirdEnglish Language Learners (ELL) and persons whose party. All admissions decisions are contingent first language is not English are required to submit upon the successful completion of the criminal recent test scores, ordinarily taken within the last background check. two years, from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). In most cases, students TITLE IX TRAINING BY EVERFI accepted to Columbia’s first-level master’s degree All admitted students are required to complete an programs submit a TOEFL score of 84 or higher online Title IX training provided by Columbia prior to on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT, iBT Home matriculation. The training will familiarize students Edition, or Paper-delivered) with a minimum score with matters related to Title IX, sexual misconduct, of 21 in each of the skill sections. TOEFL scores and reporting. should be submitted by TOEFL directly to Columbia ADMISSIONS DEPOSIT (Institutional Code: 5118). All test fees are the A nonrefundable admissions deposit of $250 is responsibility of the applicant. required of all students enrolling at Columbia INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | I-20S AND FINANCIAL Theological Seminary. The deposit is due within CERTIFICATION thirty (30) days of a student’s admission decision All international students are required to complete and no later than July 30, in order to confirm the Columbia’s financial certification process upon student’s place in the program. admission and prior to applying for a visa. The process will ensure the student has adequate financial resources to cover tuition, fees, travel, and 22

GRE TEST SCORES

The Columbia Admissions Office welcomes the submission of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores. However, this is not required to be considered for admission. DEGREE RECLASSIFICATION FOR CURRENT STUDENTS

Students currently enrolled in the MDiv and MAPT programs, or as special students at Columbia, may also apply for admission to the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) program. A reclassification application with supporting materials must be submitted to the Admissions Office. If the applicant is admitted to the program, satisfactory coursework from the student’s prior degree program will be considered toward the MA(TS) program. The faculty advisor, lead professors for the degree programs, and academic affairs staff will work with the student to determine which credits may be applied to the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) degree program.

Transfer Credit

A student may transfer no more than 15 credit hours in the five fields of the program from work completed before admission. The credit must be earned from regionally accredited or ATS accredited institutions. No transfer credit may be obtained for work done more than 36 months before admission. Transfer credit will only be given for courses passed with a grade of B or higher. The determination of whether courses taken at other institutions may receive credit is made by the Office of Academic Affairs. All petitions for transfer credit and advanced standing must be made by the end of the student’s first academic year.

Master of Arts (Theological Studies) The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) (MA(TS)) is a two-year flexible degree program designed for persons who are exploring career options, preparing for doctoral studies, church leadership positions, or specialized forms of lay ministry.

COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Areas of Specialization · Old Testament · Theology · Ethics

· New Testament · Church History

Required MA(TS) Courses

2 COURSES · 6 CREDITS · MA(TS) Seminar (3 credits) · Independent study resulting in a final paper (3 credits)

MA(TS) Discipline Area Courses in OT, NT, Church History, Ethics, or Theology 8 COURSES · 24 CREDITS · 4 courses in area of specialization (12 credits) · 3 courses in second area of specialization (9 credits) · 1 course in third area of specialization (3 credits)

ONLINE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Required MA(TS) Courses

2 COURSES · 6 CREDITS · MA(TS) Seminar (3 credits) · Independent study with Thesis or Praxis-Focused Project (3 credits) in any MA(TS) discipline area (NT, OT, Church History, Ethics, or Thelogy) in which the student has taken at least 3 courses

MA(TS) Discipline Area Courses in OT, NT, Church History, Ethics, or Theology 11 COURSES · 33 CREDITS

Electives

3 COURSES · 9 CREDITS

TOTAL: 48 CREDITS

Electives

6 COURSES · 18 CREDITS Up to 3 courses may be from the Practical Theology area.

TOTAL: 48 CREDITS

www.CTSnet.edu 24

Advanced Degrees Introduction COLUMBIA OFFERS FOUR PROGRAMS LEADING TO AN ADVANCED DEGREE.

They include the Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Educational Ministry. Each of these advanced degrees builds on the work completed in the MDiv or MAPT in the case of the Doctor of Educational Ministry. In addition to the resources of the faculty and library on Columbia’s campus, advanced degree students may draw upon the resources of the Atlanta area. Additional educational opportunities and resources are available through the Atlanta Theological Association. Accredited programs of clinical pastoral education and pastoral counseling are available in many settings. Numerous national and regional offices of denominational and interdenominational agencies are located in Atlanta.

Master of Theology Aims of the Program

Components of the Program

THE MASTER OF THEOLOGY (THM) IS DESIGNED FOR PERSONS ALREADY HOLDING THE MDIV DEGREE OR ITS EQUIVALENT WHO WISH TO DEEPEN THEIR MASTERY OF ONE AREA OR DISCIPLINE OF THEOLOGICAL STUDY THROUGH REFLECTION, RESEARCH, AND WRITING FOR THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH.

Students must earn at least 12 credit hours, in addition to the 18 credit hours for the ThM thesis preparation (reading and writing) in the area of specialization.

The distinctive element of Columbia’s ThM program is the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors in research of mutual interest. Students may pursue the degree in one of two formats: either in a one-year full time residential version or a twoyear part time online version. Note: the two-year part time version of the degree does require an initial one-week orientation and research methods seminar held on campus in August. In either format, the degree includes coursework in relevant curricular areas; a seminar in research methods; close work with a faculty mentor; the production of a publishable research thesis project; and, by application to the faculty, the opportunity to serve as a research or teaching assistant.

ThM students participate in an intensive one-week Research Seminar in the late summer and a one semester writing colloquium in the spring with other students in the program. The intensive late summer session focuses on research methods, and the fall focuses on research and the beginning of thesis writing. During the spring semester, students present and discuss work they are doing on their thesis. Students complete a ThM thesis. The thesis is worth 12 semester hours of credit, 3 credit hours for focused reading and research, 3 credit hours for writing a literature review and 6 credit hours for writing the thesis. The progress of the writing and the provisional and final approval of the thesis are overseen by the student’s advisor and the ThM director in consultation with the Academic Affairs Office.

Once the student has concluded the degree program, the student is expected to be able to: 1. Demonstrate advanced research methodology

and scholarship in the production of a thesis. 2. Demonstrate an academic understanding in a focused area of study. 3. Demonstrate competency in teaching in a specific field of study in the case of students accepted for teaching assistantships. These are the student learning outcomes for the Master of Theology degree program.

FULL TIME RESIDENTIAL FORMAT: FALL TERM

• • • •

ThM Research Seminar (one week, on campus, in mid-August 3 credits) Thesis research (3 credits) Literature review (3 credits) 2 electives (6 credits)

JANUARY TERM

•

1 elective (3 credits)

SPRING TERM

•

PART TIME ONLINE FORMAT:

• • •

Thesis writing (6 credits) 1 elective (3 credits) ThM colloquium (3-5 days, held in late April, 3 credits)

FALL TERM, YEAR ONE

• • •

ThM Research Seminar (one week, on campus, in mid-August, 3 credits) Thesis research (3 credits) One elective (3 credits)

• •

JANUARY TERM, YEAR ONE

•

One elective (3 credits)—optional.

•

SPRING TERM, YEAR ONE

• •

Thesis research (3 credits) One elective (3 credits)

FALL TERM, YEAR TWO

• •

Literature Review (3 credits) One elective (3 credits)

JANUARY TERM, YEAR TWO

•

One elective (3 credits)—optional if a course wasn’t taken the previous year. Note: This elective could also be taken in the summer between the first and second year or even during the spring semester of the first year or the fall semester of the second.

SPRING TERM, YEAR TWO

• •

Thesis writing (3 credits) ThM Colloquium (3-5 days, held in late April, 3 credits)

Requirements for the Master of Theology Degree

To be eligible for graduation with the ThM degree, students are required to: • Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with the MDiv degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution, a completed health form, and standardized test results;

Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree with a total of 30 credit hours (at the advanced level) within two years of the date of matriculation, 18 of which must be completed at Columbia (excluding cross-registration courses); Complete a ThM thesis; Complete the ThM Research Seminar; Be in residence for at least two long terms (residency is defined as enrollment as a degreeseeking student and registered for classes); Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00; Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life and give promise of useful service in the ministry or other church vocations; and Pay all bills to the seminary and give assurance that all open accounts in the community and elsewhere have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments.

Admission to the Master of Theology (ThM) Program

Admission to the ThM program requires a Master of Divinity or master’s level equivalent from an Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and/ or regionally accredited college, university, or theological institution with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students who have completed a Master of Divinity with high academic standing who are interested in further graduate study are strongly encouraged to apply. Offers of admission to the ThM program are made on a rolling basis. The priority deadline for admission to the ThM program is January 15th. Applications that are completed by January 15th will receive an admission and financial aid decision by March 15. Applications received after February 15 will be considered for scholarships as funds are available. In order to enroll at the Seminary in the fall semester, applications must be completed by April 15. All international applications have a December 1st deadline. 27

Students who are unable to matriculate during the semester for which they were admitted may defer their admissions decision for up to one academic year. Deferral requests must be submitted in writing to admissions@ctsnet.edu. Incomplete applications and/or admitted students that do not matriculate and do not submit a deferral request will be administratively withdrawn from the admissions process with Columbia retaining application • materials for at least one academic year. After one academic year, applicants may be required to submit new application materials to be considered for admission.

Application Requirements

The application process in entirely online. Applicants can apply by visiting https://ctsnet.edu/apply. To be considered for admission to the ThM program, an applicant must submit to the admissions office the following materials: • Online application for admission • $50 nonrefundable application fee • Resume / CV • Statement of Purpose: three – four pages, typed, double-spaced intellectual biography that clearly outlines the applicant’s academic interests and how they have developed. The statement should also include the applicant’s primary area(s) of interests and key problems, questions, theories, interlocutors, historical periods, and movements associated with the applicant’s intended research. The statement should also include information about applicant’s academic trajectory and goals. • Plan of Study: one – two pages, typed, doublespaced that identifies their area of concentration and clearly outlines the applicant’s plan for achieving their research goals within the ThM program. The Plan of Study should also include a student’s area of research, courses they plan to take, and faculty with whom they hope to work. • Academic Writing Sample: this should be a recent sample of the applicant’s writing that clearly demonstrates ability to write and critically

•

engage an argument. Recent is defined as having been written in the last 3-5 years. If a recent sample is not available, the applicant may choose to submit an alternative writing assignment for which a prompt can be found online. Students seeking guidance concerning the academic writing sample or alternate writing assignment should email admissions@ctsnet.edu. Official Transcript(s): applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, and graduate schools attended by the applicant for at least one course whether or not a degree was granted. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to Columbia Theological Seminary. If an applicant is currently enrolled in a degree program, the applicant should send an official transcript that includes all work to-date. Such applicants will be admitted provisionally contingent upon receipt of the final transcript post-graduation. Three Letters of Recommendation: recommendations may be academic, pastoral, or professional. At least two letters of recommendation must be academic.

Additional Requirements INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | TOEFL REQUIREMENT

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | I-20S AND FINANCIAL CERTIFICATION

TITLE IX TRAINING BY EVERFI

The Columbia Admissions Office welcomes the International students will automatically be billed for submission of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) health insurance unless they can meet the insurance test scores. However, this is not required to be considered for admission. requirements outlined by the seminary with an alternative provider. HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENT

Transfer of Credit

In planning the student’s program with their advisor or the ThM program director, a student may request the transfer of limited credit for work done prior to entry or at another institution while enrolled in the ThM program at Columbia. Ordinarily, the number of hours of transfer credit will be limited to three semester hours, or the equivalent of one CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK elective course at Columbia. The work must have After admission and prior to enrollment, all admitted been done at a comparable graduate level within students must complete a background check that the last five years. A grade of B or better must have will be conducted via a Columbia-approved thirdbeen earned for the course. The student must be party. All admissions decisions are contingent able to show that the work is relevant to the ThM upon the successful completion of the criminal program and that the coursework was not credited background check. toward a degree which was received. Final approval regarding transfer of credit resides with the Office of Academic Affairs. TRANSFER STUDENTS | LETTER OF GOOD STANDING

Students transferring from another seminary or graduate school are required to submit a letter of good standing that certifies the student will leave their current school in good standing with the institution – academic, financial, and otherwise.

Master of Theology The Master of Theology (ThM) degree is designed for persons already holding the MDiv degree or its equivalent who wish to deepen their mastery of one area or discipline of theological study through reflection, research, and writing for the service of the Church.

COMPONENTS OF THE CURRICULUM Students pursue a one-year course of full-time study that includes: · Coursework in relevant areas · A seminar in research methods · Close work with faculty · Production of a publishable research project · By application to the faculty, the opportunity to serve as a research or teaching assistant

Thesis Preparation

Area of Specialization

FALL TERM · Thesis research (3 credits) · Literature Review (3 credits)

FALL TERM · 2 electives (6 credits)

5 COURSES · 15 CREDITS SUMMER INTENSIVE · One-week Research Seminar (3 credits)

15 CREDITS Columbia’s ThM program allows students to work closely with faculty mentors in research of mutual interest.

SPRING TERM · Thesis writing (3 credits) · ThM colloquium (3 credits)

JANUARY TERM · 1 elective (3 credits) SPRING TERM · 2 elective (6 credits)

TOTAL: 30 CREDITS As an accredited theological school of the Presbyterian Church (USA), we engage students with some of the best faculty anywhere! We host a large table for people from all denominations and backgrounds. For full descriptions of our graduate degree programs and academics, please visit our website, CTSnet.edu.

www.CTSnet.edu

Doctor of Ministry

Aims of the Program THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY DEGREE PROGRAM IS AN ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE THAT BUILDS UPON AN ACCREDITED MASTER’S DEGREE IN A MINISTRY RELATED AREA AND UPON SIGNIFICANT MINSTRY EXPERIENCE. THE DMIN PRESUPPOSES BROAD FOUNDATIONAL COMPETENCIES IN THEOLOGIAL INTEGRATION, CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS, MINISTERIAL AND LEADERSHIP IDENTITY, AND PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION. WHILE AN ATS-ACCREDITED MDIV DEGREE ORDINARILY MAY BE ACCEPTED BY A SCHOOL AS SUFFICIENT DEMONSTRATION OF THESE COMPETENCIES, DMIN APPLICANTS WHO HOLD A MASTER’S DEGREE OF A THEOLOGICAL NATURE MAY QUALIFY BY DEMONSTRATING A BROAD FOUNDATION IN BIBLICAL STUDIES, THEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL STUDIES, MINISTERIAL AND CONTEXTUAL STUDIES, AND MINISTERIAL EXPERIENCE AS DETERMINED BY CTS FACULTY AS COMMENSURATE WITH ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCY FOR DMIN STUDY.

Persons from other countries may be eligible to apply. The program provides a course of graduate study for ministers of the people of God in the Church of Jesus Christ. It requires disciplined reflection upon, and further specialization within, ministry. The program focuses on the critical engagement between the biblical, historical, theological, and pastoral disciplines of ministry. By helping students integrate ministerial theory and practice with basic faith commitments, the program strengthens ministers to exercise a critical kind of teaching role in the church and to increase their competency and faithfulness in practice. Because the program seeks to help students strengthen a holistic ministry in community, the program is largely generalist in character, involving questions of personal ministerial identity and

of the nature of the Church and its mission in a postmodern world. A doctoral project requires students to focus this integrated concentration in a particular context.

Concentrations

Students pursue the DMin degree in one of two concentrations: JUSTICE STUDIES

Students pursuing a DMin in this area will gain conceptual and practical tools for the work of justice in their ministry contexts. In their program, students may explore justice in the arenas of ecology, race, sexuality and gender, disability, or other forms of social justice. LEADERSHIP STUDIES

Students pursuing a DMin in this area will gain fresh conceptual and practical tools for leadership in their ministry contexts. In their program, students may focus on leadership in ministries such as congregations, non-profit agencies, and social entrepreneurial enterprises.

Student Learning Outcomes for DMin curriculum OVERALL DMIN PROGRAM GOALS:

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Design and implement a final project that demonstrates theologically informed interdisciplinary integration with evidence of critical awareness of cultural context(s) and employs a social scientific methodology. Develop an informed plan of identifying, framing, and responding to a crucial ministry

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issue in the student’s context that identifies sources and resources. Embody personal and spiritual maturity to reinvigorate and deepen their vocational calling by relating their ministry to clearly identified communities of support and accountability.

LEADERSHIP CONCENTRATION GOAL

Demonstrate capacity to articulate biblically informed theologies and theories of inclusive leadership to ground strategies and practices relevant to specific ministry contexts. JUSTICE CONCENTRATION GOAL

Demonstrate capacity to articulate biblically informed theologies and theories of justice that articulate multidimensional aims, outline strategies, and identify practices for responsible action in specific ministry contexts. DMin Curricular Model Required Courses

9 Credits

3 Core Courses in Concentration—may be taken in any order •

Biblical Perspectives of Justice: (specific title varies)

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Theological Perspectives of Justice: (specific title varies)

Theories of Practice of Justice: (specific title varies) OR • Biblical Perspectives of Leadership: (specific title varies) •

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Theological Perspectives of Leadership: (specific title varies)

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Theories of Practice of Leadership: (specific title varies)

Introduction to Research Methodologies 3 Electives Practicum Project Proposal Workshop Project Literature Review Final Project Total Credits

• • • • • •

3 9 3 3 3 6 36

Course Formats

Classes are taught in one of two formats: Hybrid courses where students will take classes on campus for one week and complete the remainder of the course online; or fully online courses. Classes are offered over a three to four year period of the degree; but students will complete most of their studies, their practicum, and their project in their own ministry setting in consultation with the faculty.

DMin Program Administration

The DMin program operates under the supervision of Columbia’s Advanced Degrees Committee and is administered by the Lead Professor for the DMin degree program and the Office of Academic Affairs. The program cooperates with the other member schools of the Atlanta Theological Association (ATA). Students may take courses in the DMin programs of other ATA member schools through cross-registration.

Advising

Each student is guided by an advisor who is assigned at the outset of the program. The student is responsible for consulting with the advisor to develop a plan of study. When the student is ready to submit a proposal for the student’s project, first and second readers are chosen. The advisor may serve as either the first or second reader for the project; however, the first reader will become the new advisor of record. The first and second readers assist the student in developing a project proposal and evaluate the student’s written DMin research project. 32

Components of the Program

The thirty-six-hour program comprises the following: Core Concentration Courses (9 credit hours). Students take three core concentration courses in their selected concentration: one in the biblical area, one in the historical doctrinal area, and one in the practical theology area. All three courses contribute to the same set of embedded course learning outcomes for the core concentration related to the DMin program outcomes for the Leadership Studies Concentration or Justice Studies Concentrations. In this way, the three core concentration courses offer different perspectives, angles, and approaches which involve integration of three dimensions: the biblical and theological norms of Christian faith; critical attention to the history of Christian faith and the contemporary human situation; and the practices of ministry and mission. Elective Courses ( 9 credit hours). A variety of courses are offered each year which are related to the various concentrations. In consultation with their advisor, the student selects three electives to achieve the aims of both the student and the doctoral program. These electives may be selected to enhance students’ present praxis of ministry, to expand and deepen students’ theological understanding, and/or to enhance student preparation for their final DMin project. Introduction to Research Methodologies (3 credit hours). This seminar is designed to introduce to the students the basic rudiments of qualitative research methods to utilize for ministry, for their DMin practicum as well as for extensive research in their final projects. In this seminar, students construct the elements of their DMin practicum, develop an initial draft of their DMin project proposal, select and evaluate sources for an initial working bibliography for the DMin project, and complete a practice exercise of qualitative research.

Doctor of Ministry Practicum (3 credit hours). A 200 hour minimum practicum provides supervised field based learning to expand the range and depth of skills of the student in a ministry practice which contributes to the wellbeing of the ministry context. The practicum is a student designed supervised ministry experience that normally takes place in the student’s ministry context that will enable the student to achieve specified learning goals, achievable in this context which can also be applied in future ministry situations. Students are also encouraged to use the practicum to focus on methodological work, testing strategies, or new practices of ministry related to the final project. A practicum supervisor outside of the student’s ministry context and a peer group that will be part of the practicum project will be chosen by the student. A unit of Clinical Pastoral Education may be used to meet this requirement, provided that this credit was not used for another degree program. Project Proposal Workshop (3 credit hours). Toward the end of the program coursework, each student participates in a project proposal seminar to clearly articulate the topic and design of the student’s final DMin project. This seminar, together with the Introduction to Research Methodologies seminar offered near the beginning of the students’ program, is offered to prepare the students to meet the following aims: to articulate well-designed project proposals, to design data collection instruments, and to enhance their preparation for the research and writing related to executing their final projects. In addition to writing their final project papers, students must also plan and conduct an oral presentation of their project for critical discussion and feedback. DMin Project Literature Review (3 credit hours). After students successfully complete their project proposals, they will critically review relevant literature for their projects with the careful guidance of their first readers. The culmination of the literature review may be the completion of the chapter outlining the

theoretical and theological framework of the student’s project. The student must receive satisfactory evaluation from the first and second readers in order to pass the course. Doctor of Ministry Project (6 credit hours). Elements of the degree converge in the Doctor of Ministry Project. The student must complete a DMin project, comprised of a written project that explores an area of ministry related to the student’s vocational calling, utilizes appropriate research methodologies and resources, and generates new knowledge regarding the practice of ministry. In order that the project can be an integrating focus for the entire course of study, students are required to start thinking about the proposal for the project early in the program. An initial draft of the project proposal is done in the Introduction to Research Methodologies course. Ordinarily, the student’s ministry setting is the context of the DMin research project. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry degree program are required to request an extension if they have not completed the degree requirements within six years from the date of matriculation. Working with the director of the DMin program, the student crafts an extension proposal that is submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs for approval. Payment of the non-refundable extension fee is required at the time of submission. Though there is no time limit for completed the DMin degree, all credits applied toward the degree must be earned within 10 years of earning the degree.

Requirements for the Doctor of Ministry Degree

To be eligible for graduation with the DMin degree, students are expected to: • Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with the MDiv degree (or its equivalent) from an ATS-accredited institution; • Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of

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the degree with a total of 36 credit hours, 30 of which must be completed at Columbia; Complete the three core concentration courses, three elective courses, Introduction to Research Methodologies course, Practicum, the Project Proposal Workshop, and DMin Literature Review; Complete the DMin project requirements; Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00; Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life and give promise of useful service in the ministry or other church vocations; and Pay all bills to the seminary and give assurance that all open CTS accounts have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments.

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program requires a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or master’s in a ministry-related field. Admission will be open to applicants with an accredited master’s degree in a ministry related area with significant ministry experience. Students without an accredited Master of Divinity degree may be admitted, provided that applicant meets each of these criteria: • The ability to thoughtfully interpret scripture and the theological tradition of one’s ministry context • The capacity to understand and adapt one’s ministry to the cultural context • Basic self-understanding of one’s ministerial identity and vocational calling • A readiness to engage in ongoing personal and spiritual formation for one’s ministry • An accredited master’s degree (or its educational equivalent) in an area related to one’s ministry setting or vocational calling • Significant ministerial experience that enables the applicant to engage as a ministry peer with other students in this advanced professional doctorate. 34

As a basis of evaluating these entry level competencies, the applicant must demonstrate through their transcripts of graduate theological study a minimum demonstration of credit hours earned in the following areas: • New Testament—at least 3 semester hours, which includes New Testament interpretation in Greek or in English; • Old Testament—at least 3 semester hours, which includes Old Testament interpretation in Hebrew or in English; • Church History—at least 3 semester hours; • Theology and Ethics—at least 9 semester hours; • Practical Theology—at least 12 semester hours; and • Contextual Education/Supervised Ministry—at least 6 semester hours.

