Master of Arts in Urban Ministry
The Master of Arts in Urban Ministry is a two-year degree program providing students with a focus on the practices, skills, and strategies essential for more effective urban ministry. Urban ministry has long been a significant part of McCormick’s educational mission, symbolized by the Campbell Professorship in Urban Ministry. Insights drawn from the social sciences, the rich history of urban political activism in Chicago, and the vital presence of urban congregations (from storefront to mega-churches) create an ideal setting for theological reflection on ways of being the church in the city. Students will prepare for ministry in urban settings, either as a first ordained call after graduation, or as more effective ministers in the congregations and communities to which they are already called and committed.
The Master of Arts in Urban Ministry prepares individuals to:
- Examine and analyze urban contexts using Chicago as a living laboratory
- Draw on Biblical and theological resources to reflect ethically on issues of church and society
- Enlarge their capacity to engage in cross-cultural ministries
- Acquire skills and strategies to organize communities and access political power in urban settings
Requirements for the Degree
The Master of Arts in Urban Ministry degree must be completed within six years of matriculation into the program. The degree is awarded for successful completion of 18 courses including academic, field-based, and integrative studies in the fields of Bible, History, Ministry, Theology and Ethics.
Required Courses and Distribution of Courses
Ten courses at the introductory level are required and prerequisite to most other courses in their field:
- Pilgrimage in Faithfulness
- Introduction to Biblical Studies
- History Survey II
- Introduction to Christian Theology
- Introduction to Christian Ethics
- Reflection on Ministry (two course units)
- Introduction to Urban Ministry
- Racial Identity and White Privilege
- Seminar in Urban Ministry
- Urban Ministry Seminar (Integration Course)
This course guides students in the development of ministerial programs and approaches that are effective in urban settings. The course allows students to pursue a project of their own choosing and to learn from one another as they develop their projects. Each project will push students to integrate analysis, theory, theological disciplines, and the practice of ministry.
Other Required Courses for the Master of Arts in Urban Ministry
- Two courses in Urban or Public Ministry
- One course from the field of History
- Two courses in Christian Ethics
- Two courses in Cross-Cultural Studies
- One course from the field of Bible
