Spiritual Formation, M.A.
[Spiritual Formation - 2301.00]
The Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation prepares students to be pastors, teachers, mentors, and leaders of formational ministries in churches and other organizations. Students in the M.A. in Spiritual Formation program may also complete the requirements for the Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction as a part of the program. Through the program, students become wise spiritual guides who attend to God’s formative activity in their own lives, the lives of others, and the world. Students complete fieldwork in formation leadership within a church or organizational context.
Admissions Process:
Northeastern Seminary seeks students whose personal and professional lives are characterized by honesty, integrity, and commitment to high academic, moral, and ethical standards. Applicants must present credentials that demonstrate aptitude for the academic work they will pursue and which indicate they meet other criteria of character and conduct.
Persons seeking admission must complete an online application with the Admissions Office of the Seminary. Along with the online application itself, applicants must also furnish:
- Two recommendations able to speak to the student's aptitude for ministry and academic study. Persons providing recommendations may not be related to the applicant.
- An autobiographical statement: In this statement, the applicant will narrate his or her spiritual pilgrimage, history and vision for Christian service, and career goals and plans.
- Official transcripts from every college or university where the applicant has received a degree (i.e., associate's, bachelor's, master's and/or doctoral) or any program you hope to use for graduate or post-graduate transfer credits. Those who do not possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university at the time of applying may be accepted under the non-baccalaureate designation. Note: Additional documentation is required along with the application for those seeking admission in this category.
- In the case of international students who have not done previous studies in an English language institution, a TOEFL score of 79 or higher is required.
In addition to the standard application, students applying to the Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction must complete the following before being admitted to the program:
- Complete at least 18 graduate credits in theological studies from a school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) or a graduate department of theological or biblical studies at a Christian college or university.
- Submit an essay describing a personal experience providing spiritual guidance to others.
- Provide a reference letter from a person who has benefited from the applicant's spiritual guidance.
- Complete an interview with a faculty member during the application process.
Students applying to the Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction who can show a path to completion of the required theological studies courses may seek provisional admission with up to nine credits outstanding. Students may take spiritual direction courses while completing the required theological studies credits.
Courses in the Program:
- The Great Conversation Competency (18 Credits)
- GBHT 5210-Biblical Worldview (3)
- GBHT 5220-Exploring the Bible (3)
- GBHT 5240-The Early Church (3)
- GBHT 5250-Reformation and Renewal (3)
- GBHT 5260-Mission in the Modern World (3)
- GSOC/GPSF 6240-Social Justice and Spirituality (3)
- Spiritual Formation Competency (18 Credits)
- GHST/GSOC 6510-Women in Leadership (3)
- GPSF 6120-Spiritual Formation (3)
- GPSF 6540-Christian Faith: A Global Survey (3)
- GSOC 6250-Foundations in Social and Theological Ethics (3)
- Choose two of the following:
- GPSF 6150-Exploring Personal and Spiritual Faith Development (3)
- GPSF 6210-Introduction to Spiritual Direction* (3)
- GPSF 6330-World Religions and Human Spirituality (3)
- GTHE/GSOC 7230-Theology, Leadership, & Political Action (3)
- Any elective
- Supervised Ministry Internship (6 Credits)
- GMIN 7310-Field Education I** (3)
- GMIN 7370-Practicum in Formation Leadership (3)
- Capstone: GMIN 6920-Ministry Integration Seminar (2 Credits)
*Students seeking a focused elective competency in spiritual direction must take GPSF 6210- Introduction to Spiritual Direction.
**Students seeking a focused elective competency in spiritual direction must take GPSF 7310-7340 instead of GMIN 7310. Extra course fees are required.
Minimum Total Hours: 44
Minimum Graduation Requirements: Cumulative GPA of 2.7 and a completed degree application submitted to academic services by October 1 prior to the May Commencement in which the student intends to graduate.