Students who are unable to matriculate during the term for which they were admitted may defer their admissions decision for up to two terms or one academic year. Deferral requests must be submitted in writing to admissions@ctsnet.edu. Incomplete applications and/or admitted students that do not matriculate and do not submit a deferral request will be administratively withdrawn from the admissions process with Columbia retaining application materials for at least one academic year. After one academic year, applicants may be required to submit new application materials to be considered for admission.

Application Requirements

The application process in entirely online. Applicants can apply by visiting https://ctsnet.edu/apply.

In addition, applicants must have documented substantive ordained or lay ministry experience of a minimum of 3 years.

To be considered for admission to the DMin program, an applicant must submit to the admissions office the following materials: • Online application for admission Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade • $50 nonrefundable application fee point average of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale to • Resume / CV be considered for admission. Prospective students • Statement of Purpose: three – four pages, who have completed an MDiv with high academic typed, double-spaced ministerial and intellectual standing, who have also served in a congregation or biography that clearly outlines the applicant’s para-church ministry setting for at least three years, academic interests, how they have developed, are strongly encouraged to apply. All prospective and goals they hope to achieve within the degree students, regardless of their GPA, are encouraged program. The statement should also include key to apply; all applications will be thoroughly reviewed information pertaining to the applicant’s ministry and considered for admission. context, research focus, key problems, questions, and theories that arise from the applicant’s The application deadlines for the DMin programs are ministerial context and/or professional determined by an applicant’s desired term of entry experience. – i.e., January Term or Summer Term. Deadlines and • Plan of Study: one – two pages, typed, doubleadmissions decisions are as follows: spaced that identifies their area of concentration and clearly outlines the applicant’s plan for APPLICATION ADMISSIONS completing their research and/or vocational DEADLINE DECISION goals within the DMin program. The Plan of January Term Study should also include an applicant’s area of October 15 November 15 research, courses they plan to take, and faculty with whom they hope to work. Summer Term April 15 June 15 • Writing Sample: this should be a recent sample of the applicant’s writing that clearly demonstrates ability to write and critically 35

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engage an argument through the lens of contextual ministry and theological research. Recent is defined as having been written in the last 3-5 years. If a recent sample is not available, the applicant may choose to submit an alternative writing assignment for which a prompt can be found online. Students seeking guidance concerning the academic writing sample or alternate writing assignment should email admissions@ctsnet.edu. Official Transcript(s): applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, and graduate schools attended by the applicant for at least one course whether or not a degree was granted. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to Columbia Theological Seminary. If an applicant is currently enrolled in a degree program, the applicant should send an official transcript that includes all work to-date. Such applicants will be admitted provisionally contingent upon receipt of the final transcript post-graduation. Three Letters of Recommendation: recommendations may be academic, pastoral, or professional. DMin applicants are required to submit at least one academic and one pastoral recommendation.

Additional Requirements

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | I-20S AND FINANCIAL CERTIFICATION

International students applying to Columbia’s doctoral degree programs are not eligible to apply for F Visa sponsorship due to the format in which doctoral courses are offered. However, all international doctoral applicants are still required to complete Columbia’s financial certification process upon admission. The process will ensure the student has adequate financial resources to cover tuition, fees, travel, and living expenses for the duration of their academic study. Financial certification must be completed no less than ninety (90) days prior to the program start date. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENT

International students admitted to the Seminary’s doctoral programs are not eligible to participate in the Seminary’s international student health insurance plan and should maintain appropriate health insurance in their country of origin. TRANSFER STUDENTS | LETTER OF GOOD STANDING

Students transferring from another seminary or graduate school are required to submit a letter of good standing that certifies the student will leave their current school in good standing with the institution – academic, financial, and otherwise. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | TOEFL REQUIREMENT

After admission and prior to enrollment, all admitted students must complete a background check that will be conducted via a Columbiaapproved third-party. All admissions decisions are contingent upon the successful completion of the criminal background check. TITLE IX TRAINING BY EVERFI

ADMISSIONS DEPOSIT

The Columbia Admissions Office welcomes the submission of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores. However, this is not required to be considered for admission.

Transfer Credit

With prior approval from the Office of Academic Affairs, a student may receive up to 6 hours of transfer credit from another ATS accredited institution. Each course must be at the advanced degree level and the grade must be at least a B (3.0 on a scale of 4.0). Independent studies and enhanced master's degree courses will not be considered for transfer credit. A course submitted for advanced standing must have been taken no more than five years before entrance into the program. Students may not receive credit for academic work applied toward another degree.

Doctor of Ministry The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree is an advanced professional doctorate that builds upon an accredited master’s degree in a ministry-related area and upon signiﬁcant ministry experience. The DMin presupposes broad foundational competencies of theological integration, contextual analysis, ministerial and leadership identity, and personal and spiritual formation. While an ATS-accredited MDiv degree ordinarily may be accepted by a school as sufficient demonstration of these competencies, DMin applicants who hold a master’s degree of a theological nature may qualify by demonstrating a broad foundation in biblical studies, theological and historical studies, ministerial and contextual studies, and ministerial experience as determined by CTS faculty to be commensurate with entry level competency for DMin study.

COMPONENTS AND TIMELINE Areas of Concentration

Year 3 9 CREDITS

· Leadership Studies · Justice Studies

· One elective course (3 credits) · Practicum completed (3 credits) · I 731 Project Proposal Workshop (3 credits)

Year 1 9 CREDITS

· Faculty adviser assigned and New Student Orientation · Concentration Core Course I (3 credits) · Concentration Core Course II (3 credits) · One elective course (3 credits)

Year 4 9 CREDITS

· I 732 DMin Literature Review (3 credits) · I 735 DMin Doctoral Project (Final project research and writing) (6 credits) · Public presentation · Final report · Graduation

Year 2 9 CREDITS

· Concentration Core Course III (3 credits) · I 730 Introduction to Research Methodologies (3 credits) · One elective course (3 credits each) · Begin DMin Practicum:

TOTAL: 36 CREDITS

As an accredited theological school of the Presbyterian Church (USA), we engage students with some of the best faculty anywhere! We host a large table for people from all denominations and backgrounds. For full descriptions of our graduate degree programs and academics, please visit our website, CTSnet.edu. 1 The timeline begins with the term in which DMin students are accepted to begin their program (Summer Term or January Term) 2 Students take 3 required Core Concentration Courses to integrate biblical perspectives, theological perspectives, and theory of practice perspectives— taken in any order. 3 See DMin Manual for elective possibilities, including independent study and travel seminar options.

2022.2

www.CTSnet.edu 38

Doctor of Educational Ministry Aims of the Program THE GOAL OF THE DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY DEGREE PROGRAM IS TO ENHANCE THE PRACTICE OF THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY FOR PERSONS WHO HOLD THEIR FIRST PROFESSIONAL DEGREE IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OR ITS EQUIVALENT AND HAVE ENGAGED IN EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY LEADERSHIP FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS OF FULL-TIME SERVICE IN THE PRACTICE OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY AFTER THEIR STUDIES.

The program offers a course of graduate study for educators who serve in churches, church governing bodies, schools, community organizations, and other educational ministry settings. The program focuses on (a) an advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of educational ministry, (b) enhanced capacity to reflect theologically on issues and practices related to educational ministry, (c) acquisition and refinement of skills and competencies for more effective ministry, (d) an understanding of emerging models in educational ministry and ability to critically evaluate those models, and (e) continued growth in spiritual maturity. Incorporating a variety of pedagogical methods, the Doctor of Educational Ministry program provides advanced-level study of the theological, educational, and administrative disciplines including: • An advanced and critical study of Christian formation from theological, historical, behavioral science, and social science perspectives; • An advanced and critical study of organizational and leadership development and the social contexts for ministry;

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An advanced and critical study of educational theory and practice as it relates to congregational and other ministry contexts; and The development of skills and competencies necessary for research, planning, and evaluation of the practice of educational ministry in congregations or other settings.

The DEdMin program includes the design and completion of a doctoral level original research project. Such a project addresses the nature and practice of educational ministry and should be of sufficient quality that it contributes both to the student’s and the profession’s understandings of the practice of educational ministry. The ministry project demonstrates the candidate’s ability to identify an educational ministry need, organize, and carry out research methods that address that need, interpret the data, and implement and evaluate any ministry model that emerges from the research. While the first reader for the report will be a faculty member in educational ministry, the second reader must come from outside the field of educational ministry. Columbia also requires a public presentation of the original research project, in which the candidate demonstrates an advanced capacity to reflect theologically on the practice of educational ministry, to identify critical issues in the context of the ministry project, and to think constructively and imaginatively about the educational and administrative aspects of congregational life and other contexts of educational ministry practice.

Following the completion of the degree program, students are expected to: • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theology and purpose of educational ministry both in the classroom and in their ministry settings. • Demonstrate advanced competence in teaching and learning theory as well as curriculum design for more effective educational ministry in their current settings. • Demonstrate competence in methods of Christian Educational research. • Demonstrate competence in effective communication of their Christian Educational research to suitable educational ministry colleagues. • Demonstrate advanced understanding of both local and global contexts and develop effective ways of engaging in the student’s cultural context of educational ministry.

Components of the Program

The forty-two-hour program comprises: • Introductory Seminar (6 credit hours). Students take part in an intensive seminar at the outset of the program to explore educational theory and practice. • Educational Core Courses (15 credit hours). The DEdMin requires four specific courses that are instrumental to the degree. These courses include: • Advanced Study in Human Development (6 credits) • Advanced Study in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Theory, and Practice. (3 credits) • Development of a Curriculum Design (3 credits) • Educational Care Resources (3 credits) • Elective Courses (9 credit hours). To fulfill the degree requirement of significant interdisciplinary learning experiences that provide integration of theological understanding These are the student learning outcomes for the and ministerial practice, students take three Doctor of Educational Ministry degree program. elective courses from the broader offering of Advanced Professional Studies electives. Only one elective may be from the practical theology DEdMin Program Administration area or an independent study with topical The DEdMin program operates under the supervision literature review. of Columbia’s Advanced Degrees Committee and • Doctor of Educational Ministry Practicum is administered in coordination with the lead professor (3 credit hours). The practicum is a 200-hour for the DEdMin degree program and the Office of supervised activity in educational ministry and Academic Affairs. Students may also take courses in can either take place either in the student’s other schools of the Atlanta Theological Association. ministry context or at Columbia Theological Seminary as a Teaching Advising Internship. The goal of the practicum is to provide Each student is guided by an advisor who is one new perspectives on self, theology, profession, of the professors of educational ministry. Advisor and the needs and challenges of other persons assignments take place after the introductory and institutions. Ministry contexts and settings seminar. The advisor works with the student can mean businesses, governmental, community, to develop a plan of study. When the student or church agencies where appropriate supervision is ready to submit a proposal for the student’s and learning opportunities with peers are project, the advisor becomes the first reader, and available. The Practicum as Teaching Internship is a second reader is chosen. The first and second a one long semester term or one short semester readers comprise the doctoral committee that term equivalent to 200 hours. The Practicum administers the literature review, assists the student as Teaching Internship takes place in partnership in developing a project proposal, and evaluates the student’s written project report. 40

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with a Columbia faculty person who agrees to undertake a Supervising role. Project Proposal Workshop (3 credit hours). After completion of the practicum, each student participates in a project development and design seminar to clearly articulate the topic and design of the student’s final DEdMin project. This seminar is offered to prepare the students to articulate well-designed project proposals before writing their final projects. Doctor of Educational Ministry Project (6 credit hours). Elements of the degree converge in the Doctor of Educational Ministry Project. The student must complete a DEdMin project, comprised of detailed, expanded research, and other related artifacts as determined by the student. In order that the project can be an integrating focus for the entire course of study, students should start thinking about the proposal for the project early in the program. Ordinarily, students conduct the DEdMin project in their own educational ministry setting.

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least four years of the date of matriculation; Complete the Project Proposal Workshop; Complete the DEdMin project; Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00; Demonstrate to the faculty that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in seminary life and give promise of useful service in the ministry or other church vocations; and Pay all bills to the seminary and give assurance that all open CTS accounts have been satisfied. Students with education loans must agree to make prompt and regular payments.

Admission to the Doctor of Educational Ministry Program

Admission to the Doctor of Educational Ministry (DEdMin) degree program requires a master’s degree in educational ministry (i.e., M.R.E., MACE, MA(TS) or MAPT with a concentration in Christian education, or MDiv with demonstrated coursework in educational ministry) from an Association of Theological Schools (ATS) or regionally accredited college, university, or theological institution. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree program are required to request an Ministerial experience cannot be considered an alternative to or a substitute for the master’s degree extension if they have not completed the degree in educational ministry, nor can other master’s requirements within four years of the date of matriculation. The extension request must be sent to degrees in education that do not have a comprehensive exposure to the theological the registrar, indicating in the request an expected disciplines. Applicants with appropriate coursework graduation date. If the request is approved, an extension fee will be charged by the Business Office. may be considered eligible for advanced standing.

Requirements for the Doctor of Educational Ministry Degree

To be eligible for graduation with the DEdMin degree, students are expected to: • Have on file with the seminary a complete and official transcript of credits showing graduation with the first professional degree in religious education (or its equivalent) from an ATSaccredited institution; • Satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree with a total of 42 credit hours, 39 of which must be completed at Columbia, within at

Applicants for admission are required to demonstrate an ability to engage in the practices of educational ministry, superior academic aptitude, and capacity to both contribute to and benefit from participation in the degree program cohort. Ordinarily, applicants are employed by or hold an official position in educational ministry throughout the duration of their enrollment in the degree program. Students may apply to the DEdMin program on a biennial basis. During applicable years, applicants must submit a completed application by April 15th. 41

Offers of admission to the DEdMin program are extended no later than June 15.

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Students who are unable to matriculate during the semester for which they were admitted may defer their admissions decision for up to one DEdMin enrollment period (i.e., the next entering cohort). Deferral requests must be submitted in writing to admissions@ctsnet.edu. Deferral requests must be submitted in writing to admissions@ctsnet.edu. Incomplete applications and/or admitted students that do not matriculate and do not submit a deferral request will be administratively withdrawn from the admissions process with Columbia retaining • application materials for at least one academic year. After one academic year, applicants may be required to submit new application materials to be considered for admission.

Application Requirements

The application process in entirely online. Applicants can apply by visiting https://ctsnet.edu/apply. To be considered for admission to the DEdMin program, an applicant must submit to the admissions office the following materials: • Online application for admission • $50 nonrefundable application fee • Resume / CV • Statement of Purpose: three – four pages, typed, double-spaced ministerial/intellectual biography that clearly outlines the applicant’s academic interests and how they have developed. The statement should also include the applicant’s primary area(s) of interests and key problems, questions, theories, interlocutors, historical periods, congregational matters, and movements associated with the applicant’s intended research. Applicants should also include information about their ministerial/academic trajectory and goals. • Plan of Study: one – two pages, typed, doublespaced that identifies their area of concentration and clearly outlines the applicant’s plan for completing their research and/or vocational goals within the DEdMin program. The Plan of Study

•

should also include an applicant’s area of research in educational ministries. Writing Sample: this should be a recent sample of the applicant’s writing that clearly demonstrates ability to write and critically engage an argument. Recent is defined as having been written in the last 3-5 years. If a recent sample is not available, the applicant may choose to submit an alternative writing assignment for which a prompt can be found online. Students seeking guidance concerning the academic writing sample or alternate writing assignment should email admissions@ctsnet.edu. Official Transcript(s): applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, and graduate schools attended by the applicant for at least one course whether or not a degree was granted. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to Columbia Theological Seminary. If an applicant is currently enrolled in a degree program, the applicant should send an official transcript that includes all work to-date. Such applicants will be admitted provisionally contingent upon receipt of the final transcript post-graduation. Three Letters of Recommendation: recommendations may be academic, pastoral, or professional. DEdMin applicants should submit at least one academic and one pastoral/religious education recommendation.

Additional Requirements INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | TOEFL REQUIREMENT

should be submitted by TOEFL directly to Columbia CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK After admission and prior to enrollment, all admitted (Institutional Code: 5118). All test fees are the students must complete a background check that responsibility of the applicant. will be conducted via a Columbia-approved thirdINTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | I-20S AND FINANCIAL party. All admissions decisions are contingent CERTIFICATION upon the successful completion of the criminal International students applying to Columbia’s background check. doctoral degree programs are not eligible to apply TITLE IX TRAINING BY EVERFI for F Visa sponsorship due to the format in which All admitted students are required to complete an doctoral courses are offered. However, all international doctoral applicants are still required to online Title IX training provided by Columbia prior to matriculation. The training will familiarize students complete Columbia’s financial certification process upon admission. The process will ensure the student with matters related to Title IX, sexual misconduct, and reporting. has adequate financial resources to cover tuition, fees, travel, and living expenses for the duration of their academic study. Financial certification must be ADMISSIONS DEPOSIT A nonrefundable admissions deposit of $250 is complete no less than ninety (90) days prior to the required of all students enrolling at Columbia program start date. Theological Seminary. The deposit is due within thirty (30) days of a student’s admission decision INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | DEDMIN PROJECT and no later than July 30, in order to confirm the REQUIREMENT AND CREDIT HOURS student’s place in the program. Due to credit hour limitations and SEVIS requirements, international students must design GRE TEST SCORES and implement their project in their home country The Columbia Admissions Office welcomes the beginning in the fourth year of the program. submission of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores. However, this is not required to be INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | HEALTH INSURANCE considered for admission. REQUIREMENT International students admitted to the Seminary’s doctoral programs are not eligible to participate Transfer Credit in the Seminary’s international student health With prior approval from the Office of Academic insurance plan and should maintain appropriate Affairs, a student may receive up to 6 hours of health insurance in their country of origin. transfer credit from another ATS-accredited institution. Each course must be at the advanced TRANSFER STUDENTS | LETTER OF GOOD STANDING degree level, and the grade must be at least a B Students transferring from another seminary or (3.0 on a scale of 4.0). Independent studies and graduate school are required to submit a letter of enhanced master’s degree courses will not be good standing that certifies the student will leave considered for transfer credit. A course submitted their current school in good standing with the for advanced standing must have been taken no institution – academic, financial, and otherwise. more than five years before entrance into the program. Students may not receive credit for academic work applied toward another degree.

Doctor of Educational Ministry The Doctor of Educational Ministry is a cohort-based program that offers practicing Christian educators the opportunity to engage in advanced studies in theological, educational, spiritual, and administrative disciplines to enhance their ministries, both in congregations and beyond.

COMPONENTS AND TIMELINE Year 1 9 CREDITS

Year 3 6-12 CREDITS

· Introductory Seminar (6 credits) · Space for 1 Elective (3 credits) · Faculty Advisor Assigned

· Educational Care Resources (3 credits) · Complete Practicum (200 hours and 3 credits) · Project Proposal Workshop (3 credits) · 1 Electives (3 credits)

Year 2 12 CREDITS

Year 4 6-12 CREDITS

· Advanced Study in Faith and Human Development (6 credits) · Advanced Studies in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Theory and Practice (3 credits) · Development of a Curriculum Design (3 credits) · Submit practicum proposal and begin practicum

· DEdMin Final Project (6 credits) · Project Proposal Workshop (3 credits) · 1 Elective (3 credits)

TOTAL: 42 CREDITS

Application Information for International Students and Exchange Visitors In order to matriculate and receive credit for coursework, internationals students enrolling in degree programs that require residency must hold either a valid F or J non-immigrant student visa. English Language Learners (ELL) and students for whom English is not their first language are required to submit recent test scores, ordinarily taken the last two years, from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). In most cases, students accepted to Columbia’s first-level master’s degree programs (MDiv, MAPT, and MA{TS}) submit a TOEFL score of 84 or higher on the internetbased TOEFL (iBT, iBT Home Edition, or Paperdelivered) with a minimum score of 21 in each of the skill sections. Students entering advanced degree programs (ThM, DMin, and DEdMin) typically submit a TOEFL score of 90 with a minimum of 22 in each of the skill sections. TOEFL scores should be submitted by TOEFL directly to Columbia (Institutional Code: 5118). All test fees are the responsibility of the applicant.

period of study in the United States. The required form I-20/DS-2019, and other visa documents will not be issued until this financial information has been received and verified. Only students enrolling in degree programs that require U.S. residency shall be eligible to apply for F or J Visa support. All international students and accompanying family members are required to carry health insurance which meets the standards of the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. No applicant should come to Atlanta until they have received a formal letter of admission to a degree program from the Offices of Admissions and Financial Aid and the required form I-20 or form DS-2019 from International Students & Scholar Services (internationalstudentservices@ ctsnet.edu). Prospective international applicants should contact the Admissions Office (admissions@ctsnet.edu) for application assistance and additional information.

SCHOLARSHIP AND AID FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students are eligible for institutional scholarship awards and financial aid. Students must be prepared to cover the expenses involved while engaged in study at Columbia. Therefore, upon admission, as a part of the visa application process, incoming students must complete a financial certification process to show proof of adequate financial resources to cover costs which include, but are not limited to, tuition, fees (e.g., activity, program, and graduation fees), textbooks, health insurance, travel, and living expenses for the entire

Special Students and Auditors

Special Students

Those who meet requirements for admission to a master’s degree program but do not wish to work toward degree may enroll as a special student and take courses for credit. Special students may be enrolled for an approved course of study over a specified time period determined by the Office of Academic Affairs. Persons whose first language is not English and/or English Language Learner (ELL) students are required to submit recent test scores, ordinarily taken within the last two years, from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). In most cases, students accepted to Columbia’s firstlevel master’s degree programs (MDiv, MAPT, and MA{TS}) submit a TOEFL score of 84 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT, iBT Home Edition, or Paper-delivered) with a minimum score of 21 in each of the skill sections. Student entering advanced degree programs (ThM, DMin, and DEdMin) typically submit a TOEFL score of 90 with a minimum of 22 in each of the skill sections. TOEFL scores should be submitted by TOEFL directly to Columbia (Institutional Code: 5118). All test fees are the responsibility of the applicant. In all cases, students seeking special student status must submit to the admissions office the following application materials: • Online application for admission • $50 nonrefundable application fee • Resume / CV

•

Plan of Study: two – three pages, typed, doublespaced that identifies their area of concentration and clearly outlines the applicant’s plan for completing their research and/or vocational goals as a special student. Where applicable, the plan of study should also include an applicant’s area of research, courses they plan to take, and faculty with whom they hope to work. Official Transcript(s): applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, and graduate schools attended by the applicant for at least one course whether or not a degree was granted. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to Columbia Theological Seminary. If an applicant is currently enrolled in a degree program, the applicant should send an official transcript that includes all work to-date. Such applicants will be admitted provisionally contingent upon receipt of the final transcript post-graduation.

