Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies (MA in ICS)
MA in ICS Purpose
The Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies (MA in ICS) provides specialized study in the discipline of intercultural studies and Christian mission. The MA in ICS seeks to develop students in knowledge and practice of cross-cultural ministry, as well as work integrating theological, historical, and social scientific disciplines. The program is suitable for persons seeking academic preparation for service as missionaries, cross-cultural workers, teachers, strategists, or researchers. The program may also serve as an intermediate step toward doctoral study in a related area. In addition, there are many forms of pastoral, church-planting, parachurch, and urban ministry in the U.S., Canada, and other western contexts in which a deep understanding of contextualization and cross-cultural ministry is necessary. For this reason, several courses are offered with a focus in missional ministry.
MA in ICS Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will gain a foundational understanding of the biblical basis of mission and learn to biblically assess various aspects of intercultural ministry.
- Students will have deeper insight into the nature of human cultures and the implications of cultural differences for intercultural ministry.
- Students will be able to articulate historical background of various mission related issues and their implications for mission practice today.
- Students will develop skills related to the practice, analysis and strategies of intercultural ministry.
- Students will grow in their appreciation for human diversity and in their passion to participate in God’s mission in the world today.
MA in ICS Admission Requirements
- Possess and earned bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university (generally at least 120 hours), which normally includes a minimum of 60 hours of liberal arts coursework with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- The bachelor's degree must include a minimum of 8 hours in intercultural studies/missions and social sciences, or the applicant must have had extensive intercultural experience.
- The applicant must have completed 6 semester hours of undergraduate study in the Bible including Old and New Testament surveys, or enroll at TEDS in OT 5001, OT 5002, NT 5001, and NT 5002 to meet this prerequisite. Outstanding prerequisites must be completed early in the program.
- The applicant must complete the entire TEDS application process via the TEDS Admissions Office.
- A personal interview may be required.
MA in ICS Program Flexibility and Duration
The MA in ICS is flexible, allowing students who live and serve in various parts of the world to complete the program entirely from a distance. Required core courses are scheduled regularly online. Courses at the Bannockburn campus are offered during the academic year and summers, including one- or two-week modular formats, as well as synchronously through online video-conferencing. Courses are also offered at Trinity Extension sites. The ME department requires that students complete at least two ME courses in face-to-face or remote synchronous formats. Through a combination of online and synchronous courses, the MA in ICS program may be completed fully remotely.
- 24 hours must be completed through Trinity coursework, with the final 8 program hours completed through Trinity.
- Duration: Generally, two to three semesters of full-time coursework are followed by one to two semesters of Capstone work and the comprehensive exam.
- All MA program requirements must be completed within five years of matriculation into the program (statute of limitations)
MA in ICS Graduation Requirements
In addition to the General Graduation Requirements for all master's programs, the following requirements must be met:
- All outstanding prerequisites and entrance deficiencies and conditions are removed.
- Completion of all program requirements with a minimum cumulative grade point average for program coursework of 2.5, and with no coursework graded below a "C-" applicable to the degree.
- Successfully complete a Capstone and pass the Major Comprehensive Exam.
Dual Degree MA/ICS Concentration for Trinity College Undergraduate Students
Trinity College (TC) students may apply to the dual degree MA/ICS program upon completion of 70 hours of undergraduate work. The following are also required:
- A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- A recommendation from the undergraduate academic advisor and the TC program chair
- A completed TEDS application
- A personal interview with an MA/ICS faculty member who approves the applicant’s admission to the program concentration
- Completion of 8 hours of undergraduate missions and social science courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Completion of a minimum of 9 hours of undergraduate Bible and theology through BI 101, BI 111, and BI 210 with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Completion of an intercultural experience of at least two weeks consisting of mission-type activities
Further details regarding BA studies may be ascertained by consulting the Trinity College catalog.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bible and Theology Core | ||
| ID 5000 | Biblical Theology and Interpretation | 2 |
| ST 5211 | Theology 1: The God of the Gospel: From the Father | 2 |
| ST 5212 | Theology 2: The God of the Gospel: Through the Son | 2 |
| ST 5213 | Theology 3: The God of the Gospel: In the Holy Spirit | 2 |
| Intercultural Studies Core | ||
| CH 7450 | The Church in Latin America, Africa, and Asia since 1500 | 2 |
| or ME 6410 | History of the Expansion of Christianity | |
| ME 5001 | Evangelism and the Local Church | 2 |
| ME 6760 | Theology of Mission & Evangelism | 2 |
| ME 6610 | Anthropology for Ministry | 2 |
| or ME 8210 | Intercultural Communications | |
| Electives in Intercultural Studies | 12 | |
| Elective Courses | 6 | |
| Elective course work is dependent upon academic and professional goals, and is determined in consultation with the faculty advisor. | ||
| Field Education and Formation Group | ||
| Select one option from the following: | 0 | |
Option 1: | ||
| Field Education (2 semesters) | ||
Option 2: | ||
| Formation Group (2 semesters) | ||
| Field Education (1 semester) | ||
| MA in ICS Major Comprehensive Exam | ||
| ME 7477 | MA Major Comprehensive Exam | 0 |
| MA in ICS Capstone | ||
| Participants work with the Department in completing one of the following: | 2 | |
| MA Capstone Integrative Paper | ||
| Intercultural Ministries Internship | ||
| MA Thesis 1 | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
The thesis option requires a research methods course as an elective.