Dr. Ross Parker, Dean of the School of Christian Studies
Dr. Jonathan Watson, Director of the School of Christian Studies’ Graduate Program
Mrs. Tina Hartley, Executive Assistant, School of Christian Studies
Faculty: Dr. Peter Beck, Dr. Pete Link, Dr. Ross Parker, Dr. Jonathan Watson, Dr. Ed Gravely
The offices of the Dean of the School of Christian Studies, the Director of the School of Christian Studies’ Graduate Program and the graduate faculty are located in Whitfield Center for Christian Leadership.
Purpose
The MA in Christian Studies is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for an effective, Christ-honoring ministry. Courses have been carefully selected with the aim of providing instruction in the following foundational areas: Bible, theology, philosophy, church history and ministry.
Objectives
- Students will gain a knowledge of the key people, ideas, theological themes, writings, events and movements in the foundational areas of Christian Studies.
- Students will acquire an understanding of the essential skills (e.g., leadership, interpreting Scripture) necessary for an effective ministry.
- Students will learn the biblical attitudes and character traits necessary for Christian discipleship.
- Students will acquire advanced research and writing skills for engaging in scholarly activity or continuing their education at another academic institution (e.g., seminary).
Admissions Process and Requirements
Admission is based on several factors, including academic record, aptitude for graduate studies and Christian character. To be admitted to the program students must complete the following requirements:
- Graduate Application
- Statement of Conversion (300-500 words)
- Statement of Ministry Goals (300-500 words)
- Current Resume with References
- Letter of Recommendation from Pastor or Local Church
- Criminal Background Check
- Official Transcripts from ALL Institutions (Undergraduate and Graduate)
Preferred Application Deadlines
Charleston Southern University’s graduate programs have a rolling admissions policy. While an applicant may plan to begin in the fall semester, he or she may be admitted to begin coursework in any term. Deadlines for admission are flexible, but for full consideration, applicants are encouraged to ensure that all materials required for the application process are received at least two weeks prior to the first day of the semester in which they intend to begin. If an applicant has particularly strong credentials, it is possible that he or she may be processed more quickly, and for that reason, applicants will be accepted until classes begin.
Preferred deadlines are as follows:
Fall: August 5
Spring: December 5
Maymester/Summer: April 25
Transfer Credits
With prior approval a maximum of nine (9) semester hours of transfer credit may be accepted from a graduate program at an accredited institution toward the fulfillment of the requirements for the MA in Christian Studies at Charleston Southern University. Approval of the Director or the Dean of the School of Christian Studies must be obtained during the application process, and the decision whether or not to award credit at that time is final. Students may not attempt to transfer previously-taken courses at a later date. Only courses in the “B” or “A” range will be considered for transfer.
Students currently enrolled in the School of Christian Studies’ graduate program must have prior written approval to take courses from another institution for transfer credit. The approval must carry the signatures of the Director or Dean of the School of Christian Studies and the Registrar.
Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate students must have a 3.0 GPA and no more than two (2) “C’s” on their graduate transcript. Students who earn a third “C,” even in their last course, will be expelled from the program.
All students must apply for graduation with the Office of the Registrar. See the Academic Calendar for graduation application deadlines.
Student Progress
Students must take the following courses among their first five MA in Christian Studies’ classes: CHST 500-40 Survey of the Old Testament and CHST 501-40 Survey of the New Testament.
Academic Probation
Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 for graduation. Students whose graduate GPAs drop below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and may take a maximum of six (6) graduate credit hours per semester until a 3.0 GPA is obtained. Any student who earns a grade below a “B” will receive a warning letter from the Director and will be required to meet with him to discuss his or her commitment to graduate education and ability to continue in the program. If a student should receive a second grade below B, that student will be placed on academic probation for the remainder of his or her tenure in the program. Students on academic probation may be required to meet with the Director regularly for academic advising and monitoring.
Academic Expulsion
A student who earns one “F” or one “WF” or who earns his or her third grade lower than a “B” in any course shall be expelled from the graduate program. An expelled student may not be considered for readmission to the program for at least one semester (Fall or Spring). If and when the student’s application for readmission is submitted it must be accompanied by a letter from the student justifying why he or she should be readmitted. The student’s request for readmission must be approved by a majority vote of the graduate faculty before the student can be readmitted and begin taking classes again. Expelled students may only petition for re-admission once. If the first request fails, further requests for re-admission will not be entertained.
Program Requirements
Master of Arts in Christian Studies