Students from other institutions of theological education who want to take courses for credit at Columbia can enroll as special students. Such students must include with their application either a letter of good standing from their home registrar or an official transcript of work completed at their home institution. It is the responsibility of the student to determine the transferability of Columbia’s credit to their home institution.

Auditors

Columbia students, spouses of students, and other members of the community are invited to audit courses with the permission of the instructor and the Office of Academic Affairs as space permits. Auditors must register for courses with the registrar. Auditors are advised to follow the following procedures: • Request a class schedule from the registrar; • Select the class to be audited; • Secure permission from the professor of that class; and, • Secure permission from the registrar. The cost for auditing a course is one-half the tuition for the course. Full-time master’s degree students may audit a course in the Fall and Spring semesters for no charge pending the professor’s and registrar’s permissions.

Housing and Financial Aid Information Housing

Student housing is available for all full-time MDIV, MAPT, and MA(TS) students. Full-time ThM students may be eligible for housing as space permits. The Business Office and Enrollment Management and Vocational Outreach distribute online housing application to admitted students in the spring of each year. Once admitted, students should apply as soon as possible as space is limited and housing is offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Students are not required to live on campus and may seek off-campus housing as needed. The admissions office can assist students with seeking on- or off-campus housing. Changes in enrollment status and financial assistance from other sources may also affect loan eligibility.

Residential Facilities FLORIDA HALL

This residence hall offers efficiencies, suites, and individual rooms, all with private baths. Single rooms are furnished. Furnished suites consist of two rooms and a private bath. Efficiency apartments are unfurnished. MARCIA Y. RIGGS COMMONS

Riggs Commons contains studio apartments, suites, one-bedroom apartments for individuals, or twoand four-bedroom apartments for partners/spouses or students who desire roommates. All units include private bathrooms (one per bedroom). Apartments have full kitchens, including refrigerators and microwave ovens.

VILLAGE APARTMENTS

This housing offers two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments for students with families or those who desire roommates. The Village Apartments also includes a playscape and picnic areas for communal activities. Generally, apartments come with refrigerators and washer/dryer units. If a student opts to furnish their own appliances, the student should email reslife@ctsnet.edu for more information. THE FRIENDSHIP HOUSE

Friendship House offers one-, two-, and threebedroom apartments for students with families or those who desire roommates. The Friendship House is located in the Village Apartment community. Friendship House residents may also access the Village playscape and picnic areas for communal activities. Generally, apartments come with refrigerators and access to laundry facilities. If a student opts to furnish their own refrigerator, the student should email reslife@ctsnet.edu for more information.

Housing License and Rental Rates

Students who apply and are approved to live oncampus must sign a housing license each academic year. Residents will be charged the published rental rate each month from the date listed on the housing license and the twelve consecutive months that follow. Residents are expected to follow all housing policies including, but not limited to, policies governing rent, vacating the apartment, and campus safety. 48

Health Insurance Requirement

Board of Pensions of the PC(USA). Such students should contact the Board of Pensions with additional questions concerning eligibility and/or enrollment.

All master’s level students seeking a degree and/or students whose degree program requires residential status are required to have health insurance. Health Insurance must meet the following criteria: Coverage that allows the insured student to receive outpatient, emergency, specialist and inpatient care, diagnostic testing and procedures, and mental health inpatient and outpatient care, including alcohol and substance abuse treatment, in Atlanta, GA.

Financial Aid Columbia Theological Seminary administers an expansive institutional aid program to help make seminary affordable for full-time and part-time students. Columbia institutional aid includes scholarship awards and grants for full and part-time students; scholarship awards are made considering a wide range of factors, including both merit and need (for our part-time program).

A deductible not greater than $2,500 per policy year. If the annual deductible exceeds $2,500, the insured student must have an approved Healthcare Savings Account (HSA) that will allow the student to seek needed medical and mental health care when There is not a separate application for institutional aid. The application for admission also serves as the recommended by a healthcare provider and will application for institutional aid. In order to receive cover all deductible expenses over $2,500. any institutional aid, students must complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). The insurance policy must be provided by an Financial assistance is provided through the insurance company based in the United States. generous gifts of donors and income from endowed scholarship funds. International Students and Scholars International students who hold an F or J visa, and all their dependents who live with them in the Cost of Attendance United States, are automatically enrolled in a health The cost of attendance is established by the insurance program that meets the minimum seminary and includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, standard set by the United States Citizenship and living expenses. Living expenses are calculated and Immigration Services. The insurance policy using a moderate, adequate lifestyle and do not will be effective the date that the student and take into account individual circumstances or accompanying dependents arrive in the United discretionary expenses. The cost of attendance is States. Students shall be responsible for all costs used to calculate a student’s financial need. Students associated with the insurance policy, which shall may supplement their Columbia financial aid be billed to the student’s account. Contact the award with external scholarships, grants, and loans. International Student & Scholar Services staff Institutional aid shall not be reduced due to external (isss@ctsnet.edu) for additional information about aid unless the sum of the student’s institutional aid this requirement. and external aid exceed the cost of attendance. Part-time students shall only be eligible for aid up to the amount that is appropriate for their total Board of Pensions Eligibility number of credit hours. Students who are members of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and are under care of their presbytery’s Committee of Preparation for Ministry (i.e., enrolled as inquirers or candidates) are eligible to participate in the major medical plan of the 49

Withdrawing from Seminary

Students enrolled in five hours or fewer are not eligible to receive Direct Unsubsidized Loans. The unsubsidized loans offered under the DL program provide a preferable interest rate and delays repayment of loans until after the student graduates or enters less than half-time status. Columbia assists students with the application process by determining and certifying student loan eligibility, including certification of a student’s satisfactory academic progress as it relates to the course of study for which the monies are borrowed. Funds for DL loans are provided by the federal government.

Students who withdraw from the seminary while a semester or term is in progress forfeit their right to financial aid for the semester/term in which such action is taken. Student loans will be returned according to the Department of Education R2T4 rules.

Completing the FAFSA

All new students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents who intend to receive aid must complete the FAFSA upon admission. All returning students who receive institutional aid must submit the FAFSA by April 30th of each year. All students should submit applications as early as possible since awards are made as applications are received. Awards are contingent upon the availability of funds. Persons interested in more detailed information about Columbia’s financial aid program should contact financialaid@ctsnet.edu.

Applications for Direct Unsubsidized Loans at Columbia may be obtained by emailing financialaid@ctsnet.edu. To maintain eligibility for loans and deferment of prior loans, a student must continue enrollment in an eligible degree program, classified as at least halftime and be making satisfactory academic progress as determined by the seminary’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. The full text of this policy is available in the Student Handbook upon request.

Federal Family Education Loan Program

The seminary participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. The Direct Loan Program was authorized under the Health Care and Reconciliation Act of 2010. The program remains essentially the same as the Federal Family Education Loan Program relative to most regulations, loan originations and certifications. The changes have been related to the disbursement process and loan origination fees. The intent of the Direct Lending (DL) program is the provision of greater benefits to borrowers.

When a student withdraws or drops below halftime status, they may no longer be eligible for the entire certified amount of a loan. Federal regulations require that, within thirty days of a change in eligibility, the seminary return the portion of the loan funds applied to fees (tuition, room, and board) for which the student is no longer eligible. The student will be billed for any resulting amount owed Columbia. Changes in enrollment status and financial assistance from other sources may also affect loan eligibility.

As of July 1, 2012, graduate and professional students (i.e., doctoral students) must enroll in six or more credit hours in a semester or in a combination of a term and the succeeding semester in order to be eligible to receive Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Students must have an application in the Financial Services office, a Master Promissory Note and Entrance counseling form complete on the www. studentaid.gov site for student loans to be available. As of 2021, students must also have notice on file that they are aware of how much they have borrowed and must repay.

Scholarships & Awards for Master Degrees Students THE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP is awarded

THE PROMISE FOR MINISTRY SCHOLARSHIP is

to an incoming Master of Divinity or Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Practical Theology (i.e., dual degree) student who has a demonstrated record of academic success and shows outstanding promise for pastoral ministry. The Award consist of full tuition, housing, + $5,000 annual stipend. The student is responsible for fees. The scholarship requires full-time enrollment in the Master of Divinity or dual degree program; a 3.5 GPA minimum; the student must be under care of a Committee on Preparation for Ministry (inquirer or candidate) at the time of enrollment; US Citizenship or Permanent Residence.

THE COLUMBIA SCHOLARSHIP is a one-year

award with the possibility of renewal. The scholarship will be renewed if the recipient maintains fulltime status, a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher, and continues to show outstanding potential for ministry. The award covers tuition and housing (single room in Florida Hall and board). Students are responsible for fees. Renewal will not be granted to students with incompletes on their transcripts after June 1. The award will not be continued for students who add another degree program unless approved by the admissions and financial services departments.

THE WILLIAM THOMAS CATTO SCHOLARSHIP:

a full-tuition scholarship for Presbyterian students who are qualified applicants for a master’s degree program, after the 2020 academic year. These scholarships are renewable in succeeding years based on maintaining a 3.20 GPA as well as continued evidence of leadership ability and promise for ministry. The student is responsible for fees. THE COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP is a full-

tuition scholarship for non-Presbyterian students who are qualified applicants for a master’s degree program, after the 2020 academic year. These scholarships are renewable in succeeding years based on maintaining a 3.20 GPA as well as continued evidence of leadership ability and promise for ministry. The student is responsible for fees. THE COLUMBIA FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE AWARD

is a full tuition and fees award intended to support Master of Divinity students with children who are also seeking ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Students must articulate a strong commitment to ministry and have demonstrated financial need. The award consists of full tuition. Full-time enrollment in the MDiv program is required and the student must be preparing for ordained ministry in the PC(USA).

Part-time Scholarships THE WORKING SCHOLARS PROGRAM is a

Student Financial Services grant for master’s level Created as a faithful response to Columbia’s students at Columbia Theological Seminary. The Repairing the Breach commitment to the flourishing intent of the program is; of Black/ African American people at the Seminary. 1. to enable students with demonstrated need to The scholarship is named in honor of the first pursue part-time studies to pursue full-time Black Presbyterian minister to attend Columbia studies when the student does not qualify for Theological Seminary and is awarded to incoming other scholarship programs master’s-level students who are Black/African 2. to serve as a safety net for those students who American U.S. Citizens or permanent residents may have been previously awarded a scholarship and show promise for ministry. The award consists and are no longer able to maintain full-time of full tuition + student fees and requires full-time studies (9 credit hours in a semester) or have not enrollment in a master’s-level program; ordinarily, met the renewability threshold to continue with student must maintain a 2.70. GPA or higher for their scholarship. the duration of their degree program. 51

The Working Scholars Program offers Student Financial Services to students based on the number of credit hours which they are taking. The more courses that are taken, the more aid that is provided. Students taking:

student may regain their original scholarship. A student will be eligible to reclaim their scholarship in any term in which they are full-time, and need not wait until the next academic year, provided that the student’s GPA meets the threshold of renewability.

i. Nine or more credits: up to 90% of tuition is covered, given demonstrated need. ii. Six to eight credits: up to 75% of tuition is covered, given demonstrated need. iii. Three to five credits: up to 50% of tuition is covered, given demonstrated need.

Any student who has not submitted materials to the Student Financial Services Office or is unable to be certified by that office as having unmet need, will not receive Student Financial Services and therefore will be responsible for their tuition. This would apply to a student who does not qualify for a previously awarded scholarship due to not being able to sustain a full-time load and/or does not meet the renewability threshold for the scholarship.

To qualify for Student Financial Services from the Working Scholars Program, a student must submit a FAFSA to the Student Financial Services office no later than two weeks before starting classes. Demonstrated need will be determined based on the information submitted. Once need is determined, the student’s eligibility for the program is certified. The student must submit materials annually. A student need only be making Satisfactory Academic Progress to remain eligible for this program. If a student who had a scholarship which requires a certain GPA for renewability finds that their GPA does not meet the threshold of renewability at the end of the academic year, the student may consult with the Student Financial Services office regarding their eligibility for the Working Scholars Program. If a student’s GPA rises during the next academic year, at the end of that year, if they meet the renewability threshold, the student will be eligible to reclaim their original scholarship.

A Student Financial Services recipient must report to the Office of Student Financial Services changes in financial status (e.g., an unanticipated increase in financial resources) and receipt of unanticipated gifts of $100 or more, which may impact eligibility for financial assistance. If the student’s income has changed since filing the FAFSA, they may submit documentation to receive a professional judgement which will change their eligibility. Returning International students must submit a Columbia Student Financial Services application form no later than April 30 each year with a readmission form. Additional information about specifics for receiving institutional aid through Student Financial Services can be found in the Student Handbook.

Likewise, if a student who had a scholarship which requires a full-time load (9 or more credit hours) and the student wants-or needs to drop to part time status for the next semester, the student may consult with the Student Financial Services Office regarding the student’s eligibility for the Working Scholars Program. If the student has demonstrated need, the student will be able to receive Student Financial Services through the program. Once a student can return to full-time studies and has a GPA that meets the threshold of renewability, the 52

Tuition, Fees, and Other Charges Effective Summer Term 2023 Tuition and fees listed are for the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change annually. Tuition and fees represent only a small part of the cost of providing theological education. Most of the cost is met through gifts from individuals and churches and by endowment income. Also, other services to the student are provided on a subsidized basis.

Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Practical Theology, Master of Arts (Theological Studies) Degree Candidates TUITION

$664 $332

OTHER FEES

$664 $332 $418 $1,136 $2,238

Per credit hour (for matriculating students) Audit fee per credit hour (for matriculating students) Student Fee (for each long term), full-time students Student Fee (per year), part-time students enrolled in a five year MDiv program. I520 Alternative Context, Atlanta (plus 3 credit hour course fee) I520 Alternative Context, Other U.S. (plus 3 credit hour course fee) I520 Alternative Context, International (plus 3 credit hour course fee)

Advanced Degree and Non-Degree Students TUITION

$624 $312

OTHER FEES

$170 $100 $350 $35

Per credit hour Audit fee per credit hour Advanced Degree Student Fee (annual) Non-Degree Student Fee (annual) ThM, DMin, and DEdMin extension fee Thesis binding (per copy)

PROGRAM COSTS

$ 16,969

Total cost for DMin and DEdMin programs for those matriculating in academic year 2023-2024 (includes all fees and tuition)

For All Students OTHER FEES

$50 $50 $200 $250

Application fee Late registration fee

(does not apply to doctoral practicum and doctoral projects or to ThM thesis registration)

Commencement fee Entering Student fee

MEAL PLANS (WHEN AVAILABLE)

Full meal plan includes 15 meals per week. $2,206 Fall term September 5-December 15 $532 January term January 3-19 $2,206 Spring term January 29-May 10 Lunch plan includes Monday-Friday lunch only. $867 Fall term September 5-December 15 $189 January term January 3-19 $867 Spring term January 29-May 10

Housing

When a housing option has two rates, the first is for unfurnished; the second, for furnished. Prices are per term unless otherwise indicated. FLORIDA HALL

Singles $1,070 Summer $2,140 Fall or Spring term $535 January term Suite $1,350 / 1,440 $2,700 / 2,880 $675 / 720

Summer Fall or Spring term January term

MARCIA Y. RIGGS COMMONS

Studio $1,232 Summer $2,464 Fall or Spring term $616 January term 1 Bedroom w/ Kitchenette $1,486 / 1,558 Summer $2,972 / 3,156 Fall or Spring term $743 / 789 January term

Efficiency Units $830 / 877 $894 / 941

1 Bedroom Apartment Standard (per month) $918 / 969 Per month Exterior entrance (per month) 2 Bedroom Apartment VILLAGE APARTMENTS (ALL UNFURNISHED) $1,065 / 1,109 Per month $1,169 1 Bedroom, per month $1,206 / 1,276 2 Bedroom, per month 2 or 4 Bedroom Shared Apartment $1,369 / 1,463 3 Bedrooms, per month $546 / 569 Per month per occupant $1,488 / 1,540 4 Bedrooms, per month

Payment of Fees

Tuition, fees, room, and board must be paid to the Business Office by the deadline set at the beginning of each term and are subject to change annually.

Refund Policies

ROOM AND BOARD

TUITION

Subject to the following schedule, students are entitled to refunds when they drop a course or withdraw from school with approval from the seminary. A course is considered dropped at the time the registrar receives written notice from the student requesting a course drop. A student is considered to have withdrawn from the seminary when a petition for withdrawal is approved by the Office of Academic Affairs. FALL AND SPRING TERM CLASSES (FULL-TERM):

By the end of the: First week 100% Second week 80% Third week 50% Fourth week 25% After fourth week 0%

COURSES SIX TO SEVEN WEEKS IN DURATION:

By the end of the: First week of class Second week Third week After third week

No refund of course supervision fees or of clinical pastoral education fees will be made. No refund of activity fees will be made after completion of the second week in Fall or Spring Terms. No refund of Cultural Immersion program fees will be made after the third day of class.

100% 50% 25% 0%

JANUARY TERM COURSES AND OTHER INTENSIVE

A student who has entered into a lease agreement for a seminary housing unit for a term or semester is responsible for payment in full unless written notice that the unit will not be used is given to the Business Office at least two weeks before the first day of classes. In that case, a 100 percent refund will be made. In other cases, a refund amount may be given upon the initiative of the seminary. A minimum charge of one month’s rent will be assessed as a penalty for breaking a lease. A student who otherwise is required to be on the seminary’s board plan (when available), but who has a sufficient medical reason for withdrawing from board status, may be granted a full refund if a written request is made to the Business Office at least one week before the first day of classes. The seminary’s vice president for business and finance determines the validity of an exemption from the board plan, in consultation with the seminary’s food service director. For academic year 2023-2024 meal plans are not available. A student who withdraws or drops out of school must vacate seminary housing and cease using its dining facilities or be held liable for room and board charges beyond the student’s last date of attendance.

COURSES:

By the end of the: First day of class 100% Third day of class 50% After third day of class 0%

Resources and Related Academic Programs The John Bulow Campbell Library and large study spaces, natural lighting, individual The library, which is named for John Bulow Campbell, an Atlanta businessman and member of Columbia’s Board of Trustees during the 1930s, serves a vital role at the seminary. The library offers resources and spaces for student and faculty to engage in research, and to explore theological topics and concerns beyond the typical classroom experience. As a primary function of the library is to support the curriculum, the library operates as an extension of the classroom and is well prepared to engage users in a variety of ways and with a variety of resources. The library’s collection includes over 153,000 books (electronic and print), current print periodical subscriptions and numerous electronic subscriptions, thousands of church records, over 6,000 Presbyterian Women’s Histories and archival collections, and many media resources and databases selected to serve the changing landscape of theological education. The library participates in GALILEO (Georgia Library Learning Online), allowing access to over 170 additional databases for students and faculty. The library seeks to meet the needs of all students with services designed for both oncampus and online learning environments. On-campus library services include a continuously and professionally staffed central reference/circulation desk, computer workstations installed with Word, Adobe Pro and Accordance, scanner/copier, , and a wireless environment throughout the facility. The library space is designed with the current theological user in mind and offers a large quiet reading room, small

study carrels. Online library services include an “Ask Erica” reference portal (including email and Zoom options for library assistance), quick tips and guides, one-minute instruction videos, research tutorials, and electronic course reserves. The library’s membership in one primary consortia, the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE), gives Columbia’s faculty and students free access to the libraries of twenty-seven other academic institutions in the Atlanta area, including five major research libraries and six other theological collections.

The Center for Academic Literacy

The Center for Academic Literacy (CAL) offers free one-on-one coaching, resources, workshops, classroom instruction, and special programming to support students in the development of their graduate-level academic competencies. CAL seeks to empower students from all educational and linguistic backgrounds in skills such as analytical writing, critical reading and thinking, theological research, and study skills.

Related Academic Programs

In addition to the master’s and advanced degree programs, Columbia offers a wide variety of academic opportunities. Some of these are offered in relationship with other educational institutions; others are special emphases of Columbia. ATLANTA THEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

Through the Atlanta Theological Association 56

(ATA), Columbia enjoys academic and professional affiliations with Candler School of Theology (Emory University), Erskine Theological Seminary, Interdenominational Theological Center, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and McAfee School of Theology (Mercer University). The association develops and coordinates educational programs and resources of these member institutions, which include approximately sixteen hundred students, two hundred faculty, and a combined library collection of over 600,000 volumes. Among significant and promising cooperative endeavors are cross registration, sharing of faculty, library and lectureship resources, and experimental programs in various academic disciplines and professional specializations. ATLANTA REGIONAL CONSORTIUM FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Columbia is a founding institution of the metropolitan Atlanta consortium of institutions of higher education (ARCHE). ARCHE’s mission is to provide member institutions with services that help expand educational opportunities, promote academic excellence, and foster cultural diversity for students, faculty, and staff. To provide collaborative opportunities for member institutions to develop new resources and realize cost savings in ways that otherwise would not be available to members individually and to inform civic and business leaders and the general public of the direct and indirect ways in which higher education benefits the Atlanta region and the State of Georgia. CROSS-REGISTRATION AT AREA SCHOOLS

Columbia students may cross-register for courses at schools that belong to either the ATA or the ARCHE. Cross-registration forms are available in the registrar’s office at each school. Students may cross-register for a course on a space-available basis. All courses must be applicable to the students’ current degree programs. Students may cross-register for a maximum of two courses per term, and the combined load may not exceed the full-time allowable load on the home campus.

Students register and pay regular tuition and fees to the home institution. CROSS-REGISTRATION AT THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

A policy of reciprocal cross-registration at the ten theological institutions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is designed to strengthen the theological education of persons preparing for ministry in the denomination. This policy permits students registered in master’s degree programs to take courses at any of the other institutions without paying additional tuition. Tuition for a course is charged at the home institution. For additional information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs. CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), a firsthand learning experience under certified supervision, provides theological students and pastors with opportunities for intensive study of pastoral relationships. It seeks to make clear in understanding and practice the resources, methods, and meanings of the Christian faith as expressed through pastoral care. The Atlanta metropolitan region offers a wide variety of settings in which a student may seek placement. CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT AT GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University offers a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management and Social Enterprise. With approval of the dean of faculty, a student may use four elective courses to pursue a certificate. For information regarding the courses needed for each certificate, and procedures for enrolling in the certificate program, please contact either the Office of Academic Affairs or the Contextual Education Office.

Programs in Other Locations

PARTNERSHIP WITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CAMP AND CONFERENCE ASSOCIATION

Columbia has an official relationship with the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA). This organization supports the camps and conference centers of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbyterian Church in Canada by equipping leaders for vibrant and sustainable ministries. In 2008, the seminary created a partnership with PCCCA to help prepare our students for ministries that include camps, conferences, and retreats. The seminary is committed to providing a consistent schedule of courses in the field of camp and conference ministry. The P606 Camp/Conference Program and Administration course is currently offered during the January term. Students also may attend courses offered through the Compass Points Certificate Program (see below).

