Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies (MAIS)

The purpose of Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies- (MAIS) is to equip students for a variety of Christian ministries in cross-cultural contexts, enabling them to be competent in leadership and communication with intercultural sensitivity. The MAISM program seeks to develop students with varied levels of cross-cultural exposure.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the end of the program, graduates will be able to do the following:

  • Demonstrate a broad understanding of Christian faith from biblical, theological, and historical perspectives.

  • Demonstrate skills in applying spiritual practices for their own growth and for the development of others.

  • Demonstrate the capacity for leadership and ministry in environments or cultures different than their own.

  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the mission of God and church in a culturally complex world.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete at least 42 semester credit hours with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0. In addition, students must complete a master’s thesis. The maximum time limit for completion of the MAISM is five years. This time limit may only be extended in special circumstances by petition to the academic dean.

Master's Thesis

Students in the MAISM are required to complete a thesis, which serves as the culminating project for the degree program. Designed to demonstrate the student’s competence in global mission, thesis should be marked by its integrative quality, drawing together the student’s learning across the MAISM curriculum. The thesis proposal must be approved by the program director. The normal length of the thesis is between 120 and 150 pages. The thesis is examined by the program director/mentor. The student must demonstrate competence in these areas: independent inquiry; mastery of the field of study, use of appropriate scholarly literature; and clear and coherent presentation.