BASIC FACTS ABOUT THE PROGRAM
What is the purpose of this program?
The M.A. in Strategic Leadership (MASL) is designed to provide field-based ministers with additional skills to increase their effectiveness in their current and prospective roles in Christian ministry and leadership.
Who should enroll in this program?
This program will serve ministers and leaders who have a Bachelor’s degree and desire to pursue further specialized education and develop additional skills in leadership and Christian ministry. The ideal students are those who have demonstrated a significant commitment to ministry.
What is the format for this program? Will I have to attend classes in San Dimas?
Students complete the program with a cohort group, enrolling in sequenced courses one at a time and completing the 36 unit curriculum over a two year period. In order to meet adult learners’ need for convenience and flexibility, the program consists of ten eight-week online courses and two one-week residencies which are followed up by four weeks of online work.
What is the program schedule?
Cohorts begin in January and July. The cohort will begin with a one-week residency followed up by four weeks of online work. Students will then take five eight-week online courses through the remainder of the year, with a four-week break in the Summer (mostly June) and another four-week break over Christmas and New Years. The second year will follow the same structure so that students complete the program in early December 2012. Cohorts which begin in June/July will operate by a similar structure with their residencies taking place in June/July.
What is the curriculum for this program?
The 36 unit curriculum of the M.A. in Strategic Leadership consists of a sequence of twelve courses:
| Ld500 The Personal Life of the Leader |
Os600 Organizational Management and Decision Making |
| Co500 Communication for Leaders |
Bi600 Contextualized Ministry and the Book of Acts |
| Os500 Human Behavior in Organizations |
Th600 Theology and Worldview |
| So500 Cultural Trends and Ministry |
Ld610 Strategic Leadership, Innovation, and Change |
| Th500 Leadership Theology |
Bi610 Leadership Ethics in the Old Testament |
| Ld510 Leadership Theory and Praxis |
Ld600 Mentoring Skills for Leaders |
This biblically grounded, professional, and practical curriculum is designed to help students master advanced concepts of leadership and organizations. Students will become conversant in best organizational practices, understand how to do applied research, and implement strategic thinking to impact their own ministry context. The program includes an integral field-based component that will provide you with an opportunity to develop or create bold new leadership endeavors that will have practical impact on your ministry. Through coursework, students will develop a major leadership project (capstone) which will involve a deep exploration of their own calling, an understanding of the context of their chosen field of leadership, and the development of a strategic initiative for renewal of an existing ministry or the creation of a new endeavor.
How long will it take to complete the program?
Students can earn their MA in just under two years, enrolled part-time.
What is the cost of this program?
Application Fee
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$35.00
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| Residency Fee ($50 per week) |
$100.00 |
Tuition ($400/unit x 36 units)
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$14400.00
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Books (approximately $100 per class)
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$1200.00
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Travel, Room, and Board for two Residencies
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$2500.00 (approximate)
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Estimated Total
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$18235.00
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Is financial aid available?
Master’s degree students will be able to apply for federal loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Most students will qualify for enough in federal loans to cover the entire program if necessary, although we advise trying to limit your amount of borrowing.
What are the requirements for admission to the program?
Entering students must have a Bachelor’s degree from a school accredited by a CHEA recognized accrediting organization (graduates from LIFE East and Mount Vernon are also welcome to apply) with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 and a minimum of three years of significant ministry involvement. Applicants will also submit an essay describing their personal and ministerial goals and how the degree will help them attain those goals.
Is there any allowance for applicants who do not have a Bachelor’s degree?
The College is able to consider applications from a very limited number of students without a Bachelor’s degree based upon criteria such as age (minimum 35 years old), significant high-level ministry experience (minimum 10 years), and demonstrated academic ability to succeed in graduate-level coursework.
How much time should I expect to put into the program?
Students should schedule at least ten hours a week for their coursework.
How do the online courses work?
Though at a distance, you will be able to maintain vital peer relationships begun at residency, and develop ongoing collaboration and mutual student support. The online courses will incorporate text, audio, and video content delivery as well as required interaction through asynchronous discussion boards. The structure of LPC’s on-line classes include substantial interaction between instructor and student and among students through online discussion and timely feedback.
What computer equipment and skills do I need to succeed in the program?
Students will be required to have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection (preferably high speed) and common computer home/office software for completing written assignments. The program assumes basic technological skills including how to (1) create, attach, and send a document electronically (2) use a web browser including viewing video files, (3) download and open various files such as .pdf, Word, PowerPoint, and (3) send and receive email. The first residency will include an Orientation that will provide students with training in any areas they are deficient.
Who do I contact for more information or to apply to the program?
If you would like more information about this program, please contact LPC Admissions Office at 877.886.5433 or e-mail us at masl@lifepacific.edu.
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