APPALACHIAN MINISTRIES EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER

Columbia is a member of the Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center (AMERC), a seminary consortium that facilitates contextualized theological education for students interested in the Appalachian region or rural ministry. Through its educational programs, students have the opportunity to learn about Appalachia, its people and history, its values and religion, and its needs and issues for ministry. For information about AMERC courses, contact the Office of Contextual Education and International Programs. HISPANIC SUMMER PROGRAM

Columbia is a founding and ongoing co-sponsor of the Hispanic Summer Program (HSP), which Compass Points is a cooperative program of the provides theological training to Hispanic and Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Latino/a seminarians and allies from schools Association, Outdoor Ministries Association of across the United States and Puerto Rico since its the United Church of Christ, Lutheran Outdoor founding 1989 under the leadership of Dr. Justo Ministries, United Methodist Camp and Retreat González. HSP offers two-week three-credit Ministries, and Episcopal Camps & Conference elective summer intensive courses at rotating Centers Inc. Compass Points courses are intended sites with visiting faculty from different schools. for practitioners who seek to deepen and expand For more information about HSP, see https:// their competency in camp and retreat ministry. These hispanicsummerprogram.org/ or contact the Office courses are offered each spring and fall (on and off of Academic Affairs. campus). More about this certificate program can be found at www.compasspointsprogram.org . NATIONAL CAPITAL SEMESTER FOR COMPASS POINTS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

SEMINARIANS

CERTIFICATION IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Columbia is a participating institution in the Students can take courses leading to the certification National Capital Semester for Seminarians, in Christian education. Students interested should organized by Wesley Theological Seminary, inquire with the Christian education professors. Washington, D.C. The program provides students an opportunity to spend a semester in Washington for study and involvement in the processes of government and the concerns of the Church. The design includes an interaction/reflection seminar, supervised study, and the opportunity to select other courses in Washington institutions. For detailed information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs. 58

Columbia in Service to the Church and its Ministry The Center for Lifelong Learning

These programs include: An international component for the second year MDiv course, “Contextual Immersions: Columbia Theological Seminary’s renowned Center Alternative Context for Ministry.” Students for Lifelong Learning hosts a variety of continuing may apply to take this course in an international education programs and courses, on and off campus setting. International placements are offered in serving over 700 participants a year. These programs, rotation and may include Kenya, Central Europe, single day to week-long classes and online courses, Cuba, Ghana, India, Jamaica, and Korea. are designed to support participants’ spiritual, academic, professional, and personal growth, and the Supervised ministry placements for Columbia students in Caribbean, Ghanaian, Indian, enrichment of the various ministries in which they Kenyan, South Korean, and South African serve. Among its many offerings are the Certificate churches under the supervision of experienced in Spiritual Formation, the Certificate in Spiritual local pastors. Direction, the Certificate in Older Adult Ministry, Educational exchange programs and internships the Coaching Institute, its Pastoral Excellence in the Czech Republic, England, Ghana, India, Programs and the reKindle congregational Jamaica, Korea, and South Africa. development grant program. Check the Lifelong International students, faculty, and pastors working Learning section of the seminary website for a full and studying on the Columbia campus. listing of program current programs and courses.

International Theological Education

Columbia is committed to the task of preparing students for ministry in a world that is expanding rapidly and where preoccupation with parochial concerns is no longer an option. A varied program of international education has emerged from serious, cross-cultural dialogue with church leaders in other parts of the world. Historically, more than sixty-five percent of second year MDiv students have participated in one of Columbia’s international programs.

For further information, write to the Contextual Education and International Programs Office (CEIP@ctsnet.edu).

Community Life Many networks of relationships and organizations, both formal and informal, shape community life at Columbia. The life of the seminary is as easily celebrated over a cup of coffee as it is in the ceremony of graduation. The following paragraphs briefly describe some of the structured events and organizations in which students participate during the academic year.

ANNUAL STUDENT MEETINGS

Yearly Schedule

Community Events

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

Vocational Support and Development

The academic year is composed of two long semesters of fourteen weeks each and a short January term. Fall semester runs from September to mid-December and Spring semester begins in late January or early February and ends in early May. The January term starts in few days into the new year. During the Summer term, the seminary offers supervised ministry experiences, a limited number of courses, and a four-week summer session designed primarily for advanced professional degree students and ministers interested in continuing education. All new students are required to participate in New Student Orientation. Each year, the Office of Student Formation and Campus Culture staff create an engaging New Student Orientation experience. Orientation offers all new students an opportunity to learn more about Columbia; meet current students, faculty, and staff; and prepare for their academic journey at the Seminary. NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION

International students enrolled in residential degree programs are required to participate in International Student Orientation to address specific concerns related to navigating the academic environment of Columbia and the United States more broadly. International students who have additional questions about this requirement should email internationalstudentservices@ctsnet.edu.

Each year, the Office of Student Formation and Campus Culture hosts a series of returning student meetings to ensure students are aware of degree program and other requirements associated with their current year of study. Returning students are required to participate in Annual Student Meetings.

During the year, a number of community events such as the monthly Seminary wide lunch gathering Common Table, bring together the whole of the community for celebration, interaction, and fellowship. The Office of Student Formation and Campus Culture creates culturally adaptive, student-centered programs that contribute to every student’s sense of belonging while challenging and empowering students to constructively engage across difference.

Columbia’s students seeking a call find a wide range of ministry options available to them at graduation. While the majority of master’s degrees graduates accept calls to congregational ministries, others are called into different areas of Christian service to the Church and world. These avenues include further graduate study in one of the traditional theological disciplines; Clinical Pastoral Education and focused study in the art and science of pastoral care; work in international missions; service in a social ministry agency; chaplaincy in hospitals, schools, or the military services; campus ministry; teaching; and ministry in denominational staff positions.

Housed within the Office of Student Formation and Campus Culture, Vocational Services seeks to integrate vocational discernment and placement services. Partnering with the entire community in creating a culture of discernment, the office provides opportunities for growth and practice, and guiding students with practical job search skills. Programming includes workshops on discernment, resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, networking, and negotiating a call. Individual advising includes guidance on discernment, the ordination process, preparation for exams, and review of job search materials. Columbia maintains close ties with congregations seeking pastors and other calling agencies. Announcements are posted regarding a wide variety of ministry opportunities. Individual personal information forms are sent to congregations and agencies that request them. Each year pastor nominating committees come to campus to interview seniors. As a result of these efforts, graduates ordinarily receive calls in a timely manner. However, while Columbia can provide the resources and consultation, responsibility for placement after graduation lies with the student.

Community Worship and Convocations

The Seminary community gathers for worship each week, ordinarily on Tuesday and Friday, to express its thanksgiving for and need of God’s grace, to hear God’s word, and to pray for the Church and the world. Students, faculty, staff, and invited guests lead worship for the community. Typically, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated each Friday. Thursday forums provide an alternative to the traditional worship service. Forums offer the Columbia community opportunities to consider significant issues for the Church in the world and to be engaged in the shared life of the community.

Several times during the year, the seminary community gathers for convocations and other special services. At opening convocation in the fall and at commencement each spring, students are recognized for outstanding academic work and for service to the Church through the presentation of awards, prizes, and fellowships.

Awards and Prizes

Through the gifts of alumni/ae and friends of the seminary, several prizes and awards have been established to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of students. JAMES T. AND CELESTE M. BOYD BOOK FUND AWARD

Eligibility: First-level Master’s Degrees Graduating Students A cash award given each year to a first-level master’s degrees graduating student who in the judgment of the faculty would be a good steward of a theological library and has demonstrated a desire through studies to build a personal theological library. ROBERT H. RAMEY CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD

Eligibility: MDiv Graduating Students A cash award to be used for books and/or continuing education that is given to a graduating MDiv senior who shows promise of providing outstanding leadership to the Church. The recipient would have demonstrated unusual leadership qualities at Columbia, as well as spiritual depth and integrity.

WILDS BOOK PRIZE

Eligibility: MDiv Graduating Students A cash award given to the graduating student selected by the faculty for the highest distinction in academic work over the entire seminary program in the Master of Divinity degree program. PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF THE PRESBYTERY OF ST. ANDREW PREACHING AWARD

Eligibility: MDiv Degree Students A cash award for the best sermon preached by an MDiv degree student during the academic year. Students should submit a paper manuscript of only

one sermon. A judging committee of professors of PAUL T. FUHRMANN BOOK PRIZE IN CHURCH HISTORY worship and preaching and other faculty nominates a Eligibility: First-level Master’s Degree Students student to the faculty for election. A cash award made annually to the first-level master’s degrees student who has shown the most WILLIAM DUDLEY FUND AWARD outstanding achievement in church history. A Eligibility: MDiv Graduating Students judging committee of professors of church history Award(s) to graduating MDiv seniors who have nominates a person to the faculty for election. evidenced achievement, interest, and commitment in evangelism and church growth, to be used within a LUDWIG RICHARD MAX DEWITZ OLD TESTAMENT five-year period for costs associated with continuing STUDIES AWARD education or graduate study in evangelism and Eligibility: First-level Master’s Degree Students church growth at Columbia Theological Seminary. A cash award given to a first-level master’s degree Faculty members may nominate students to the student who prepared the best Old Testament First-level Master’s Degrees Committee who will exegesis during the academic year. A judging nominate two persons for recommendation to the committee of professors of Old Testament faculty. nominates a person to the faculty for election. ABDULLAH AWARDS

Eligibility: All Degree Students These awards of two types are made available each year by the late Rev. Gabriel Abdullah, an alumnus of the seminary. The first cash prize is for the best paper setting forth a plan for the teaching of Bible in the public schools; and the second is for the best paper designing a program for the development of moral and spiritual values. JULIA ABDULLAH AWARD

Eligibility: All Degree Students This award is made available each year by the late Rev. Gabriel Abdullah, an alumnus of the seminary. The cash prize is for the best paper on the subject, “How to make the church school hour the most interesting hour of the week.” EMMA GAILLARD BOYCE MEMORIAL AWARD

SAMUEL A. CARTLEDGE NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES AWARD

Eligibility: First-level Master’s Degrees Graduating Students A cash award given to the first-level master’s degree student who prepared the best New Testament exegesis during the academic year. A judging committee of professors of New Testament nominate a person to the faculty for election.

LYMAN AND MYKI MOBLEY PRIZE IN BIBLICAL SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: All Degree Students, Faculty A cash award given to a student in any degree program or a faculty member who is doing exemplary work in the field of biblical studies as it relates to the worship and work of the Church. Judging will be by the Biblical area of the faculty to determine the best paper, published article, sermon, or other form of media submitted for consideration.

Eligibility: All Degree Students A cash award given to the degree student writing the best paper on the creative use of music in worship. HAROLD J. RIDDLE MEMORIAL BOOK AWARD A judging committee of professors of worship and Eligibility: Graduating Students preaching nominates a person to the faculty for A cash award given to a graduating student, selected election. by the faculty in consultation with the pastoral care faculty, who shows the highest distinction in the field of pastoral care, especially in the area of terminally ill patients. 62

FLORRIE WILKES SANDERS PRIZE IN THEOLOGY

FLORIE S. JOHNSON AWARD

Eligibility: All Degree Students A cash award to the student presenting the best paper showing sound theological scholarship and relevance to the needs of Christian people in the contemporary world. Special attention is given to papers that relate theology to the education, professions, and avocations of lay people. A judging committee from the Historical-Doctrinal area nominates a student to the faculty for election.

Eligibility: Graduating First-level Master’s Degrees Students This cash award was established by the family of Florie S. Johnson in memory of their mother, who was a devoted teacher committed to lay ministry through the Church of Jesus Christ. The award is given to a graduating first-level master’s degree student who presents the best paper setting forth a plan for pastoral care to the aging, and who shows promise of providing such ministry in a parish setting.

JOHN NELSEN AWARD: THE BIBLE AND THE MISSIONAL CHURCH

Eligibility: DMin or DEdMin Graduating Students This cash award is for the best Doctor of Ministry or Doctor of Educational Ministry project focusing on scripture in aiding the transformation of the student’s congregation into a missional church. The award is given by Dan Winn, Jr. in honor of his friend and counselor, John Nelsen, who for over 40 years devoted his ministry to challenging, sustaining, and transforming congregations, with a missional church focus.

WILLIAM RIVERS WADDEY AWARD

GEORGE AND SALLY TELFORD AWARD

BUECHNER AWARD IN PREACHING

Eligibility: DMin Graduating Students This cash award recognizes each year an outstanding graduate in the Doctor of Ministry program. The award is presented to the graduating DMin student who shows exceptional ability for congregational leadership with an emphasis on social justice issues and vision for the church. INDIANTOWN COUNTRY CHURCH AWARD

Eligibility: MDiv Students This award was established by the family of Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Stuckey in their honor to highlight the work of ministry in rural congregations. The cash prize is awarded annually to an MDiv student who has done outstanding ministry in a rural congregation.

Eligibility: MDiv Graduating Students A cash award established by Walter and Cecilia Waddey in memory of their son, William, who was an active and vital part of the youth program and ministry at Peachtree Presbyterian Church. The fund is to support an award given to a graduating MDiv student who possesses extraordinary gifts for youth ministry and an intent to pursue such a call in the church. Eligibility: First-level Master’s Degrees Graduating Students A cash award presented annually to the first-level master’s degrees graduating student who has done outstanding work in chapel leadership and preaching courses throughout their entire seminary program. Nominations are made by faculty members in homiletics and worship to the First-level Master’s Degrees Committee. BUECHNER AWARD IN WRITING

Eligibility: Graduating Students A cash award presented annually to the graduating student from any degree program who exemplifies care and craft in the skill of communicating the gospel in the written word, in both course assignments and in public and pastoral ministry settings throughout their entire seminary program. Nominations are made by faculty members and/or the Director of the Center for Academic Literacy to the First-level Master’s Degrees Committee. 63

DABNEY AND TOM DIXON CREATION CARE PREACHING AWARD

Eligibility: All First-level Master’s Degrees Students This cash award was established in 2013 by Dabney and Tom Dixon. It is awarded to the student who prepares the best sermon that addresses the intersections of the Bible, the Church, and environmental concerns (e.g., sustainability, resilience, water, land, energy, climate change, food, communicable disease).

Graduate Fellowships

Each year the seminary awards one or more fellowships to outstanding graduates completing one of the first-level master’s degrees. The purpose of these fellowships is to recognize superior intellectual achievement demonstrated during the course of the regular seminary program and to provide a modest support for graduate work beyond the first theological degree. Fellowships must be used toward an accredited advanced master’s degree or doctoral graduate degree program in which the recipient engages in the scholarly pursuit of an academic or professional theological discipline.

COLUMBIA GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS

The Columbia Graduate Fellowships were initiated by the class of 1941. EMMA GAILLARD BOYCE GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP

This fellowship was established by the Rev. David Gaillard Boyce, an alumnus of the seminary, in honor of his mother. It is awarded to a graduating senior or clergyperson who enrolls in a graduate program of music and/or worship. FANNIE JORDAN BRYAN FELLOWSHIPS

These fellowships were established through a generous legacy left to Columbia by the late Mrs. Fannie Jordan Bryan of Columbia, South Carolina. ANNA CHURCH WHITNER FELLOWSHIPS

These fellowships are given periodically from a legacy left to the seminary in 1928 by the late William C. Whitner of Rock Hill, South Carolina, in memory of his mother.

HARVARD A. ANDERSON FELLOWSHIP

This fellowship was established in 1983 by the Rev. and Mrs. Harvard A. Anderson of Orlando, Florida. This fellowship is awarded to the graduate determined by the faculty to have the greatest potential for future academic achievement.

Curriculum and Courses

The teaching program at Columbia is arranged in four areas: Biblical, History Theology and Ethics, Practical Theology, and Supervised Ministry. Interdisciplinary courses, which combine studies in two or more of these areas, are also taught in the degree programs. While classroom instruction is foundational to all degree programs, the goal is to equip students to continue their education independently. The resources of the library, the structure of coursework, and independent study courses encourage realization of that goal. BIBLICAL AREA studies seek to provide students

with the necessary skills and tools to interpret the Bible with faithfulness, integrity, and imagination for a world that is much different from that in which the books of the Bible were written. To this end, Biblical Area courses focus on the languages (Hebrew and Greek), history, cultures, and worldviews of the ancient Mediterranean peoples, in order to clarify how the Bible spoke to those to whom it was first addressed. At the same time, Biblical Area courses give students the opportunity to practice appropriate and creative means of hearing Scripture anew today, in our own cultural and historical contexts, so that it may continue to speak to us and to our world in fresh and powerful ways.

HISTORY, THEOLOGY, and ETHICS AREA studies

help students understand the past as a means of comprehending the present. Students engaged in these studies also struggle to form their own theology and to discover what it means to be Christian today. Since Columbia stands within a Reformed tradition, historical-doctrinal studies are

concerned not only with right thinking, but also with the relation of Christian faith and doctrine to all arenas of life. Therefore, studies in this area engage students in consideration of the social, political, economic, and cultural life of today in the United States and across the world. In addition, students acquire the tools they will need throughout their lives for dealing theologically with themselves and the world around them, tools that will enable graduates to lead the Church in a prophetic and reconciling way as it works out its mission in the world. PRACTICAL THEOLOGY AREA studies center on

the functioning of the theologian as a minister with a concern to train students to be ministers and to lead other persons in ministering. Studies in this area consider the dynamics of the minister’s role as pastor, evangelist, leader of worship, preacher, teacher, counselor, and administrator. Since the shape of the ministry of tomorrow is not fully known, these studies seek to train students to understand the issues involved, to help them see their own strengths and weaknesses, and then to develop a flexibility that will enable them to take their biblical and theological understanding and deal with whatever issues they face during their ministry.

SUPERVISED MINISTRY serves an integrative

function for the curriculum. Students are involved in the actual practice of ministry under competent supervision. Through experiential, relational, and inductive learning, students explore the forms, styles, contents, and concepts of ministry and put 65

into practice what they have learned through studies in the biblical, historical-doctrinal, and practical theology areas. These studies are integrated with the practice of ministry and personhood of each student.

The letter in the course designation is determined by the area in which it is offered: B for Biblical; H for History, Theology and Ethics; P for Practical Theology; I for Interdisciplinary; and SM for Supervised Ministry.

For Columbia courses, the hundred’s digit refers to whether the course is a required course for a degree The following pages provide representative program or whether it is an elective course. illustration of the courses taught by the faculty of Columbia. The registrar publishes the specific course • 500s are required courses in the master’s degree programs offerings in the preceding spring each year. Copies • 600s are elective courses for master’s degree are available in the Office of Academic Affairs and students, those numbered 650 and above on the web. typically requiring prior work in the area • 700s are required courses for advanced degree The faculty reserves the right to modify individual programs course requirements within a degree program. • 800s are elective courses for advanced degree Such changes will be effective the next time such programs courses are offered or at a later date as determined A current list of courses can be found at by the faculty. Degree programs and their major www.ctsnet.edu . requirements will remain unchanged for students entering that program, but changes may be made at any time to be effective for all entering students in the next academic year.

Courses of Instruction

Biblical Area Faculty: Brennan Breed, William P. Brown, Rosy Kandathil, Raj Nadella, Mitzi J. Smith, Christine Roy Yoder B501 Essentials of Greek Holmes, adjunct; Smith Provides intensive study of the essentials of Koine Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary preparatory to reading the Greek New Testament. 3 credits B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew Breed Introduces the essentials of Hebrew grammar, syntax, and vocabulary preparatory to study of the Hebrew Old Testament. 3 credits B520, B521 Old Testament Interpretation I & II Breed, Brown, Kandathil This two-semester course (Parts I and II) studies the diverse literature of the Old Testament, considers the historical and cultural contexts of the ancient world that produced it, introduces critical methods of biblical interpretation, and highlights the significance of the Old Testament for Christian faith. 3 credits each semester. 6 credits B530 New Testament Interpretation Nadella, Smith This course introduces the content, major forms, and contexts of the New Testament documents, the history and development of earliest Christianity, as well as methods of biblical interpretation. 3 credits

B540 Ruth, Jonah, and Esther: Hebrew-based Exegesis Yoder Explores the Hebrew text of the short stories of Ruth, Jonah, and Esther, with particular attention to their ancient contexts, literary features and character development, depictions of life in the Diaspora and the “foreigner,” and theological perspectives. Considers a range of interpretive approaches to the stories, their reception in different communities, and how each is significant for Christian faith, life, and proclamation. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits B545 Major Genres: Hebrew-based Exegesis Breed This course is an introduction to Hebrew exegesis through analysis of representative selections from biblical texts including narratives, psalms, prophets, law, and wisdom literature. Attention will be given to various scholarly methods as well as modes of theological appropriation and proclamation. 3 credits B547 Pentateuch, Prophets, and Psalms: Hebrew-based Exegesis Brown This Hebrew-based exegetical course guides students through a variety of genres of the Old Testament, from narrative to poetry, covering portions of Genesis, Amos, and the Psalms. Prerequisite B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits

B549 Song of Songs: Hebrew-based Exegesis Yoder A Hebrew-based biblical exegesis course focusing on the Song of Songs. Prerequisite is B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits B551 Creation Texts: Hebrew-based Exegesis Brown Students will translate and interpret various Hebrew texts that focus on creation in one way or another, from Genesis to Psalms and the Wisdom literature. Prerequisite is B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits B552 Genesis: Hebrew-based Exegesis Brown An introduction to interpreting the Hebrew text of Genesis, particularly chapters 1-12. Participants will develop further competence in Hebrew and exegetical skills, practice various interpretive methods, and consider Genesis as a theological resource for Christian faith, proclamation, and mission. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits B553 Eighth Century Prophets: Hebrew-based Exegesis Breed This Hebrew-based exegesis course explores the books of Amos, Hosea, Micah, and First Isaiah by situating them in the historical and social contexts of eighth-century Israel and Judah. Compares the different prophetic understandings of YHWH as well as theological concepts such as faith, justice, and the role of the prophet. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits

B555 The Book of Daniel and Biblical Aramaic: Hebrew-based Exegesis Breed This Hebrew-based course introduces exegetical methods through study of the book of Daniel and provides an overview of Biblical Aramaic grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Attention will be given to the ancient literary, historical, apocalyptic, and theological dimensions of Daniel, and to its place in traditional and recent eschatological interpretation. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits B557 The Book of Kings -Politics, Prophets, Worship & War: Hebrew-based Exegesis Breed This Hebrew-based exegesis course explores the origin and shape of the so-called Deuteronomistic History, the nature of prophecy in Israel and the ancient Near East, and the rise and fall of Israelite and Judean monarchies. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits B558 The Psalms: Hebrew-based Exegesis Brown This Hebrew-based exegetical course guides participants through the variety of genres featured in the book of Psalms, from lament to praise. Participants will refine their translation skills as well as broaden their exegetical toolbox by exploring various methods of interpreting the Psalms. Prerequisite B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits

B559 Esther: Hebrew-based Exegesis Kandathil Explores the short diaspora story of Esther, primarily in its Hebrew form, but with recourse to its two extant Greek versions. Attention will be given to the story's historical and cultural contexts, literary development and characterization, as well as its uneasy place in scriptural canons. Considers a range of interpretative approaches including those of feminist, postcolonial, and trauma studies. Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew or equivalent. 3 credits B562 Mark and Method: Greek-based Exegesis Nadella An introduction to the art and practice of exegesis through the study of Mark's gospel. Students will engage in close reading of the text by means of a variety of critical methods, drawing from: historical, literary, social, and cultural criticisms. Prerequisite B501 Essentials of Greek or equivalent. 3 credits B566 Luke-Acts: Greek-Based Exegesis Nadella This course will explicate linguistic, theological, historical and political aspects of select texts from Luke-Acts. It will offer tools for interpreting the texts in light of current socio-political contexts for the purposes of preaching and teaching in congregations. Prerequisite B501 Essentials of Greek or equivalent. 3 credits

