Skip to Content
» Related Links

About the Program

On This Page

Program Outcomes

The Master of Arts in Youth Ministry program helps the student who has a specific call to ministry to develop a practical theology in youth ministry. The program prepares graduates to:

  1. Study Scripture historically and critically, emphasizing an inductive approach in its interpretation.
  2. Embody and model a holy life that is being formed in faith and love, reflective of a Wesleyan heritage.
  3. Reflect theologically, integrating Scripture, Church tradition, reason, and experience reflective of a Wesleyan heritage.
  4. Practice Christian faith with global awareness and cultural sensitivity.
  5. Minister effectively in the Church throughout the world.
  6. Integrate personal and vocational development through disciplined reflection on ministerial, personal, and academic experiences.
  7. Develop vocational proficiency and leadership ability in the specialized field of youth ministry.

Spiritual Life

The faculty of the Graduate School of Theology believes that the growth of the student’s spiritual life is foundational to effective ministry.

Accordingly, the development of spiritual life is integral to every course. In addition, there are opportunities for the graduate school community to pray together and share experiences in Jesus Christ. Students and faculty are encouraged to attend the university chapels as well as special services and lectures.

Experiential Learning

Graduate School of Theology utilizes an experiential learning model. The Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS), Master of Arts in Youth Ministry (MAYM), and the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) programs intentionally integrate biblical, theological, and ministerial studies with ministerial practice. Field education, the central component in the M.Div., MAPS, and MAYM degree programs, facilitates the integration of academic learning and experience in ministry. Students are required to devote at least eight hours per week to some form of supervised ministry for the duration of their master’s degree program.

For more information about field education, visit apu.edu/theology/graduate/fieldeducation/.

Class Schedule and Size

Azusa Pacific University’s Graduate School of Theology conducts a year-round schedule. The majority of the programs adhere to 15-week semesters. The D.Min. program, however, runs on a 26-week semester.

Classroom experience is in concentrated sessions during two-week residency periods held each January and July.

Students benefit from personal attention and opportunities to build meaningful relationships with professors and peers with diversified ministerial experience.

Advancement to Candidacy

In order for students to progress beyond the initial courses of the master’s degree program, they must be granted candidacy. Candidacy is granted by faculty approval upon the satisfactory completion of 16 units of coursework with a minimum 2.7 grade-point average (3.0 is required for the MATS degree), and evaluation of each student’s personal growth and commitment to the mission and goals of the Graduate School of Theology.

Accreditation

The Graduate School of Theology is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

ATS Commission on Accrediting
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
Phone: (412) 788-6505
Fax: (412) 788-6510
www.ats.edu

Western Association of Schools and Colleges
985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: (510) 748-9001
Fax: (510) 748-9797
www.wascsenior.org

University Reputation

Azusa Pacific University held its place in the most prestigious category of U.S.News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2013 rankings, placing in Tier One at No. 179 in the National Universities category. In addition, The Princeton Review named APU as 1 of 121 institutions in the 2012 Best Colleges in the West for the seventh consecutive year.

Note: This information is current for the 2013–14 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.