University of Dubuque Theological Seminary Announces New/Transformed Degree Programs
Nov 19, 2015 | Kristi Lynch
The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (UDTS) is excited to announce new and transformed degree programs designed to meet the new missional challenges and leadership needs of Christianity in North America.
The Distance Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree, established in 2007, can now be earned in only three years without moving to campus. The 75-credit degree emphasizes missional leadership and disciple formation rooted in the apostolic faith and prepares individuals for ordination in most Protestant communions. Additionally, the new Distance Master of Arts in Mission and Discipleship (MAMD) can be earned in only two years without moving to campus. The MAMD is a 40-credit degree that provides broad instruction in the Christian heritage, Christian formation, and understanding cultural context as well as focused study of Christian mission and discipleship. The degree trains Christian leaders to empower others to join in God’s mission in education, congregational ministry, outreach, or caring ministries.
Residential degree programs at Dubuque have also been transformed to address the leadership needs of the church by using hybrid courses that combine the best in distance and residential pedagogy. Beginning next August, the residential MDiv degree can be earned by coming to campus for two intensives a year (two weeks in August and one week in January) and one day a week for the fall and spring semesters. Designed especially for student-pastors and other working adults, the MDiv will focus on nurturing leaders who can build missional communities that form fervent disciples of Jesus. Similarly, the MAMD can be earned in two years by coming to campus for two intensives a year (two weeks in August and one week in January) and one day a week for the fall and spring semesters.
The seminary, in concert with the college of the University of Dubuque, is also launching a unique Graduate Assistant Program in Young Adult Ministry. Beginning in the fall of 2016, a select number of UDTS seminary students in the MDiv and MAMD programs will engage in vital programming with undergraduate students at the University of Dubuque. As the seminary students progress through their program of study, they will assume increasing responsibility for elements of student life, academic, and campus ministry programming to first year students, under the mentorship of faculty and staff. By graduation, these students will have a rich set of experiences and coursework in young adult ministry/faith formation to bring to the church, parachurch, or higher education.
Finally, the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (MACL), a 30-credit, fully-online degree offered by the University of Dubuque, welcomed an inaugural class this fall of 18 students. Taught primarily by seminary faculty, this degree, which can be earned in one year, roots students in knowledge of the Christian Scriptures and the church’s theological tradition, and equips women and men for missional service and leadership in their chosen vocations.
Dean Bradley Longfield commented, “The faculty, staff, and administration of UDTS are committed to providing faithful, innovative, and engaging theological education for a new day. Together, the MACL, the MAMD, and the MDiv offer a rich variety of options to equip Christian leaders as we seek to follow Jesus, walk in the Spirit, and join God’s mission.”