B570 Acts of the Apostles Galatians: Greek-based Exegesis Smith In this course students will engage in close critical readings of Galatians and the Acts of the Apostles with consideration to literary and historical contexts, as well as the Greek texts. Particular attention will be given to the proclamation or kerygma of the early ekklesia, theological constructions, revelation, community, violence, hierarchy, ‘othering,’ and the intersection of race or ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, and/or religion. Prerequisite B501 Essentials of Greek or equivalent. 3 credits B571 Matthew: Greek-Based Exegesis Smith In this course, students will review basic Greek grammar, learn some intermediate Greek grammar, and build Greek vocabulary while reading passages from the Greek text of the Gospel of Matthew. Students will become familiar with the content and historical context of Matthew. Students will also learn how to perform word studies of Greek words within the literary context of Matthew. This course requires that students write an ‘exegesis’ paper. Students will be expected to interpret the scripture passage/pericope on which they choose to write their ‘exegesis’ paper and to utilize their facility with Greek. In writing the ‘exegesis’ paper students will engage a contemporary social justice issue. Prerequisite: B501 Essentials of Greek or equivalent. 3 credits

B568 John: Greek-based Exegesis Nadella This course will explicate linguistic, theological, political, and historical aspects of select texts from John's gospel. It will offer tools for interpreting gospel texts in light of current socio-political contexts for the purposes of preaching and teaching in congregations. Prerequisite B501 Essentials of Greek or equivalent. 3 credits 69

B572 First Corinthians: English and Greek-based Exegesis Smith First Corinthians is addressed to the ekklesia that the Apostle Paul founded in Corinth. In this course students will engage in close critical readings of Paul’s letter to the Corinthian believers. Readings will consider historical and literary context, as well as the Greek text. Students will discuss Paul’s reason for writing, his rhetorical responses to the problems in Corinth, ancient Roman slavery, the intersection of gender, authority, and hierarchy, as well as contemporary relevance. An English-based course, that may be taken as Greek based exegesis with permission of the instructor and prerequisite B501 Essentials of Greek or equivalent. 3 credits B573 Revelation: Greek-based Exegesis Holmes, adjunct In this course, students will engage in close and critical readings of the Greek text of Revelation. Students will explore Revelation’s distinctive rhetoric, theological vision, socio-political context, and contemporary appropriation in communities of faith. Greek-based exegesis course. Prerequisite B501 Greek. Online. 3 credits

B575 Acts of the Apostles: Greek-based Exegesis Smith In this course students will engage in close critical readings of the Acts of the Apostles with consideration to literary and historical contexts, as well as the Greek texts. We will give particular attention to the proclamation or kerygma of the early ekklesia, theological constructions, revelation, community, violence, hierarchy, ‘othering,’ and the intersection of race or ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, and/or religion. Prerequisite B501 or equivalent. 3 credits B605 Genesis Yoder Explores the book of Genesis, paying particular attention to its ancient Near Eastern contexts, narrative and character development, and theological perspectives. Considers modern interpretive approaches to Genesis, the lasting influence of the book on Western art and literature, and interpretations and uses of the book in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 3 credits

B607 The Little Bible: The Book of Psalms in Dialogue Brown Considers how the book of Psalms engages God B574 Hebrews: Greek-based Exegesis and the community dialogically, liturgically, and Holmes, adjunct pastorally. In this course, students will engage in a close reading 3 credits of the book of Hebrews using the Greek text. 3 credits B608 Ecclesiastes and Its Consequences Breed Traces the interpretation of the book of Ecclesiastes in Jewish and Christian communities in various modes (e.g. theology, liturgy, visual art, music, philosophy, film). Focuses on important questions raised by the book of Ecclesiastes as well as crucial interpretive problems as they feature in the reception history of this biblical text. English based. Online. 3 credits 70

B610 Dialogue, Diversity, and Transformation in the Old Testament Brown In a time of polarizing division in American culture, the possibility of mutual dialogue and understanding might seem like an impossible dream. Contrary to popular opinion, however, the Bible is itself a braided tapestry of differing perspectives preserved for critical dialogue and praxis. Participants will explore the rich theological diversity of the Hebrew Scriptures dialogically from Genesis to the Psalms and the Wisdom literature. In so doing, participants may discover ways to host genuine dialogue within their own communities in such a time as this. 3 credits B611B Introduction to the Wisdom Literature Brown Participants will explore how "wisdom" is profiled in the remarkably divergent books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes, as well as wisdom's relevance today in God's changing world. 3 credits B612 Lamentations and 2-Isaiah Yoder Explores Lamentations and Second-Isaiah (Isa 40-55) using a variety of interpretative methods. Pays particular attention the texts’ ancient Near Eastern context, diverse literary genres, descriptions of trauma and suffering, attempts at comfort, and theological significance. Considers both as vital resources for Christian faith, proclamation, and mission. 3 credits

B614 The Emergence of Yahwism Breed Explores the origins and development of the Yahwistic religion of ancient Israel, including the history of the divine name YHWH, the significance of YHWH’s remote desert origins and connections to Midianites and Edomites, various theories concerning the emergence of the ancient Israelites, Israel and YHWH’s distinctive connections with marginal socio-cultural groups, the gradual development of monotheism, the evolution of the divine council, the presence of the divine feminine in ancient Israel, and comparisons with the religious practices of other cultures in the Southern Levant. The course concludes with reflections on the implications for contemporary theology and Christian practices. 3 credits B616 Exodus Yoder Explores the book of Exodus using a variety of interpretative methods. Pays particular attention to the book’s ancient Near Eastern context, narrative development, diverse literary genres, and theological significance. Considers Exodus as a vital resource for Christian faith, proclamation, and mission. 3 credits B618 Women in the Bible Hubler, adjunct This course examines the literary depictions of particular women characters in the Old Testament. The goal is to comprehend the complexity of biblical women and equip students as thoughtful, informed interpreters of their stories." 3 credits

B619B The Aesthetic Word: Discovering Creativity and Beauty in the Old Testament Brown Participants will explore the ever shifting contours of "beauty" and "creativity" in the Old Testament by bringing various biblical texts into conversation with various artistic media, from ancient iconography to modern visual arts, music, poetry, etc. In so doing, participants will develop their own critical creativity in interpreting texts. 3 credits B620 It's a Funny Thing: Humor in the Hebrew Bible Kandathil This course takes up humor as a critical lens for interpreting the Bible, with a view towards appreciating its ongoing relevance for theological reflection and ministry. Emphasis will be placed on primary reading of biblical texts and class discussion. Students will learn how to read the Bible with an appreciation for different categories of humor present and develop their own opinions about its interpretation. Further, students will be invited to critically consider the use of humor in ministry contexts today, whether from the pulpit or casual conversation. 3 credits B628 Postcolonial Readings of the Gospels Nadella Reads selected Gospel texts in their first century colonial contexts and examines how they have been used to justify oppressive agendas such as the colonial enterprise of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries as well as neocolonial structures in various contemporary domains. Explores interpretive strategies for reclaiming Gospel texts for liberative purposes. 3 credits

B630 The Bible and Visual Art Breed Examines the role of images within the Old and New Testaments, as well as the history of Christian and Jewish visual representations of biblical texts. Analyzes selected images that crystallize different theologies of images and modes of biblical interpretation. Considers various theological and hermeneutical frameworks that undergird these images. Students will learn how to interpret Jewish and Christian art and will develop a theological perspective on the use of visual art in the contemporary Church. 3 credits B632 Intersectionality, Social (In)Justice and Womanist/Feminist Biblical Interpretation Smith Explores issues of ethnicity, race, gender, class, and sexuality and how they intersect in the biblical text and/or in the lived realities of interpreters and interpreting communities. Examines how womanists (nonwhite women scholars that self-identify as womanists and who prioritize nonwhite women’s experiences, traditions, and concerns) and feminists (white and nonwhite women and men scholars who self-identify as black/feminists) biblical scholars have addressed such intersectionalities when interpreting biblical texts. Focuses on issues of social (in)justice (e.g. violence against women, police brutality, poverty and so on) and interlocking oppressions (racism, classism, sexism, and heterosexism) and how students can foreground and/or address such concerns when doing biblical interpretation. 3 credits

B635 Roman Slavery, the New Testament, and Contemporary Slave Narrative Smith The historical-political context in which Jesus lived and the biblical writers wrote was the Roman Empire, and Rome was an ancient slave society in which slavery was a pervasive reality. The course will explore slavery under the Roman Empire as a significant context for critically reading certain New Testament texts. How can Roman slavery help us understand certain NT texts? And what might the NT reveal about slavery and its authors? Focused attention will be on Philemon, 1 Corinthians, Galatians and the Gospels. The course will compare ancient Roman slavery with slavery in the antebellum South, observing the similarities and differences. The continuities allow students to place NT texts in conversation with antebellum texts and to imaginatively fill gaps in the former. Spiritual slave narratives and other historical documents demonstrate how slave masters used the NT to support slavery and how enslaved and freed Africans interpreted NT scripture based on their own experiences. 3 credits B637 Paul as Local Theologian Holmes, adjunct Considers the letters of Paul as examples and resources for local theology. Explores the nature of local theology as the intersection of cultural context, tradition, and the church. Applies theory and practice of local theology to reading Paul’s letters and thinking of him as a theologian. English based. 3 credits

B638 Luke and African-American Interpretation Smith This online intensive explorations course will critically read the Gospel of Luke from Africana and womanist perspectives with special attention to God’s visitation with the marginalized, the poor, people without homes, and/or masses ‘who stand daily with their backs against the wall,’ including women and people labeled as sinners. Reading Luke from Africana and womanist perspectives allows students to experience how people with a collective history and present existential experience with trauma based on the intersection race, gender, class, and sexuality read Luke to affirm God’s presence with them and to remain hopeful in, and faithful to, the God who is able to do all things and who visits with the most vulnerable. Particular attention will be given to Lukan material and how ‘Luke’/the author revised his sources for his purposes in the Gospel of Luke. Also, students will gain facility in reading Lukan texts within their literary contexts, with some attention to historical context. This course will also host a few guests who experienced homelessness, minister to persons who are homeless, and/or are activists. 3 credits B655 Old Testament Perspectives on Idolatry Hubler, adjunct "Idolatry" is a frequent sin in the Old Testament, but what exactly is it? What makes idolatry bad? This course traces the history of the concept of idolatry throughout the Old Testament canon with an eye toward discerning and responding to idolatry in our current contexts. Prerequisite Old Testament Interpretation I (B520) or II (B521). 3 credits B692 Exegetical Research in Old Testament Breed, Brown, Yoder 3 credits B693 Research in Old Testament Criticism or Theology Breed, Brown, Yoder 3 credits

B694 Independent Study in Biblical Languages Staff 3 credits B695 Exegetical Research in New Testament Nadella, Smith 3 credits B696 Research in New Testament Criticism or Theology Nadella, Smith 3 credits B699 MA(TS) Final Independent Study Staff An independent study in Old or New Testament undertaken in the final semester of the MA(TS) program. Students do analytic, constructive work on a specific topic and produce original research in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements. 3 credits B702 ThM Thesis Research Biblical Area Staff This class focuses on the research and initial writing stage for the student’s thesis project, supervised by the advisor and in conjunction with the ThM director. 3 credits B703 ThM Literature Review Biblical Area Staff In this independent study, a student works with the primary advisor to develop a reading list in the area of research interest and writes a literature review of the sources in preparation for the thesis writing. This course is supervised by the student’s primary advisor with the assistance of the instructor of the ThM Research Seminar. 3 credits B704 ThM Thesis Writing Biblical Area Staff Required of all ThM students, leading to the completion of the ThM thesis. 3 credits

B740J DMin Justice Core Course: Biblical Perspectives of Justice Brown, Smith How is (in)justice characterized in biblical texts? What are the different conceptions of justice in the Scriptures? In this course we will critically and contextually explore justice in the OT and NT. Further we will discuss how biblical perspectives of justice can inform and be placed in conversation with current social justice issues. 3 credits B740L DMin Leadership Core Course: Dialogue, Diversity, and the Ministry of Conflict Transformation Brown As participants explore the rich theological diversity of the Hebrew Scriptures, they will discover and practice ways to model genuine dialogue amid conflict and division within their respective contexts. 3 credits B741J DMin Justice Core Course: Womanist and Feminist Interpretation and Justice Smith We will examine womanist and feminist interpretations' engagement with contemporary issues of social justice in conversation with critical readings of biblical texts. Particular attention is given to biodiversity, environmental justice and medical ethics using intersectional analysis (gender, class, race, sexuality). 3 credits B801 The Tree of Life: A Study of Proverbs Yoder Proverbs invites us into an ancient and ongoing conversation about what is good and wise and true in life. This course explores the book using various interpretive methods, and pays particular attention to how Proverbs shapes the moral and theological imagination of its readers. 3 credits

B832 Womanist and Feminist Biblical Interpretation B808 The Book of Job and Social Justice Breed Smith This course explores the book of Job within its This online course will critically engage womanist ancient Near Eastern cultural setting, carefully examines the text with comparison to various biblical and feminist biblical interpretation with a focus approaches to the problems of suffering and divine on contemporary justice issues. The pandemic has justice, traces its history of interpretation in Jewish highlighted and aggravated existing racialized and gendered disparities, injustices, and violence. Biblical and Christian communities, and contemplates texts and contexts will be analyzed in dialogue with the theological and ethical dimensions of human scholarship on medical apartheid, history of black suffering in our contemporary world. transexuals, and sexual violence. Conversations 3 credits around gendered sexual violence will include sustained discussion of the crucifixion of Jesus and #MeToo. B827 Wisdom's Wonder: Proverbs, Job, and 3 credits Ecclesiastes Brown The wisdom literature of the Old Testament is rich B855 Ecclesiastes and Its Consequences Breed with insight about God’s relationship to the world Traces the interpretation of the book of Ecclesiastes and humanity’s place in it. The class will explore in Jewish and Christian communities in various modes the many faces of wisdom in the Bible, focusing specifically on Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes, which (e.g. theology, liturgy, visual art, music, philosophy, film). Focuses on important questions raised by the together mark the journey of faith and wonder coram deo. Knowledge of Hebrew is recommended book of Ecclesiastes as well as crucial interpretive problems as they feature in the reception history of but not required. this biblical text. 3 credits 3 credits

Historical Doctrinal Area Faculty: Mark Douglas, Tim Hartman, Martha Moore-Keish, Nicole Symmonds, Haruko Nawata Ward, William Yoo H543 History of Christianities: Beginnings through 1700 CE Ward This course traces global movements of Christianities from the early church to CE1700, using historical-critical analyses of primary texts, the development of ideas and practices, their interactions with other religions, issues of gender and race, and outcomes of diverse traditions of today’s World Christianities. 3 credits

H560D Love and Justice Douglas This course explores how Christian ideas about love (principally agape) have intersected with the ways the church has talked about justice. This online intensive course will build from a number of case-studies, including several related to the current Coronavirus pandemic, and will satisfy the MDiv Christian Ethics distributional requirement. 3 credits

H561D Environmental Ethics H544 History of Christianity 1492 to the Present Douglas Aycock, adjunct Between climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and The course traces global movements of Christianities the growth of extractive industries and pollutants, from 1492 to present, using historical-critical the consequences of recent human activity are analyses of primary texts, the development of ideas reshaping creaturely existence. This class asks two and practices, their interactions with other religions, fundamental questions: How to do theology in the issues of gender and race, and outcomes of diverse Anthropocene? And what patterns of moral behavior traditions of today’s World Christianities. should guide us during these times? 3 credits 3 credits H550 Christian Theology I Hartman, Moore-Keish Introduces the basic doctrines of Christian faith. Studies classical theological paradigms, their contemporary reinterpretation, and the significance of theology for the life of the church. 3 credits H551 Christian Theology II Hartman, Moore-Keish Continues the introduction of basic doctrines of Christian faith. Studies classical theological paradigms, their contemporary reinterpretation, and the significance of theology for the life of the church. Prerequisite: HD 550, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits 76

H561S Black Embodied Culture, Theology, and Ethics Symmonds This course explores how the Black body materializes through theology and the cultural production of embodied Blackness and how it becomes a site for doing liberative ethical work. The project of Black liberation theologians and ethicists is to free the Black body from the constraints of colonized Christianity, yet few theorize the Black body and blackness as site of religion and site of morality through which our constructive ethics arise. We will study the literature, music, and theories of Black embodiment and ground our study in the normative concerns of Christian liberative theology and ethics. Our goal is to use the cultural production of Black embodiment as a moral source to craft a constructive ethical response that centers Black people's resistance, healing, and liberation. 3 credits H562 Providence, Theodicy, and Ethics Douglas Does God act in the world? And why is there so much suffering? No two sets of questions seem more impervious to human thought or more important to life and ministry. They are also the guiding questions of the class. Counts as a Christian Ethics distribution requirement course. 3 credits H563S Liberative Approaches to Christian Ethics Symmonds This course explores Christian ethics from a liberative perspective, emphasizing the importance of justice, equality, and freedom. Students will examine the historical and contemporary contexts that have shaped Christian ethics and how these contexts have influenced various ethical frameworks within Christianity. Additionally, the course will consider the intersectionality of race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability and how these identities affect ethical decision-making. The course will also examine the contributions of feminist and womanist theologians, black liberation theologians, and queer theologians to Christian ethics. We

will study their critiques of traditional Christian ethics and their proposals for a liberative ethical framework. Throughout the course, we will analyze case studies and current events to apply the theories and frameworks we have studied to real-world situations. We will consider questions such as: What does it mean to love our neighbor as ourselves in a diverse and unequal world? How can Christians work towards justice and liberation for marginalized communities? What role do Christian ethics play in shaping public policy? Meets Ethics Distribution Requirement. 3 credits H565 Histories of Christian Ethics Douglas Christian ethics involves multiple voices and varied perspectives expressed over time and in many contexts. This course traces the histories that have shaped Christian Ethics, giving special attention to the way they complicate and make possible the church's moral witness. Meets Ethics Distribution Requirement. 3 credits H566 Christologies and Politics Douglas Considers how we now understand the church`s early confession, "Jesus is Lord," questions whether we should use the same language today and the political implications of doing so. A cross between Christology and political philosophy. Meets Ethics Distribution Requirement. 3 credits H568 Issues in Medical Ethics Douglas Explores how theologians try to make moral sense of life and death in relation to issues such as euthanasia, abortion, cloning, and healthcare reform. Online. Meets the Ethics Distribution Requirement. 3 credits

H570 Presbyterian History and Polity Yoo; Tucker-Marek, adjunct Examines Presbyterian history and polity from the colonial period to the present across diversities of age, ethnicity, gender, geography, and race through careful study of a myriad of source materials ranging from historical texts to the Book of Order. Meets the American Religious History Distribution Requirement. 3 credits H573 History of Race, Racism, and Reconciliation in American Christianity Yoo This course focuses on the ways in which a diverse array of Christian individuals, congregations, and institutions across U.S. history understood race and privilege, perpetuated or opposed racial discrimination, and pursued reconciliation through careful study of primary sources, scholarly interpretations of American religion, and the work of critical race theorists. Meets the American Religious History Distribution Requirement. 3 credits

H575 History of African American Religious Thought McDonald, adjunct This course will engage the writings of Black intellectuals who wrestled with the meaning of race, religion, and Black identity in the United States, spanning from the era of the antebellum south to the modern day. Our interlocutors will be a mix of religious practitioners, sociologists, theologians, ethicists, historians, and cultural critics, across gender, sexuality, and political, and denominational/ religious persuasions. Students will learn the variety of African American Religious thought throughout the history of the United States and ground the contexts and backgrounds for which these Black intellectuals respond. Those contexts include chattel slavery, reconstruction, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, the rise of Mass Incarceration, the ascendancy of Barack Obama, the movement for Black Lives, and more. Meets the American Religious History Distribution Requirement. 3 credits

H582 Doing Theology amid Religious Pluralism H574 Histories of American Christianity Moore-Keish Yoo This course will examine Christian constructive Examines the histories of a diverse array of Christian theological responses to the situation of religious individuals, groups, and traditions in colonial pluralism, from the early church to the present, North America and the United States through with an emphasis on contemporary voices, such close analysis of primary sources and secondary as Jacques Dupuis, Mark Heim, and Paul Knitter. interpretations. Students will identify critical themes The class will enable students to see that religious and explore various methods to study the past, apply pluralism is not a new situation, but one that historical lessons in the present, and move forward Christians have been addressing since the writing of together toward a more faithful future. the New Testament. Students will read and engage 3 credits a variety of perspectives on religious pluralism, with the goal of developing their own theological interpretations. Meets World Christianity Distribution Requirement. 3 credits

H584 Jesus Christ in Global Perspective Hartman Investigates the unity and diversity of perspectives on Jesus Christ from a variety of social, political, and cultural contexts around the world. The challenges and opportunities of cross-cultural theological conversations are explored in light of the mixed legacy of colonial missions. Connections between Christological models and contextual religious practices are highlighted. Meets the MDiv World Christianities Distribution Requirement. 3 credits H587 Global Religion, Local Faith: A Historical Survey of World Christianity, 1500-Present Aycock, adjunct Studies the history of world Christianity as a global movement characterized by encounters, expressions, and conflicts that shape local Christian life and practice. By examining Christianity as a worldwide movement whose practitioners traverse the boundaries of culture, language and place to create a “home” within the faith, we are better able to examine and understand Christianity’s variety and diversity. In this course, we will also pay close attention to how the ongoing constructions of race, gender, class, and ethnicity are entangled in processes that make Christianity a cross-cultural and intercultural faith. Meets the MDiv World Christianities Distribution Requirement. 3 credits H588 African Christianities and the World Aycock, adjunct Students will examine the intercultural and cross-cultural dimensions of African Christianity as a historically local and global religion. This course will examine popular conceptions of “Africa” in relation to religion, Christianity, and the world in order to investigate Africans as creators of their own Christian histories, theologies, and practices. Meets the MDiv World Christianities Distribution Requirement. 3 credits

H601 Histories and Diversities of Theology in American Culture Yoo This course investigates the histories of Christian theology in American culture from colonial to recent times. Exploring diverse theologies across U.S. history, the course entails analysis of theological texts and the cultural and historical contexts in which they were formed. 3 credits H602 Christianity in Asia in the Early Modern World Ward This course critically examines the development of Christianity in Asia between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. Beginning with the Treaty of Tordesillas (1493) through the Jesuit and later Protestant missions, the course examines the interactions of these missions and the new converts in Asia, the new expressions of Christianity produced, as well as the controversies in Europe regarding the new “native Christianities”. Hybrid. 3 credits H603 Women in the Reformations (1400-1700) Ward An examination of representative women who helped shape the Reformation movements. Studies the range of women`s leadership in Lutheran, Reformed, Radical, English, and Catholic Reformations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Addresses the critical issues in studying women in history. 3 credits

