Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies

Overview

The Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies (M.A.I.S.) is a multidisciplinary degree that seeks to prepare women and men for multi-cultural ministry. The program focuses on learning about other cultures and developing skills necessary for interacting across cultural boundaries, both within and outside of one’s own society. Appropriate academic disciplines for this degree include anthropology, leadership, sociology, and theology.

The Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies is recognized by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and will be applied for accreditation soon through the Asia Theological Association (ATA) and the Association for Theological Education in Southeast Asia (ATESEA).

Program Outcomes

In addition to the overall mission and objectives of the Seminary, the master’s degree program in Intercultural Studies is intended to provide resources for and a climate in which students may:

• Gain a greater ability to understand and articulate the biblical, historical, and theological bases for Christian mission.
• Define missio Dei for the church and articulate how it intersects every area of society and culture with the goal of holy transformation.
• Develop critical contextualization and ethnographic study.
• Examine strategies for language and cultural learning, developing cultural intelligence, dealing with cultural shock and re-entry, and bonding. The program addresses the practical issues of cross-cultural living and relationships.
• cultivate the ability to discern and make theologically based ethical decisions in the midst of a complex and/or paradoxical cultural context.

Course Delivery Method

Courses are offered through traditional semester tracks with selected courses offered as summer intensives. This degree can be completed completely online, or traditionally in a face-to-face classroom experience. All courses are taught in a blended format. Some course curriculum focuses heavily on experiential activities that allow students to learn by doing and observing. students will visit and observe areas in their own communities of subculture and/or participate in practicums geared toward compassionate work to the marginalized.

Admission Requirements

A completed application through the admissions office must be submitted including an original Transcript of Records of their undergraduate degree, reference letters, and financial information. All students must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a 2.0 GPA or higher. A 550 English exam score or higher is required. Once a student applies with all transcripts, reference letters, and completed application, the Admissions Office and M.A.I.S. program director review all documents submitted and may ask for an interview. Transferring credits from accredited, recognized graduate programs are reviewed and approved by the Academic Dean. Up to 24 units (40% of the curriculum) may be transferred from previous transcripts to the program.

Graduation Requirements

Students will complete a thesis project to be considered for graduation. The M.A.I.S. degree is composed of 60 credits. Students are permitted 6 years to complete the program including thesis writing. A year of absence may be applied through the program director, which is not included in the 6 years statute of limitations. A 2.0 GPA is required for degree completion. To be recommended to continue in a higher degree program, a 3.0 GPA is required. Passing a Comprehensive Examination and successful submission of an article to a peer-reviewed journal are also required for degree completion.

Degree Specializations

Contextualization Studies. This concentration will engage the student in missiological studies with a broader basis in history of mission, anthropology, communication, and leadership strategies for mission today. Greater priority will be put on providing a strong biblical foundation with the application of behavioral science insights to create an appreciation for the academic significance of missiological study as well as providing necessary tools and strategies for mission practice. A thesis production would be essential in this emphasis to introduce the student to the area of writing for academic journals that enhance the body of missiological knowledge. 

Diaspora Studies. This concentration prepares the student to work in anew mission paradigm with people groups living outside of their place of origin for the purpose of evangelism. Students will become involved in migration studies, unique evangelism opportunities, socio-psychological challenges of the foreigner, and strategies to reach first- and second-generation migrant communities. A student in this concentration can choose either writing a research thesis or a production thesis. 

Course Offerings

The Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies is a 60-unit degree academic program. The curriculum is divided among Introductory Courses (18 units), Core Courses (12 units), Regulated Cognates (9 units), Thesis (6 units), and Specialization Courses (15 units). Each class is 3 units, unless otherwise specified