H604 The Age of Reformations Ward New approaches to the period known as the age of discovery, expansion, and Reformations in Western Europe (1400 – 1700 C.E.) through a global perspective. Examines diversity of Reform ideas, practices, leadership and networks; and issues of Christianity and mission, colonialism, race, slave trade, other religions, gender and sexuality. 3 credits H606 Eucharist of Crumbs: Women and Vocation in the Medieval Church Ward An introduction to writings by women who found their "vocation" as monastic creative writers, abbesses, theologians, visionaries, mystic teachers, spiritual guides, humanist educators, city reformers, apologists, catechists, and leaders of sodalities. Explores the ways in which biblical, theological, anthropological and social arguments were used against women in officially ministering within the church. Women questioned the status quo and created venues to preach and engage in sacramental ministries. 3 credits H608 The Early Jesuits Ward An examination of the writings and works of the Society of Jesus from its inception by Ignatius of Loyola in the 1530s to the papal suppression in 1773. Examines diverse contexts in which the Jesuits were prominent, such as the Spiritual Exercises and active apostolate, Catholic Reform and Counter Reformation, mission and colonialism, world cultures and religions, accommodation and martyrdom, education of clergy and laity, gender and race, and other issues. 3 credits

H610 Reformed Theology: Its Shape and Development Hartman Examines Reformed theology from the sixteenth century to the present, focusing on theologians, creeds, and confessions. 3 credits H611 Theology of the Holy Spirit: Pneumatology Moore-Keish Explores many Christian perspectives on the Holy Spirit through history and from a variety of contemporary contexts, exploring questions such as: in Christian faith and Scripture, who is the Holy Spirit? How does one discern the Spirit amidst the spirits? What is the relation between Jesus and the Spirit? What is Christian life lived in the power of the Spirit? 3 credits H612 Theologies of Baptism and Eucharist Moore-Keish Surveys the development of baptismal and eucharistic theologies through history and explores some of the various debates concerning baptism and Eucharist in churches around the world today. 3 credits H614 Theology and Community: A Lived Theology Approach Hartman Investigates social consequences of religious belief through resistance against Nazism (Dietrich Bonhoeffer), against racism through the U.S. Civil Rights Movement (Martin Luther King, Jr.), and against Rwandan genocide (Emmanuel Katongole) asking: How do ideas about God shape the way communities and individuals engage the social order? 3 credits

H615 Theology, Ethics, and Sexuality Douglas, Moore-Keish This course explores the theologies that underlie Christian notions of embodiment, desire, and sexual activity and attempts to connect those theological notions to contemporary issues of sexuality that confront the Church. 3 credits H615M What is the Church Today? Moore-Keish We live in a time with many competing claims about what it means to be church. Is “church” an intimate community of disciples with a common life? A global network of Christians with a common mission? A community of believers with a common set of beliefs? In the context of such debates, and drawing from both classical and contemporary theological materials, this class will wrestle with perennial theological questions, including: what is the relationship of Christ and the church? What is the relationship of the Holy Spirit and the church? Is the church “necessary for salvation”? How does the triune God work in and through—and in spite of—the church to accomplish God’s purposes? 3 credits H618 Thinking Theologically with other Religions Moore-Keish How do Christians today explore faith in a world of many religions? This course will introduce students to one way of navigating that question: the field of comparative theology. Comparative theology as it has emerged in the past 25 years represents “faith seeking understanding” in which persons rooted in one faith tradition venture into deep learning from one or more other faith traditions. Students will encounter a variety of contemporary comparative theologians who are exploring how we can learn theology with and from one another. This course has the particular aim of equipping Christian leaders to do this work in their own ministry contexts. Online. 3 credits

H619W Does God or Do You Need the Church? Wiley, adjunct The class will examine the major theological claims made about the church and consider them in light of the contemporary context of denominational realignment, political and racial polarization, emerging theologies, shifts in global Christianity, and post-COVID realities. 3 credits H661 Feminist Theologies Moore-Keish An examination of the roots of the feminist theological movement in earlier Christian history, the significant voices from the 1960`s and 1970`s, and contemporary theologians who are working in feminist theology today. In the final weeks of class, students work on projects on topics of particular interest. Prerequisite: HD550 or equivalent. 3 credits H664 Theology of Karl Barth Hartman Offers an overview of the theology of Karl Barth through close attention to his Church Dogmatics, Epistle to the Romans, and selected occasional writings. Barth's understandings of revelation, the Word of God, election, reconciliation, and ecclesiology will be explored. Prerequisite: HD 550 or instructor's permission. 3 credits H691 Independent Study in Church History Ward, Yoo 3 credits H693 Independent Study in Theology Hartman, Moore-Keish 3 credits H695 Independent Study in Philosophy Staff 3 credits

H696 Independent Study in Mission, Ecumenics, and World Christianity Staff 3 credits H697 Independent Study in Ethics Douglas, Symmonds 3 credits H699 MA(TS) Final Independent Study Staff An independent study in Church History, Ethics, or Theology undertaken in the final semester of the MA(TS) program. Students do analytic, constructive work on a specific topic and produce original research in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements. 3 credits H702 ThM Thesis Research Historical Doctrinal Area Staff This class focuses on the research and initial writing stage for the student’s thesis project, supervised by the advisor and in conjunction with the ThM director. 3 credits H703 ThM Literature Review Historical Doctrinal Area Staff In this independent study, a student works with the primary advisor to develop a reading list in the area of research interest and writes a literature review of the sources in preparation for the thesis writing. This course is supervised by the student’s primary advisor with the assistance of the instructor of the ThM Research Seminar. 3 credits

H704 ThM Thesis Writing Historical Doctrinal Area Staff Required of all ThM students, leading to the completion of the ThM thesis. 3 credits H801 History of Race, Migration and the Making of the American Church Yoo This course investigates the history of Christians from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe as they created new churches in the United States with particular attention to pastoral ministry, multicultural congregations, and practical implications for Christian leaders moving forward. Hybrid. 3 credits H810 Reading Karl Barth for Ministry Hartman This course examines the implications of Barth’s theology for the practice of ministry. Particular attention will be paid to his understanding of election, his Christology, and especially his ecclesiology. Both Western and non-Western ministry contexts will be considered. 3 credits H811 Antiracist Theologies Hartman In this course, students will explore antiracist theological positions and practices for their ministry contexts. The course will investigate the history of racism in general, the connection between colonialism and racial constructs, the role of Christian theology and churches in supporting racial divisions, and how Biblical and theological resources can be use to counter racism rather than perpetuate it. Students will reflect upon life experiences that have shaped their understanding of race, especially as connected to God and the Christian faith. The majority of readings will be from authors who are black, indigenous, and persons of color. 3 credits 82

H814 Theology and Community: A Lived Theology Approach Hartman Investigates social consequences of religious belief through resistance against Nazism (Dietrich Bonhoeffer), against racism through the U.S. Civil Rights Movement (Martin Luther King, Jr.), and against Rwandan genocide (Emmanuel Katongole) asking: How do ideas about God shape the way communities and individuals engage the social order? Hybrid. 3 credits

H878 Public Speaking: Shaping Theological Voices for Public Discourse Douglas Considers how Christians should think theologically about politics and the public and how Christians might speak in, as, and toward that public. Students will develop their own theologies of public engagement through an examination of the work of several prominent "public" theologians, including Dorothy Day, Reinhold Niebuhr, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Stanley Hauerwas. 3 credits

H872 Ethnographies of Church, Ministry, and Religious Communities Symmonds This course offers an overview of ethnographic approaches to studying religious communities, focusing on the practices and beliefs of Christian churches and ministries. Students will learn the basics of ethnographic research and be introduced to the challenges and opportunities of studying religious communities through our engagement with key and current literature. Throughout the course, we will consider the ethical implications of conducting ethnographic research, including issues of informed consent, participant observation, and confidentiality. We will also explore the challenges of maintaining objectivity and avoiding bias in the research process. By the end of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of ethnographic approaches to studying religious communities and be able to evaluate ethnographic research on Christian churches and ministries critically. 3 credits

H882 Doing Theology Amid Religious Pluralism Moore-Keish Explores Christian constructive theological responses to situations of religious diversity from the early church to the present, with an emphasis on contemporary voices. Inspired by the work of Diana Eck and the Pluralism Project, the approach to “pluralism” will emphasize appreciation for the variety of religious traditions, with attention to difference as well as commonality. Enables students to see that religious pluralism is not a new situation, but one that Christians have been addressing since the period of the New Testament. Students will engage several perspectives on religious pluralism, with the goal of developing their own theological interpretations, and with attention to navigating religious diversity in their specific ministry contexts. Online. 3 credits

Practical Theology Area Faculty: Kathy Dawson, Anna Carter Florence, Christine Hong, Sue Kim Park, Melinda McGarrah Sharp, Jacob Myers, Rebecca Spurrier, Jeffery Tribble, Chanequa Walker-Barnes, Ralph Watkins P150 Scripture Reading Practicum Florence, Myers Prepares students to be liturgists and oral interpreters of scripture by offering a performance and proclamation theology for Reformed worship. Required of MDiv students in the first semester as a prerequisite to P530. 0 credits

that inform current education practice. Faith interviews with children, youth, and adults are used to analyze and critique developmental psychology. Fulfills the educator certification requirements in human development for PC(USA) students. Meets the Christian Education Distribution Requirement. 3 credits

P504 Global Christian Spiritualities P500 Introduction to Practical Theology Hong Dawson, McGarrah Sharp, Spurrier Christianity no longer holds sway over the American This required course in the Master of Arts in imagination. This calls us to reexamine the reasons Practical Theology (MAPT) degree program and methods for gospel proclamation. Drawing upon introduces the student to the basic vocabulary, theological, philosophical, and sociological materials, understandings, and methods in the field of practical this course examines new ways of thinking about theology. Incorporating a wide variety of teaching the preaching task in light of the shifts that are methods, this course seeks to show the foundation taking place in the world today. Online. Meets the upon which each of the four areas of concentration Christian Education Distribution Requirement. rests. This course meets as a one-week intensive 3 credits course in August of each year with three follow-up sessions set by the course participants during the fall P506 Teaching Bible Through Liberative Pedagogy semester that directly follows it. Dawson 3 credits The bible and biblical hermeneutics have shaped the lives of Christians everywhere and in every time. The P501 Introduction to the Theory and Practice of bible has been harnessed to oppress and to liberate. It Christian Education has been cited to exclude and include. It has been used Dawson, Hong to justify the isolation of some Christian communities Examining understandings of God, mission, and the expansion of others. This course will explore and education, students learn basic educational how the bible has been used for the formation of concepts, analyze contemporary theories and Christian and their communities, in different contexts. practices, and develop approaches to Christian The course will explore how we might teach the study education. Meets the Christian Education the bible through liberative pedagogy by utilizing Distribution Requirement. creative educational tools and by incorporating the 3 credits understanding of developmental theories. Meets the Christian Education Distribution Requirement. P502 Faith and Human Development 3 credits Dawson Surveys the field of human development and explores the developmental theories and methods 84

P518 Evangelism and Congregational Development Watkins The integration of evangelism, spiritual formation, and community building are the central themes upon which this course is built. We explore the need to share the gospel in innovative ways and as growth occurs the task of building a strong faith community must be done simultaneously. The whys and how to both share the gospel and build community are addressed in this course. Meets the Christian Leadership Distribution Requirement. 3 credits

P510 Introduction to Christian Leadership Watkins This course is an introduction to the theories and practices of Christian leadership. The course will explore such topics as leadership development, systems theory and practice, financial administration, and missional church development examining how Christian leaders exercise legitimate authority by directing, influencing, coordinating, or otherwise guiding the thoughts and behaviors of persons and groups. The course seeks to create a space to discern and develop our unique qualities, characteristics, and expertise of Christian leadership with others through critical reflection and integration of course material. Meets the Christian Leadership Distribution Requirement. 3 credits

P519 The Inclusive Congregation: The Church and the LGBTQIA Community Watkins In this course we define what a radically inclusive church is and should be. Moreover the course explores what it takes to develop and lead a radically inclusive congregation that includes all of God’s children to include our LGBTQIA siblings as full active out and open members. 3 credits

P513 Leading Change in the Church Watkins One of if not the hardest things to do in ministry is lead change. In this course students are invited to think about how change occurs, how to navigate the obstacles to change and how to manage the leadership demands of leading change. The course covers congregational dynamics and those things that lead to thriving in the midst of change. 3 credits P514 Turnaround Congregations through Evangelism & Community Watkins Many of us will be called to congregations that have witnessed a decline over the years or are in need of missional realignment. These congregations are referred to as “turnaround” churches. In this course we address what a turnaround church is and how one might lead a congregation in the process of missional realignment via evangelism and community engagement. Meets the Christian Leadership Distribution Requirement. 3 credits

P520 Introduction to Pastoral Care McGarrah Sharp, Walker-Barnes An introduction to the fundamentals of pastoral care, including how to respond in common pastoral situations (including individual, premarital, couples, family, and crisis situations). Students develop a biblical and theological framework for understanding their own pastoral identity, the meaning of care of persons, and the pastoral role of Christian community. Attention is given to professional ethics, gender and intercultural sensitivity, making appropriate referrals, and the spiritual importance of self-care and boundaries. 3 credits

P530 Preaching and Public Proclamation Florence, Myers This course prepares students to proclaim the good news of the gospel in and beyond the pulpit. Students of every level of experience will learn and sharpen the skills necessary for the preparation and delivery of sermons that are faithful, creative, and transformative. The course explores theories and practices of preaching with particular emphases on the interpretation of texts and contexts, theologies of proclamation, and listener engagement. Includes the preaching of sermons and the delivery of public addresses in small workshop groups. Prerequisite:

P546 Christian Worship, Human Difference, and Divine Justice Spurrier Christian Worship unifies human bodies in love and praise of the God who makes this worship possible. At the same time, God-given and culturally inscribed human differences contest the possibility of a unity of persons and communities gathered before God. In this course, we consider the hope and challenge of Christian worship through the work of scholars and theologians who analyze the marks of gender, ability, race, class, and nationality as these affect worshipping bodies of Christians. How can we understand divine justice in relationship to the human differences manifest and hidden in the church’s prayer and praise? How might churches and communities engage and desire human difference? Meets Worship Distribution Requirement. 3 credits

P540 Introduction to Christian Worship McNeill, Spurrier Christian worship has taken various forms from the earliest days of the Church. This course will survey the diversity of liturgical expression in the Western church throughout the centuries and in our own time, while also considering the common elements that all Christian worshipers share. Special attention will be given to the theology and practice of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Students will also explore themes such as the Christian year, liturgical space, music and the arts. Meets Worship Distribution Requirement. 3 credits P545 Sacred Space, Time, and Liturgical Imagination Spurrier While the Holy Spirit is never confined to the walls of a church building or a particular hour during the week, Christian worship assumes the possibility of a space and time set apart for the people of God to gather. In this course, we consider theologies of space and time that help to shape liturgical imagination. We discuss practical challenges and implications of leading Christian communities, where time is often experienced as scarce and spaces are contested. These questions are explored through texts, discussions, and ethnographic explorations of worshiping communities in the Atlanta area. 3 credits

P550 MAPT Capstone Course in Practical Theology McGarrah Sharp, Park This required course is designed for MAPT degree students in their final spring semester. Building on formative understandings developed in P500 Introduction to Practical Theology and drawing on students’ studies throughout the MAPT program, students will continue to explore different models and issues within the field. A particular emphasis on vocations within Practical Theology will form a distinctive portion of this course. Students work collaboratively to organize and host a panel presentation of practical theology vocations which is shared with the wider CTS community. 3 credits

P602 Intercultural and Inter-religious Intelligences: Learning and Teaching a Posture of Openness Hong What does it mean to live, teach, and minister in a world or a neighborhood that is both intercultural and inter-religious? How do we learn how foster intercultural and inter-religiously open postures in communities and in ministries that have yet to embrace diversity and difference? What are the skills and capacities needed to co-create understanding between people of different cultures and religious traditions? This course will explore these questions and more through readings, spiritual practices, group projects, site visits, guest speakers, media, and seminar style discussion. Students are encouraged to share their own experiences and interests in intercultural and inter-religious engagement as part of their course participation. 3 credits P603D The Arts in Christian Teaching and Learning Dawson This course looks historically at how the arts have been used in educational ministry within Christian faith communities. It also allows students the opportunity to learn these art forms through hands-on activities, culminating in a blessing of artistic gifts and a festival to share what has been produced for the larger community. 3 credits P604 Youth Ministry Hong Explores youth subculture and its implications for ministry, including the developmental challenges of youth, ministry with young people in crisis, changing family patterns, and emerging strategies in ministry with youth and their families. 3 credits

P604R Youth Ministry: Companioning Youth on their Spiritual Journeys Robinson, adjunct This course will examine human development and culture(s) of the current adolescent generation, the context necessary for spiritual development to take place, and various ministry strategies and pedagogical models that can be used to companion youth in their spiritual passage from adolescence to young adulthood. 3 credits P605 The Spiritual Lives of Children Dawson Focuses on the many facets of children`s ministry. The perception of children is explored theologically, developmentally, and educationally. Includes opportunity to refine skills in biblical storytelling and lesson planning, survey of resources for helping children to grow in faith, and field trips to sites that educate children. 3 credits P606 Camp/Conference Program and Administration Winchip, adjunct This course will explore the many facets of camp, conference and retreat ministry. It will focus on the form and function of programming and how it relates to all aspects of site administration. Students will be introduced to the principles behind mission statements, program models, staffing and facility management, as well as trends and standards within this important field. 3 credits P606P Engaged Compassion as Educational Model Park Introduces theories and practices of compassion and compassion practices and creates space for students to form their own understanding of compassion. Using ecclesial communities and non-profit organizations as texts, students will learn about engaged compassion through interviews, site visits, and participation. 3 credits

P607D Curriculum Planning and Evaluation Dawson An introduction to and analysis of instructional resources available from denominational and nondenominational publishers. Students will also design a curriculum resource on a topic of interest to them within the field of Christian Faith Formation. 1.5 credits

sharing dialogically. Rev. Darci Jaret will be our guest art instructor for five sessions. The course requires students to purchase art supplies in lieu of books. Readings will be provided via Moodle. 3 credits

P612 Evangelism, Photography & Social Media Watkins In this course students study what makes media P608 Using Children’s & Adolescent’s Literature in social and theologically enriching. It focuses on the Christian Faith Formation culture of sharing photos as a means of evangelism. Dawson Students will be taught what makes visually strong This class will explore the rationale for using images that are shared / liked and how to make children's books and adolescent literature in visually strong images that effectively share the Christian faith formation as well as the process Gospel. Students will do projects that engage blogs, and criteria for evaluating and selecting books to Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, Facebook (and other use. Students will have the opportunity to practice photo sharing platforms) that are conducive for various storytelling techniques and to develop a sharing the Gospel over the web. bibliography of children’s or adolescents’ literature 3 credits based on a topic or theme of interest to them. Special attention will be given to the genre of P613W Urban Evangelism and Social Justice fantasy fiction as a means to have conversations of Watkins faith with these age groups. Jesus' ministry in the city was one of justice and 1.5 credits inclusion and as result his following grew. What does it look like for a church in the city to be a justice P609 Introduction to Recreation Ministry minded church that takes into consideration the Winchip, adjunct stratification and inequity in the city as a call to This course will explore the use of recreation to stand with the most marginalized. This class looks at address the developmental, educational, and spiritual the why, how and what of being a faith community needs of children, youth, and adults. Students committed to actively seeking social justice as the will have hands-on opportunities to plan and lead key ingredient for evangelism in the city. recreational activities that could be used in a variety 3 credits of ministry contexts. 3 credits P614 Emergent to Missional: Shaping a 21st Century Church P609H Spirituality and the Arts Watkins Hong In this course students will engage the emergent Through a blending of religious art and group church and the missional church models as dialogical processing, this course probes various dynamics of partners with established congregational life. This the spirituality of creative education through the course deals with the tension and integration of the arts. Students will examine their spiritual grounding old and the new as the class seeks to uncover what and imagination as educators and practitioners God is doing in God's church as God leads us into through the examination of art and the creation the 21st Century. The class will ask and work at of art. Students will also create and present their answering, what does the a 21st Century church look artwork to one another as a way of practicing and like as compared to a 20th Century church. 3 credits 88

P615 Theological Grounding and Development of the Virtual Church Watkins This course addresses the theological issues surrounding the virtual dimension of faith as negotiated in cyberspace. This course will also explore the phenomena of virtual faith expressions and what their creation imply for the future of the church. Online. 3 credits P615W Being Church in the Age of Social Media Watkins We are living in the age where people are living fully digitally integrated lives and the church must engage. How is the church to be the church in the age of media that is visual, social and digital? What means of ministry should the church engage to be a faithful and authentic in this present age? These and other questions guide this course. 3 credits

community and transform lives while also addressing the foundations of young adult ministry. Online. 3 credits P620W Mindfulness and Self-Care for the Helping Professions Walker-Barnes Explores the relationship between vocational stress, mindfulness, and self-care among the helping professions, including pastors, chaplains, and therapists. Examines the causes and forms of stress that helping professionals experience, with particular attention on trauma exposure response. Utilizes experiential exercises to explore self-care and mindfulness practices that sustain long-term careers and prevent burnout. 3 credits

P621 Death, Dying, & Grief: Intergenerational & Intercultural Perspectives McGarrah Sharp This course will help equip ministry leaders to hone practicing attention to and remaining present in the P616 Evangelism and Videography: Story as midst of death, dying, illness, loss, and grief. The Witness and Outreach course places these dynamics of communal life in Watkins a narrative frame that attends to both theological In this course we study story structure and explore and psychological aspects in intergenerational and ways to share the Gospel via creative multi-media intercultural perspectives. P520 preferred, not approaches. Students will do projects that engage the screen (computer, tablet and phone) by creating required. 3 credits videos that effectively share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Students will be taught how to shoot and edit videos to be posted on Vimeo, YouTube, and Flickr or P622W Spiritual Care for Black Women Walker-Barnes other appropriate platforms. Utilizes an intersectional and interdisciplinary 3 credits framework to analyze how systemic oppression impacts the well-being of women and girls of African P617 Reaching Young Adults in the Digital and descent in the US, particularly health, relationships, Media Age: Foundations of Young Adult Ministry education, and criminal justice involvement. Watkins Explores Black women’s coping strategies and Many of our churches are using methods and models for culturally competent pastoral care and practices to communicate the gospel that counseling practice. were fitted for a previous generation that was a church-going population. This course is designed to 3 credits help us think about why and how we can effectively share the gospel with young adults in a media/ digital age by using technology as a resource to build 89

P623W Postmodern Spirituality and the Black Church Walker-Barnes Explores evolutions in spiritual identities, beliefs, and practices among contemporary Black Americans. Examines how post-soul generations combine womanist and Black liberationist theologies, personal healing, social activism, sex and body-positive theologies, non-Christian spiritualities, and digital technologies to form alternative religious spaces. 3 credits P624B Human Sexuality and the Christian Church Wallace, adjunct The course introduces the range and complexity of the Bible’s approach(es) to sex and relationships, surveying key texts around issues such as the creation and reproduction of gender norms, sex work, sexual violence, and same sex relationships. The course examines the Bible’s approach to such issues within its original historical milieu and contemporary academic discourse on sexuality, enabling critical reflection on the Bible’s deployment in contemporary discussions. Each weekly class will focus on a particular theme related to human sexuality through multiple lenses, as well as discuss ways of congregational and care. 3 credits P624M Listening Practicum McGarrah Sharp This listening practicum deepens skills of self-awareness and empathy through shared texts, whole class discussions, and three listening analysis practices: intersectional listening, collaborative listening mapping, and receiving and responding to generative feedback. The final project invites students to identify goals for growing in intersectional listening, to practice each of the three listening analysis skills in the student’s own context(s), and to propose an individualized listening growth plan. 1.5 credits

P625 Pastoral Imagination in a Violent World McGarrah Sharp There is no question of the pervasive presence of violence in the world throughout human histories and into contemporary contexts. Building on a basic framework of moral discernment, students practice pastoral responses in the face of violence in a variety of intercultural contexts. Students focus pastoral imagination around three complex yet distinct Christian responses to violence: complicity, bystander, and resistance. Hybrid. 3 credits P625B Healthy Boundaries, Harmful Borders McGarrah Sharp What’s the difference between responsible boundaries and harmful borders? Students will probe this question from a pastoral theological perspective. Drawing on narratives of border life and policies around responsible pastoral practice, students will evaluate and construct pastoral theologies of borders and boundaries in the mission and cultures of communities of faith. 3 credits P627M Disaster Spiritual Care McGarrah Sharp How does one prepare for responsible spiritual care when disasters interrupt the patterns of everyday life? What is a faithful response when a disaster arrives for which there was no precedent or preparation? Using theories and practices of disaster spiritual care and reviewing interfaith disaster spiritual care resources created in various historical settings including resources created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, students will develop a collaborative disaster spiritual care toolkit to use and share with other faith leaders. 1.5 credits

P629W Couples, Families, and Cultural Change Walker-Barnes Examines how diversity and changing cultural conditions influence family life. Discusses shifting cultural norms regarding gender identity, sexuality and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, and religion impact family formation and dynamics in contemporary US culture. Promotes reflection upon how personal and religious beliefs about relationships affect pastoral and clinical care to diverse marriages, families, and relationships. 3 credits P630 Contemporary Homiletical Theories and Theologies Myers Preachers are charged with an impossible task, argued Karl Barth. With only human words at our disposal we are charged, somehow, to preach God’s Word. This seminar engages foundational traditions and texts that have sought to respond to the impossible possibility of preaching with eyes to the horizon of our ever-shifting contemporary contexts. 3 credits

interviews, and art, students will explore these questions—particularly as they relate to preachers’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic—and create a plan for their own growth and preparation, for the future. Includes the preaching of sermons. 3 credits P632F From Sanctuary to Screen: Adapting to Online Preaching and Worship Leadership Florence Our recent experiences with remote worship have taught us: preaching in front of a camera instead of a live congregation calls for a different set of skills and sensitivities. This practicum gives students the opportunity to explore the pastoral dynamics, theological issues, and performative elements of remote preaching, and to prepare and record their own sermons for workshop discussion. Students will consider a wide range of resources and tools, including homiletical readings, drama class videos, interviews with pastors, and exercises actors use when making the transition from stage to screen. 3 credits

P635 Preaching and Worship through the Christian Year P631 Post-Christian Proclamation: Seeking Florence Resilience in God's Changing World The Christian year enables the church to mark Myers Christianity no longer holds sway over the American time in a profound way. In this course, students will walk through the seasons of the liturgical year imagination. This calls us to reexamine the reasons and methods for gospel proclamation. Drawing upon -- from Advent to Epiphany to Lent to Pentecost to theological, philosophical, and sociological materials, Ordinary Time -- to see how theological themes and this course examines new ways of thinking about the metaphors of these seasons unfold and build layers of meaning for Christian communities. Drawing preaching task in light of the shifts that are taking on these insights, students will then explore the place in the world today. possibilities for preaching and worship, creating their 3 credits own sermons and liturgies. Attention will be given to the use of language, the role of music and other P632C Preaching in Times of Disaster and Crisis lively arts, and the well of resources, both ancient Florence and contemporary, that is available to worship How do preachers speak into a time of disaster planners. No prerequisites. and crisis? How do we find the words, strength, resources, wisdom, creativity, and support to preach 3 credits sermons that will address the suffering of the people? What old and new imaginations do we need, to engage Scripture and its power to bring healing and hope? Through readings, sermon recordings, 91

P636 Preaching, Politics and the Pursuit of Justice Myers This course aims to analyze the challenges to preaching for justice vis-à-vis politics in contemporary American contexts. Students will study how preachers have pursued proclamatory justice in light of these challenges in the past, consider some contemporary proposals for continuing that work, and then extend the practice with sermons of their own. The course moves, then, from sociopolitical analysis to a history of practice to practical counsel to the practice of preaching. That movement—a kind of practical theological reflection—is itself one of the main things this course hopes to teach. The P530 Preaching course is recommended by not required as a prerequisite. Hybrid. 3 credits P637 Postmodernism: Why it Matters for Preaching Myers Postmodernism—along with its methodological cousin, deconstruction—has shaped the last fifty years of Western thought. As both a philosophical and cultural phenomenon, postmodernism calls for careful attention by any who would proclaim the gospel with theological awareness and contextual relevance. This intensive course will interrogate the central themes and theorists associated with postmodernism and discuss postmodernism’s implications for contemporary Christian preaching. 3 credits P637M Stand-up Preaching Myers This online course provides students with a deep dive into the essential aspects of effective preaching through critical engagement with stand-up comedy. Together we examine the many points of overlap between a successful stand-up routine and an effective sermon. These include voice and embodiment, pacing, use of personal experience, storytelling, and engagement with politics. 3 credits

P638M High Definition Proclamation: Online and Hybrid Preaching Myers This course equips students with theoretical and practical skills to preach in online and hybrid contexts. The course attends to technical aspects of preaching in high definition, including audio/ visual set-up and execution, mastering editing and livestreaming software, creating thumbnails and motion graphics, and engaging sermon listeners online. 3 credits P639 Back to the Text: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba Florence This course is a communal exercise in getting “back to the text” by reading and performing together an entire book of Scripture – in this case, the stories of women in the Old Testament. Students will read widely in biblical studies pertaining to these stories, see how artists have interpreted the themes and characters in art, literature, film, and poetry, experiment with various ways of reading and rehearsing and improvising a Scriptural narrative, and finally create a group performance, which we will then offer to the community. No prerequisites 3 credits P640P Worship Planning Practicum Spurrier Good worship planning is an art form as well as a spiritual practice. Through a course focused on planning chapel services for the Columbia seminary community, students engage in collaborative worship planning and theological reflection. Using knowledge gained through worship and preaching courses as well as gaining new skills in ecumenical and intercultural worship planning, students learn practices for empowering churches and communities to plan worship together. 1.5 credits

P641P Worship and the Arts Practicum: Words and Images for Worship Spurrier Words and images for worship have the power to give life or to harm, to facilitate or to hinder the prayer and praise of the people of God. In this course students compose and create words and images for worship for different services and occasions. Students develop a portfolio for use in a congregational or other context. 1.5 credits

informs students about the roles and functions of chaplains in diverse settings and equips them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to offer spiritual care and support to people from various religious and cultural backgrounds. As a special topics course, the focus varies by section. Each section might focus upon a setting (e.g., campus, military, hospital, hospice, prison, community, movement), a population (e.g., veterans, African Americans, LGBTQIA persons, healthcare staff), or pertinent topics (e.g., rituals, theological reflection, emotional intelligence). Special care should be taken to addresses issues of cultural diversity and intercultural intelligence within each course. P641T Worship Arts Theology, Administration, and 3 credits Practice P682 Prophetic, Imaginative Preaching for God’s McNeill, adjunct Changing World An introduction to music, worship planning and Myers leading, and reflection for those interested in Imagination "empowered by the Spirit" is the parish ministry. Explores diverse contemporary philosophies about the possibilities and challenges of lifeblood of prophetic preaching. Drawing upon music and the arts in the local church, and examines traditional and contemporary approaches to preaching, this course will lead students to innovate models for how to organize and structure worship upon said styles and to incorporate preaching styles arts ministries. Students will develop a toolkit of across cultures and denominations. Particular embodied practices and leadership principles to attention will be paid to inductive, narrative, foster their spiritual formation and that of their performative, and poetic preaching styles. Limit of 5 congregations. master level students; Prerequisite P530. 3 credits 3 credits P642D Disability and Ministry P686 Preaching, Creativity and the Arts Spurrier Myers Disability is an important part of every Christian This course presupposes that the rhythms of God’s community, yet few churches are equipped creative work can and should inform the preaching to address ableism and thus transform their life. Drawing upon the work of cultural creatives understandings of God, the human body, worship, (e.g., slam-poets, comedians, actors, and novelists), ministry, and religious leadership. This course provides students with theological and practical tools students will explore ways of expanding creativity in sermon development and delivery. In-class exercises to support congregations and communities in the and peer feedback will invite life-long participation in work of disability justice. God’s redemptive rhythms in service of the church 1.5 credits and the world God loves. Prerequisite P530. 3 credits P671CH Topics in Chaplaincy Studies Walker-Barnes Explores current issues and pertinent themes in chaplaincy P693 Independent Study in Practical Theology and Counseling studies and chaplaincy education. Taught by chaplaincy McGarrah Sharp, Walker-Barnes practitioner-scholars and required of students in the 3 credits Intercultural Chaplaincy Certificate program, this course 93

P694 Independent Study in Worship Spurrier 3 credits P695 Independent Study in Preaching Florence, Myers 3 credits P697 Independent Study in Spirituality Staff 3 credits P698 Independent Study in Ministry and Administration Tribble 3 credits

P740J DMin Justice Core Course: Christian Worship, Human Difference, and Divine Justice Spurrier God-given and culturally inscribed human differences contest the possibility of a unity of persons and communities gathered before God in worship. Attending to embodied marks of gender, sexuality, ability, race, class, and nationality, this course investigates understandings of divine justice in relationship to human differences and desires in Christian worship. 3 credits

P740L DMin Leadership Core Course: Change & Its Agents: Leadership in the Third Millennium Campbell An exploration of the definitions and dynamics P699 Independent Study in New Church of leadership and how to attend to them in the Development third millenia. Topics include, but are not limited Staff to, the nature of change, the catalysts of change, 3 credits the impact of change, and the pastorally and P702 ThM Thesis Research Practical Theology Area psycho-emotionally healthy responses to stewarding change in self, others, and institutions. Staff This class focuses on the research and initial writing 3 credits stage for the student’s thesis project, supervised P741L DMin Leadership Core Course: Liturgy, by the advisor and in conjunction with the ThM Leadership, and Justice: Worship As Spiritual director. Formation 3 credits McNeill, adjunct This course offers theological reflection and praxis P703 ThM Literature Review Practical Theology for persons who plan and lead worship. Emphasis Area is placed on the role and character of the worship Staff In this independent study, a student works with the leader and corporate worship as a vehicle for spiritual formation and catalyst for social change. Possible primary advisor to develop a reading list in the area of research interest and writes a literature review of models of leadership, planning, and evaluation are the sources in preparation for the thesis writing. This explored. course is supervised by the student’s primary advisor 3 credits with the assistance of the instructor of the ThM Research Seminar. 3 credits P704 ThM Thesis Writing Practical Theology Area Staff Required of all ThM students, leading to the completion of the ThM thesis. 3 credits 94

P770 DEdMin Introductory Seminar Dawson, Hong This course is the introductory seminar for those persons beginning the Doctor of Educational Ministry degree program and therefore provides an overview of the program, a survey of the various disciplines to be studied in the program, and enables the student to relate their study to their context for educational ministry. The course is framed by the tasks of practical theology as they lead to Christian formation in congregational settings. 6 credits

P773 Advanced Study in Curriculum Theory Hong A core course for the DEdMin degree. Students think beyond curriculum as a lesson plan or resource and explore the history of curriculum theory in the church and world. Special emphasis is placed on obtaining a multicultural and interfaith perspective on this issue as well as comparing the course of public education in the U.S. to Christian education. 3 credits

P774 DEdMin Educational Care Resources Hong P772 Advance Studies in Teaching, Learning and This course is a seminar-style class that aims to Curriculum help DEdMin students develop educational care Dawson resources for communities with histories of conflict, A core course in the DEdMin degree. This course trauma, and pain. Discussions and explorations provides advanced study in teaching and learning in assessment, self-care, dialogical exercises, theory with the goal of students honing their teaching and understanding minoritized communities will skills for their ministry context. In addition, students undergird the course. Students are invited to bring will think beyond curriculum as lesson plan or their own contexts and ministries to bear in the resource and explore contextual curriculum theory for course. the church and world. The end goal of this exploration 3 credits is for students to prepare a formal curriculum project proposal that will meet the requirements of the P775 Development of a Curriculum Design DEdMin curriculum project design requirement. Hong 3 credits Informed by their learning in P773, the student will create and implement an original curriculum P771 Advanced Studies in Faith and Human design on a topic most often related to their project. Development Online. Dawson 3 credits A core course for the DEDMin degree. This seminar assumes that participants are familiar with a basic P779 DEdMin Doctoral Project understanding of the classic developmental theories Dawson, Hong such as Piaget, Kohlberg, Fowler, Freud, Erikson, Required of all DEdMin students. and Gilligan. Students focus in the area of faith, 6 credits spiritual, and religious development , looking at different ways of conceptualizing the Christian life from historical and current theorists. Emphasis is placed on child and adolescent spirituality in particular and the exploration of best practices for presenting the gospel at different ages. 6 credits

P804 Global Christian Spiritualities Hong Christianity no longer holds sway over the American imagination. This calls us to reexamine the reasons and methods for gospel proclamation. Drawing upon theological, philosophical, and sociological materials, this course examines new ways of thinking about the preaching task in light of the shifts that are taking place in the world today. 3 credits P813 21st Century Church: Church in the Networked World Watkins How are we to be Church in a networked world? The triple revolution of the internet, social networking and mobile devices will serve as the center pieces of conversation around which this course revolves as we ask how does the church integrate this new reality into the life of it’s ministry? In the midst of this revolution how is the church to reinvent itself while also being faithful to the past ways we have been church? Participants will be invited to see the future now as we seek to be the church in the present age. 3 credits P814 Leading the Digital Congregation Watkins In this course students will develop a theology and practice for doing digital ministry. Digital ministry includes everything from streaming, to the use of social media, the use of hashtags, video and still images to build community, do congregational formation and stimulate church growth. 3 credits

P822 Pastoral Imagination in a Violent World McGarrah Sharp There is no question of the pervasive presence of violence in the world throughout human histories and into contemporary contexts. Building on a basic framework of moral discernment, students practice pastoral responses in the face of violence in a variety of intercultural contexts. Students focus pastoral imagination around three complex yet distinct Christian responses to violence: complicity, bystander, and resistance. Hybrid. 3 credits P835 Novel Preaching Myers Creativity, empowered by the Spirit, is the lifeblood of strong preaching. Drawing upon techniques employed by fiction writers and other cultural creatives, this course will immerse students in the creative writing process for sermon development. Particular attention will be paid to narrative, prophetic, and oral/aural styles of writing. This course will operate like a writing or sermon development group, wherein students will read one another’s original work and offer constructive and critical feedback. 3 credits P872 Advanced Study in Faith and Human Development Dawson Provides for advanced study in teaching and learning as Christian formation. Particular attention is given to various teaching theories with an emphasis on faith formation. Various teaching methods will be explored with a practicum component in the course enabling students to practice, evaluate, and hone their skills as a teacher and a teacher of teachers. 3 credits

P882 Prophetic, Imaginative Preaching for God’s Changing World Myers Imagination "empowered by the Spirit" is the lifeblood of prophetic preaching. Drawing upon traditional and contemporary approaches to preaching, this course will lead students to innovate upon said styles and to incorporate preaching styles across cultures and denominations. Particular attention will be paid to inductive, narrative, performative, and poetic preaching styles. 3 credits

P885 Transformative Pastoral Leadership Tribble Explores the role of the pastor as spiritual leader embracing key adaptive issues for personal, congregational, and communal transformation. Acknowledging that leading a congregation through processes of deep change may be risky and costly, we explore current interdisciplinary ministry approaches for pastors leading congregations through processes of transition involving time and learning where identity, mission, culture, and operating procedures are fundamentally altered. This class is a seminar for students to work on actual case studies from their church and ministry contexts. Hybrid. 3 credits

Interdisciplinary Courses I500 MA(TS) Seminar Myers This course orients students to the MA(TS) program and equips them with research and writing skills to support their graduate work in biblical studies, theology, ethics, and church history. Additionally, students will work to clarify their vocational/personal goals and will deepen skills in research practices and methodologies, academic/ecclesial presenting and publishing, and applying for admission into doctoral programs or for jobs in church or parachurch organizations. Online section and face to face section. 3 credits

I627 Race, Racisms, and Reconciliation Walker-Barnes Examines the construction of race, the functions of white supremacy, and the impact of intersectional racism in modern society. Special attention is given to the role of Christianity in the history of US racism, the theology of racial reconciliation, and strategies for racial justice advocacy and activism in churches, denominations, and organizations. 3 credits I634 Israel/Palestine: Understanding the Holy Land Breed Surveys the history of the southern Levant from the Bronze age to the present day, examining scriptural texts, archaeology, inscriptions, historical memories and lived experiences. Covers aspects of geography, culture, religious histories, political, economic and civil transformations, and prospects for peace. Prerequisite for JA-24 I520 Contextual Immersions Israel/Palestine. 3 credits

I520 Contextual Immersions Staff An academic and experiential exploration of a significantly different cultural context and the church’s mission. Contexts may include inner-city Atlanta, the Appalachian region of the U.S., New Mexico, Central Europe, Cuba, India, Jamaica, Korea, South Africa and immigrant communities in Atlanta. 3 credits I530 Cross/Roads Florence, Nadella, Yoo Imaginative and resilient communities need imaginative and resilient leaders. Relying on in class discussions, common readings, outside speakers and drawing upon students' life experiences and seminary studies with special attention to theologically acute contextual analysis, this course explores ways leaders develop such communities. 3 credits

I701 ThM Research Methods Seminar Douglas Intensive one week introductory seminar required for all entering ThM students during which students take their first steps towards shaping their ThM Projects. 3 credits I705 ThM Colloquium Douglas Final capstone course required of all ThM students. This class focuses on the development and presentation of an abbreviated version of their ThM projects. 3 credits

I730 DMin Introduction to Research Methodologies Seminar Campbell, Tribble Students will be introduced to qualitative research methodologies to utilize for ministry as well as for extensive research in their final projects. In depth library research methods will also be introduced to enhance information literacy. Online 3 credits I731 Project Proposal Workshop Campbell, Tribble Toward the end of the program coursework, each student participates in a project development and design seminar to clearly articulate the topic and design of the student’s final DMin project. This seminar, together with the Introduction to Research Methodologies offered near the beginning of the students’ program, is offered to prepare the students to articulate well-designed project proposals before writing their final projects. Required for DMin/ DEdMin students. 3 credits I732 Project Literature Review Staff After students successfully complete their project proposals, they will critically review relevant literature for their projects with the careful guidance of their first readers. The culmination of the literature review may be the completion of the chapter outlining the theoretical and theological framework of the student’s project. The student must receive satisfactory evaluation from the first and second readers in order to pass the course. 3 credits

I735 DMin Doctoral Project Staff Elements of the degree converge in the Doctor of Ministry Project. The student must complete a DMin project, comprised of a detailed, expanded research and a shorter summary article of the research. In order that the project can be an integrating focus for the entire course of study, students should start thinking about the proposal for the project early in the program. Ordinarily, the student’s ministry setting is the context of the DMin research project. 6 credits I874 Faith in a Time of Climate Change: Travel Seminar to New York City & Washington DC Douglas The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations in New York City, the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.’s Office of Public Witness in Washington D.C., and Columbia Theological Seminary regularly offer a Doctor of Ministry course on a topic of importance for the world and faith communities. This year’s course will examine “Faith in a Time of Climate Change.” The first week of the course, we will meet at the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations and the second week of the course will be held at the Office of Public Witness. In the 21st Century, the environment will increasingly take a central role not only as a set of concerns that human beings throughout the world will have to address, but as a lens through which the global society will have to apply all other concerns. How will this lens develop? What priorities will it reveal? How might the Christian faith be seen through the lens? What resources might Christianity contribute to its development? And what might be the implications of this new way of thinking and being for ministry? This course will explore these and similar questions, developing theological and moral resources for engaging the concerns, especially, of climate change and environmental justice. Along the way, students will have the opportunity to meet with United Nations staff, diplomats, NGO personnel, and their own congressional representatives. 3 credits

Supervised Ministry SM505 MAPT Contextual Education Park The required course in Contextual Education for the Master of Arts in Practical Theology. In this 400-hour, 6 credit course of Supervised Ministry, students are engaged in an action-reflection model of ministry with a supervisor and a Supervised Ministry Team, and are challenged to grow in the student's chosen area of practical theology. The course may be an internship, allowing students to gain experience in a particular area of practical theology. For students already working professionally in ministry, their current ministry site may serve as the context for this course. 3 or 6 credits SM510 Congregation-Based Internship Park The student engages in the ministry of a teaching congregation serving in a broad range of pastoral functions, and engaging in a structured process of theological reflection with a supervising pastor and lay committee. (Summer, or fall/spring semesters concurrently) 400 hours in summer or 200 hours each semester . 3 or 6 credits SM520 Internship within an Institution Park An internship that engages the student in ministry within an academic, medical (non-CPE), denominational, ecumenical, or other institution. The student gains experience in a particular area of ministry or service, and develops the skills, insights and knowledge needed to relate this work to the larger institutional structures and mission. Supervision provided by a theologically trained

leader within the institutional site. This course may be taken for 400 hours, 6 credits (Summer, or fall/ spring semester concurrently); or for 200 hours, 3 credits. 3 or 6 credits SM530 Basic Internship in Specialized Ministry Park An internship that helps students gain experience for ministry and work in a specialized setting. The student will work with a supervisor to develop skills, insights, and knowledge needed for effectiveness in the particular form of ministry/work to be engaged. Specialized ministry internships may take place in congregational or non-congregational settings, and may include: youth ministry, public ministry, non-profit work, criminal justice, campus ministry, camp and conference ministry, education, etc. This course may be taken for 400 hours, 6 credits (Summer, or fall/spring semester concurrently); or for 200 hours, 3 credits. 3 or 6 credits SM540 Internship in an Emerging Faith Community Park The student engages in ministry in a new or emerging faith community to gain experience in evangelism, organizational development, entrepreneurial leadership skills, and other pastoral skills. The student will engage in a structured process of theological reflection with a supervising pastor or other practitioner. (Summer, or fall/spring semesters concurrently) 3 or 6 credits

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SM630 Advanced Internship in Specialized Ministry Park An advanced internship in a ministry setting in which students gain additional experience in a specialized field. Students work with a supervisor to enhance basic competence, leadership skills, and vocational clarity in the area of specialization. Such specialization includes: public ministry, non-profit agency, youth ministry, campus ministry, camps/ conference ministry, criminal justice/prison ministry, etc. The context may be congregational or non-congregational. Prerequisites: SM510 and at least 60 credits. This course is 400 hours, taken full-time in the summer or part-time over SM611 Clinical Pastoral Education (Advanced Unit) concurrent semesters, 3 credits per semester. 3 or 6 credits Staff An additional, advanced unit of CPE that builds SM640 Directed Supervised Ministry upon the learning of the first unit and provides further pastoral education. Prerequisite: Basic unit Park This course is an independent study arranged with of CPE. the director of contextual education and a professor 6 credits or professors with knowledge in the particular area SM620 Advanced Congregation-Based Internship of focus. Approval of the dean of faculty is required. 3 or 6 credits Park An internship providing students additional SM650 Intern Year: Congregation congregational experience in pastoral ministry and leadership. Students are encouraged to concentrate Park A full-time internship that provides an in-depth in a particular area of ministry such as Christian experience in the life and ministry of a teaching education, pastoral care, worship and preaching, congregation. The internship takes place over the administration, etc. while also engaging more broadly in the life of the congregation. Designed to course of a year (9-12 months), and includes the option of 1 additional course taken in January term. enhance a student’s competence, leadership skills, 6 credits and vocational clarity in ministry in a congregation. Prerequisites: SM 510 and completion of 60 credits. This course is 400 hours, taken full-time in the summer or part-time (200 hours each) over concurrent semesters, 3 credits per semester. 3 or 6 credits SM610 Practicum in Clinical Pastoral Education (Basic Unit) Staff CPE brings students into supervised pastoral encounters with people in crisis in order to develop pastoral identity and skills, interpersonal competence, and capacity for theological reflection. Clinically trained supervisors provide educational leadership. Placement limited to institutions accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Fulfills the MAPT requirement for students concentrating in Pastoral Care. Full-time for 6 credits; or part-time, 3 credits per semester. 6 credits

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SM660 Intern Year: Specialized Ministry Park A full-year internship in one or more ministry/ work settings. Students engage in a specific context of ministry or work to develop the skills, insights, and knowledge needed for effective ministry and leadership. An action-reflection model under supervision is required. Specialized ministries include: CPE residency, youth ministry, public ministry, non-profit work, criminal justice, campus ministry, camp and conference ministry, international mission, etc. Prerequisite: completion of at least 60 credits. 9-12 months, full-time, 6 credits. 6 credits

Culture and Transformation of the Church specialization. Designed to meet the major challenges of this specialization; involves students in a ministry of the church with particular aspects of modern culture. Includes work with peer groups and approved supervisor in an action-reflection process. 3 credits SM784 Practicum in Justice Studies Tribble The Doctor of Ministry practicum provides students with an opportunity to expand and refine their skills for ministry while under the supervision of an approved supervisor and working with a group of peers. In consultation with the advisor and associate dean for advanced professional studies (APS), student designs practicum, obtains approval for practicum proposal and begins practicum (3 credits), to be completed within six (6) months. 3 credits

SM690 Supervised Ministry: Independent Study Park A 400 hour (minimum) internship for students who seek to gain experience of ministry under supervision in specialized areas not designated in other internships. Summer (full time) 6 credits. Fall and/or Spring (part-time), 3 credits per semester 3 or 6 credits SM780 Practicum: Church and Ministry Tribble Designed by the DMin student and approved supervisor. The student engages in a specific aspect of ministry of the church and utilizes an action-reflection learning process with a peer group and approved supervisor. 3 credits SM782 Practicum in Christian Spirituality Tribble Recommended for DMin students in the Christian Spirituality specialization. Involves engagement in a ministry of the church related to spiritual formation and sharing issues and concerns in a peer group with an action-reflection process. Supervision by an approved instructor. 3 credits SM783 Practicum in Gospel, Culture & the Transformation of the Church Tribble Recommended for DMin students in the Gospel,

SM785 Practicum in Leadership Studies Tribble The Doctor of Ministry practicum provides students with an opportunity to expand and refine their skills for ministry while under the supervision of an approved supervisor and working with a group of peers. In consultation with the advisor and associate dean for advanced professional studies (APS), student designs practicum, obtains approval for practicum proposal and begins practicum (3 credits), to be completed within six (6) months. 3 credits SM787 Practicum in Educational Ministry Tribble Designed by the DEdMin student and approved supervisor. The student engages in a ministry of the church, often outside the student's normal setting for ministry, and utilizes an action-reflection learning process with a peer group and approved supervisor. 3 or 6 credits

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Academic Notes and Policies

The following information pertains to students enrolled in Columbia’s academic degree programs. Additional policies and information related to a particular degree program may be found in the Student Handbook or the manual for that program.

First-level Master Degree Students ADVANCED STANDING

Students who satisfactorily demonstrate they have already achieved the objectives of a given course but do not have graduate credit in the area may be exempt from the course and permitted to take an advanced course in the area to satisfy the required course credit. Requests for flexibility in a student’s program should be made to the Office of Academic Affairs. HONORS PROJECT

ORDINATION EXAMS

Students in the Master of Divinity degree program who become candidates for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA) are required to take written examinations in the areas of Bible, theology, worship and sacraments, and polity. The regular master’s degree curriculum provides students with ample opportunity to take coursework preparatory to the exams. GRADING FOR MASTER'S DEGREE STUDENTS

Students in the Master of Divinity degree program may pursue an Honors project if they pass their Candidacy Discernment Consultation with a cumulative grade point average of 3.60 and a 3.80 average in the proposed area of study. Students may choose to work with a particular professor in the biblical, historical-doctrinal, or practical theology areas. The program consists of guided study in both long semesters for a total of 6 credit hours. If the area determines that the project should receive honors, then the advisor will grant an A to the student for each semester of study. If the area determines that the project should not receive honors, then the advisor, with the input from the area, will determine the final grade for each semester of study. For additional information, see the chairperson of the area of interest.

At the end of each term, students receive grades according to the following four-quality points system. A grade report is made available to each student through the student portal. For Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Theological Studies), Master of Arts in Practical Theology, and Special students, the criteria for grading are mastery of material, skill in organizing and expressing ideas, creativity, and the ability to relate to other teachings. The grading system is as follows: A 4.0 Outstanding A− 3.7 Superior B+ 3.3 Very good B 3.0 Good B− 2.7 Slightly above standard C+ 2.3 Standard C 2.0 Slightly below standard C− 1.7 Below standard D 1.0 Serious deficiencies F 0.0 Failing

Third-year MDiv students may choose to take up to 6 credit hours of elective coursework Pass/ Fail if the instructor grants permission in the first

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two weeks of the course. MAPT students in good academic standing may take one of the four nonconcentration electives (3 credits) on a Pass/Fail basis in their final semester of study if the instructor grants permission in the first two weeks of the course. The grade designations are as follows: S (Pass) work that represents sufficient mastery of the content of the course to merit recommendation for graduation. U (Fail) work that represents insufficient mastery of the content of the course to earn credit, and is equivalent to an F. Any course for which a grade of F or U was earned must be repeated. If a passing grade is earned when the course is taken again, it does not replace the grade of the failed course. TEMPORARY GRADES FOR MASTER'S DEGREE STUDENTS

The temporary notation of IP (In Progress) is given for Honor Projects and Supervised Ministry courses that extend over more than one term. No academic credit is awarded for IP. A student may be assigned an E for incomplete work. In order to receive an E, the student must complete the Extension Form with all required signatures and a set an extension date before the end of the term. The extension date cannot extend beyond the following dates: Fall Term, December 31; January Term, January 31; Spring Term, May 31; and Summer Term, August 31. Students cannot begin another course in a subsequent academic term, until all coursework is complete from courses from all previous academic terms. Students who experience lengthy illnesses or have other unusual circumstances may be granted a longer period to complete their work by the dean of faculty. All grades of E are automatically changed to F if the extension deadline for completing the work expires.

ADMIT-ACADEMIC PROBATION FOR FIRSTLEVEL MASTER’S DEGREE STUDENTS

An entering first-level master’s degree student whose prior academic work is below the seminary’s admissions standards will receive an admissions decision of admit-academic probation. This will allow the seminary to monitor the student’s academic progress and better support the student as they begin their academic journey. A student who receives such an admission decision shall: • Be afforded full student privileges, including financial aid and housing; • Be expected to schedule and attend monthly meetings with their advisor; • Not be permitted to register for courses on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis; • Be reviewed by the Academic Standing Commission upon the completion of twelve (12) semester credit hours, to determine if the student may be (1) removed from admitacademic probation status, (2) placed on further academic probation, or (3) dismissed from their academic program.

Advanced Degree Students GRADING FOR ADVANCED DEGREE STUDENTS

The grading scale for ThM, DMin, and DEdMin students is as follows: A 4.0 B− 2.7 A− 3.7 C+ 2.3 B+ 3.3 C 2.0 B 3.0 F 0.0

S (Pass) work that represents sufficient mastery of the content of the course to merit recommendation for graduation. U (Fail) work that represents insufficient mastery of the content of the course to earn credit, and is equivalent to an F.

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COURSE COMPLETION FOR ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL DEGREE STUDENTS

If a course requires work to be completed after the last class meeting, the student may have up to sixty days to complete the work. Under unusual circumstances, and before the end of the sixty days, the student may request a thirty-day extension. This request must be made through the Office of Academic Affairs. A grade of F will be automatically assigned if all work is not completed by the end of the course, the end of the sixty days when the syllabus so designates, or the end of the thirty-day extension. ADMIT-ACADEMIC PROBATION FOR ADVANCED DEGREE STUDENTS

An entering advanced degree student whose prior academic work is below the seminary’s admissions standards (e.g., 2.75 GPA for ThM students and 3.0 for DMin and DEdMin students) may receive an admissions decision of admit-academic probation. A student who receives such an admission decision shall have all the privileges of other advanced degree students. As soon as possible after taking the Introductory Seminar and one additional course, the student is expected to consult with their faculty advisor to review their progress. The registrar shall report the grade point average to the Academic Standing Commission. If the student has not achieved a 3.0 GPA, the student will be subject to dismissal from the Advanced Degree program.

All Degree Students

receives written notice to that effect. A student may petition the Office of Academic Affairs for an exception to this policy in emergency circumstances in which the student is no longer able to attend class. CREDIT HOUR AND VALUATION POLICY

While the educational progress of students cannot ultimately be measured by the number of credits earned, a system of course valuation is necessary to assure consistency in the curriculum. Columbia Theological Seminary defines one (semester) credit hour as equivalent to a minimum of one hour per week on in-class instruction or engaged learning over 12 weeks of instruction, plus two more weeks of out-of-class independent learning in which exams are taken or papers are produced, for a total of 14 weeks. It is expected that for each one credit hour, a minimum of two hours of preparation has taken place. A three-credit course would indicate at least 36 hours of instruction, plus two periods of assessment through examinations and/or production of written work, along with the necessary out-ofclass preparation. DMin and DEdMin courses ordinarily meet over a two-week period for a minimum of 30 hours of direct in-class instruction, as well as in engaged learning activities outside the classroom, including small groups, online discussion forums, and pre- and post-course assignments, for a minimum of 36 hours of guided instruction for a 3-credit course.

For supervised ministry courses 200 hours of engagement is awarded 3 credit hours and 400 ADDING AND DROPPING COURSES Courses may only be added during the first five days hours of engagement is awarded 6 credit hours. This correlates with the time and credit level of the of class and only dropped during the first twenty Association of Clinical Pastoral Education which days of the fall and spring terms. In the January awards CPE credit. term, a class may be added by the second day and dropped by the fifth day of class. Two-week Satisfactory completion of a course, however, courses can only be added on the first day of class is determined finally not by time invested but and dropped by the third day of class. A course is by learning goals and objectives achieved by the only considered dropped at the time the registrar student.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY

Students are allowed one independent study per degree program. Petitions for proposed independent studies must be submitted in writing to the dean of faculty for approval prior to registration. The full procedure for receiving approval for an independent study is outlined in the student handbook. ACADEMIC PROBATION

Academic probation reflects unsatisfactory academic progress by a continuing student. Therefore, students are automatically placed on academic probation when: • A continuing MA(TS), MAPT, or MDiv student whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.30 • A continuing ThM, DMin, or DEdMin student whose cumulative grade point average falls below 3.00. A student on academic probation: • Shall be reviewed by the Academic Standing Commission, • Shall be expected to consult monthly with their advisor, and • Shall not be permitted to elect to take graded courses on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis At the end of every term in which grades are recorded, the Office of Academic Affairs shall review the academic progress of all degree-seeking students and provide the Academic Standing Commission six lists of students: • Students on admit-academic probation who have successfully attained the required cumulative grade-point average, • Students on admit-academic probation who are to be placed on academic probation, • Continuing students whose cumulative grade point average places them on academic probation, • Students who are to be considered for academic dismissal,

• •

Students who failed one or more courses, Students who are to be dismissed according to the CTS drop out policy.

After reviewing these lists, the Academic Standing Commission informs the student(s) in writing of their status, and report to the financial aid officer and vice president for enrollment and student affairs any changes in status that might have a bearing on financial aid. ACADEMIC DISMISSAL

A MA(TS), MAPT, MDiv or MDiv/Dual student is dismissed when they: • Do not raise their cumulative grade point average to or above a 2.30 by the next semester after being placed on academic probation, or • Shall have failed in the aggregate any 9 credit hours of coursework (e.g., receiving F or U grades). A ThM, DMin, or DEdMin is dismissed when they: • Fail to raise their cumulative grade point average to or above a 3.00 with the next course after being placed on academic probation, or • Fail any course at any time during the degree program (e.g., receiving F or U grades). • Do not make satisfactory progress in a doctoral degree because of inactivity by failing to register for more than two consecutive long terms. A student who is dismissed for academic reasons may not take classes, live on campus, or shall not have any of the privileges afforded to students. APPEALS

Any decision of the Academic Standing Commission may be appealed to the faculty by filing a written notice of appeal with the dean of faculty within two weeks after the student receives the decision of the Academic Standing Commission. A first or second-level master’s degree student’s appeal will be presented to the faculty at its next stated business meeting.

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If they have been dismissed for lack of satisfactory progress in their program, a doctoral degree student’s appeal must be accompanied by a plan of completion. Doctoral student appeals will be adjudicated by: • The dean of faculty, if they have been dismissed for lack of progress in the program. The dean will approve or deny the appeal upon review of the student’s plan and schedule for completion of degree requirements, in consultation with the commission and the associate dean of advanced professional studies. • The faculty at the next scheduled business meeting if the student was dismissed for an unsatisfactory course grade or overall GPA. After the appeals, the Academic Standing Commission shall inform the student(s) in writing of their status and report to the financial aid officer any changes in status that might have a bearing on financial aid.

Relying upon God’s grace, will you, so long as you are a student of Columbia Theological Seminary, promise and covenant to: • be diligent in your studies, • seek academic excellence, • pursue such learning as joins mind and heart, and • strive to live your life consistent with your calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ?” Furthermore, the governance documents clearly place the faculty under the supervision of the president and accountable to the Board with the authority to adjudicate matters related to conduct. “The faculty, subject to the oversight of the Board, may establish such policies and regulations concerning student and community conduct as the faculty shall deem necessary, the provisions of which shall be administered by the faculty under the supervision of the president” (2013, Article V, section 3).

When a member of the seminary community The decision of the faculty shall be final. becomes personally aware of a circumstance which could potentially lead to disciplinary action against MORAL CONDUCT a student the matter may be brought to the Judicial The faculty and the Board of Trustees of Columbia Commission by a written complaint filed with the reserve the right to refuse to grant a degree to dean of faculty. The complaint shall include all any individual in any degree program whose moral relevant information, including the names of any conduct raises serious questions about that person’s witnesses. Prior to filing the complaint, the personal integrity or fitness for service in the complainant may, but shall not be required to, Christian Church. Persons are accepted into degree resolve the matter with the person complained programs with the requirement that should they about. Upon receipt of a complaint, the dean may become the subject of criminal, civil, or ecclesiastical determine to resolve the complaint administratively proceedings they will report the fact of those if: (i) the complaint alleges a first offense by the proceedings and their outcomes to the Judicial accused, and (ii) the acts complained about are not Commission of the faculty. The determination of egregious in the judgment of the dean. In such case, when not to award a degree based upon moral the dean, the accused, and the complainant shall failings of the candidate is the sole and exclusive meet and endeavor to adjudicate the complaint with province of the institution, represented by its faculty appropriate action and/or admonition. and Board of Trustees. If a complaint is not resolved administratively, the DISCIPLINARY CASES Judicial Commission shall initially review the The Columbia Theological Seminary Amended and complaint. The advisor of the student against Restated Bylaws and Plan of Government (2013) whom the complaint has been lodged and other states, “Upon matriculation, the Seminary and each members of the administration and the faculty may student shall enter into the following covenant: be consulted by the Judicial Commission as it may 107

determine necessary or appropriate. If the Judicial Commission determines that the allegations of the complaint would, if established, provide the basis for disciplinary action, it shall schedule a hearing. Prior to the hearing, the complaint and any additional information pertinent to the case uncovered during the Judicial Commission’s review shall be provided to the student against whom the complaint has been lodged. At the hearing, the student against whom the complaint has been lodged shall have opportunity to examine the person making the complaint and respond to all evidence introduced at the hearing concerning the complaint, and present evidence and / or witnesses in the student's own defense. Both the complainant and the accused may be accompanied by an advocate, such as a student’s advisor or friend, but representation by external legal counsel is not permitted. If the student accused does not attend the hearing, the Commission is authorized to respond to resolve the matter notwithstanding such absence. Following the hearing, the Judicial Commission shall deliberate in private. The Judicial Commission may: •

•

• •

Determine that no cause for disciplinary action exists and declare the matter closed without further action. Impose corrective actions it deems appropriate, including the issuance of a warning to the student, placing the student on disciplinary probation. Suspend or dismiss the student or impose such other discipline as it deems appropriate. Recommend to the faculty that the student be expelled from the Seminary.

•

Require that the student vacate Seminary housing, even if he or she may be permitted to continue as a student.

The decisions of the Judicial Commission will ordinarily be communicated in writing to the parties involved, the student’s advisor, and the ecclesiastical body having oversight for the student’s preparation for ministry (as appropriate). A log of all proceedings and actions will be kept securely by the Seminary. EXPULSION

In the case of a recommendation by the Judicial Commission that the faculty expel a student, the faculty shall have responsibility for considering whether expulsion is appropriate. The president shall notify a student in writing no later than fifteen days prior to the date of a faculty meeting at which a recommendation concerning the student's expulsion is to be considered by the faculty, such notification to include the time and place of the faculty meeting. The student shall be provided an opportunity at such meeting to present to the faculty any information relevant to the student's case. The student shall not be entitled to be represented by legal counsel. The decision of the faculty will be communicated in writing to the accused student, to the Judicial Commission, and to the ecclesiastical body having oversight for the student’s preparation for ministry (as applicable). A student who is expelled may not take classes, live on campus (except in the case of a spouse of a continuing student), or have any of the privileges afforded to students. A student who has been expelled may not apply for readmission to the Seminary. While any complaint is pending before the Judicial Commission and/or the faculty, the president has discretionary authority to suspend the accused from participating in classes and / or seminary housing when such action is necessary for the general welfare of the seminary community.

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APPEALS

The decisions of the Judicial Commission (other than a recommendation of expulsion) may be appealed to the faculty in writing by filing a notice of appeal with the dean of the faculty within ten (10) days after the decision of the Commission. The faculty shall follow the procedures required for expulsion in the case of an appeal. There shall be no appeal beyond the faculty.

Withdrawal from Seminary WITHDRAWAL

•

Clear all accounts with the Business Office, Library, and the Office of Student Financial Services.

Readmission is through the Academic Standing Commission for a period of up to two years; beyond that, the regular admissions process must be used. The form for temporary or permanent withdrawal can be found on Student eCampus under academic forms or by contacting the registrar. INACTIVITY AND DISMISSAL

A student enrolled in the MDiv, MAPT, MA(TS), or ThM programs who does not register for classes in two consecutive semester terms will be asked to initiate a temporary or permanent withdrawal. If the student does not respond, they shall be dismissed. A letter informing the student of this action will be sent to the student’s last known address by registered mail. If the student left in good standing, the student may petition the dean of faculty within two weeks of receiving the letter of dismissal to register for classes for the next term and continue in the degree program.

A student considering withdrawal is treated with special concern. The dean of students and the advisor will help in thinking through personal and vocational implications. The associate dean for academic administration will counsel regarding academic implications. A student who withdraws from Columbia forfeits all financial assistance (scholarships and financial aid) previously awarded for the term in which such action occurs. A student must follow one of the processes below. A student who does not follow the appropriate procedures will continue to be responsible for expenses incurred at Columbia, will receive F grades A DMin or DEdMin student who does not register in all courses, and will not be eligible for readmission. for classes for 12 months will be contacted by the Office of Academic Affairs and encouraged Temporary withdrawal with return in a specific time: to register for additional courses at the earliest opportunity. If the student indicates that they The student must do not intend to continue in the program, the • Discuss the reasons with the the dean of student will be requested to initiate a temporary students; or permanent withdrawal. If the student does not • Fill out a withdrawal form; and then register for classes in the next 12 months, or • Clear all accounts with the Business Office, initiate a temporary or permanent withdrawal, they Library, and the Office of Student Financial will be automatically considered inactive and will be Services. dismissed from the program. A letter informing the A student in good standing may be readmitted by student of this action will be sent to the student’s the dean of faculty within one year following last known address by registered mail. If the student withdrawal; beyond this, action by the Academic left in good standing, they may petition the dean of Standing Commission is required. faculty within two weeks of receiving the letter of dismissal to register for classes for the next term and PERMANENT WITHDRAWAL: continue in the degree program. The student must •

Discuss the situation with the dean of students and sign a withdrawal form;

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Academic Calendar SUMMER 2023

JANUARY TERM 2024

Supervised Ministry Basic Degrees Classes............................. January 3-19 Summer Term…..............................June 1-August 10 Advanced Degrees Classes.....................January 8-19 Advanced Degrees 1st Term.........................July 10-21 King Holiday................................................. January 15 Advanced Degrees 2nd Term.......... July 24-August 4 MAPT Introductory Seminar................. August 14-18 ThM Introductory Seminar.................... August 14-18 SPRING 2024 Classes Begin............................................... January 29 Alumni Colloquium..................................February 7-9 FALL 2023 Midterms and Assessment Period............March 11-15 New International Student Good Friday................................................... March 29 Orientation ........................................August 24-25 Spring Break.....................................................April 1-5 Faculty Conference............................... August 27-29 Classes end........................................................... May 3 New Student Orientation .....................August 29-31 Finals and Assessment Period...................... May 6-10 Labor Day..................................................September 4 Baccalaureate..................................................... May 17 Classes begin............................................. September 5 Commencement................................................May 18 Convocation..............................................September 8 Memorial Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 27 Midterms and Assessment Period................................................. October 17-20 Thanksgiving Holiday.......................November 20-24 Classes end.................................................December 8 Finals and Assessment Period............December 11-15

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