Overview of the Curricula
Goal of the Curricula
The ultimate goal of the curricula is to achieve the Seminary's motto: "The Whole Gospel for the Whole World Through Whole Persons," that is, to prepare mature Christian leaders who understand the breadth of Scripture and of the Christian heritage, and can interpret and apply them in diverse cultural contexts.
The degree programs focus on preparation for service. Curricular studies at Palmer Theological Seminary aim to inspire students with a passion to advance Jesus' ministry and with an openness to risk crossing frontiers in evangelism, spiritual formation and social transformation through wholistic, incarnational mission.
Qualities for Christian Leaders: the Educational Outcome
It is the Seminary's position that effective ministry requires, and therefore its programs must foster: (1) personal and social competencies, such as a vital and wholesome relationship with God, self and others; sensitivity to the Holy Spirit; personal appropriation and affirmation of the Gospel; and a passion for Christian service; (2) ministry skills, including relational, pastoral and counseling skills; analytical and interpretive skills; leadership and communication skills; and (3) cognitive competencies, such as a thorough knowledge of the Bible and of hermeneutics; a working knowledge of the content and methodologies of the other theological disciplines; the ability to reflect theologically and ethically; familiarity with correlative disciplines and with one's social context; and the ability to draw upon all of these as resources for ministry.
The Faculty
Palmer Theological Seminary, along with most theological seminaries, is proud of its faculty and of the years of scholarship and experience they represent, each in her or his field of expertise.
In addition to being highly qualified teachers, Palmer Theological Seminary faculty members go out of their way to become advisers, mentors and friends to their students. In this crucial, formative time for students, the faculty seek to be available to students for the purpose of facilitating their intellectual and spiritual growth.
Christian Community
Because the educational setting is an important aspect of learning, the Seminary seeks to sustain a community characterized by a warm, evangelical atmosphere, a spirit of inquiry, an attitude of openness and close personal relationships between students and faculty. The Seminary takes seriously the importance of Christian community building.
Ongoing Assessments and Modifications
A viable theological curriculum must be flexible, continually evolving, adapting to meet changing needs. To that end, Palmer Theological Seminary is constantly reassessing needs in ministry, clarifying its purposes, re-evaluating its educational effectiveness, identifying areas needing improvement and devising strategies for enhancing future performance, particularly in specialty areas.
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The Master of Divinity is the first professional, theological degree for persons who expect to engage in some form of ordained ministry. The course work consists of 66 units (the approximate equivalent of 96 semester hours of credit) and requires at least three years of study.
Note: Most courses in the curriculum are 2-unit courses that meet for 2 3/4 hours once a week for a 14-week semester (equivalent to a 3 semester-hour course).
M.Div. Curriculum and Schedule
Work schedules, attempts to keep down commuting time and costs, and various other factors may prevent a student from taking the core courses in the recommended order. However, there is a strong rationale for the following sequence, and students are urged to take these courses as close to that order as possible. By doing so, students may avoid scheduling problems as they approach the end of a degree program.
CORE CURRICULUM
JUNIOR YEAR
Fall Term
B 500: Old Testament History & Content
B 501: New Testament Study
CTM 500: Church History I
INT 501: Spiritual Formation I
INT 510: Assessment I
Spring Term
B 503: Old Testament Study
CTM 505: Theological Foundations for Ministry
CTM 503: Church History II
CM 502: Introduction to Pastoral Care
MIDDLER YEAR
Fall Term
B 504: Biblical Interpretation
CTM 501: Systematic Theology I
CM 504: Introduction to Preaching
CM 507: Theological Field Education
Spring Term
B 505/6: OT or NT Theology
CTM 502: Systematic Theology II
CM 505: Pastoral Ministry
CM 508: Theological Field Education
CM 506: Preaching Practicum
�INT 512: Assessment II
SENIOR YEAR
Fall Term
CM 514 Church Renewal & Evangelism
CTM 504 Christian World Mission
CM 509 Theological Field Education
INT 500 Integrative Seminar
Spring Term
CM 515 Theology & Practice of Worship
CM 510 Theological Field Education
Other Core Requirements
B 502: NT Greek
Required elective: (any elective in the specified disciplines)
CM 513: Clinical Pastoral Care
Required elective: Bible Elective (in either New or Old Testament)
or CM 635 Clinical Pastoral Education
Required elective: Theology Elective
These courses are offered either in a concentrated 4-week
January or Summer term or during a regular semester.
-Christian Ethics Elective
-Preaching Elective
-Christian Education Elective
-Urban Ministry Elective
Denominationally Specific Requirements
-Baptist History and Polity or Baptist Emphases and Polity
-Methodist History and Methodist Doctrine & Polity
-Presbyterian Polity and Sacrament
-African Methodist Episcopal
Theological Field Education
The Seminary's motto establishes a strong motivation to provide supervised pastoral experience, so that whole persons are prepared to respond to the Gospel imperative to minister to the varied challenges of our changing world. Field education students engage in internships 10 to 12 hours per week in churches or church-related agencies under the guidance of experienced supervisors and lay committees. One of the two years of theological field education must be in a local church where the seminarian engages in a broad spectrum of ministerial responsibilities. Students are challenged to grow personally, relationally and professionally. In addition to their field placement, students participate in faculty-led seminars that foster personal sharing and theological reflection on their pastoral experiences and vocational identity formation.
Completion of Middler and Senior Theological Field Education is required for the M.Div. degree. During the junior year, students are encouraged to meet with the Supervised Ministries staff for orientation in preparation for interviewing for internships. Other forms of theological field education may be taken as electives during fall or spring semesters, in January or during the summer term. These include supervised ministry in parishes, denominational agencies, summer camps and national parks, as well as in various other urban or rural settings. Students may also take a leave of absence in order to serve in a full-time intensive internship.
Graduation Requirements
To be recommended for the M.Div. degree, the candidate must:
1. Satisfactorily earn 66 course units, including all of the prescribed course requirements, plus fulfillment of financial and library obligations.
2. Maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average for the total course of studies.
3. Formulate a satisfactory statement of personal Christian faith and a theology of ministry and mission.
4. Satisfactorily complete Assessment I and Assessment II, according to stated policy.
5. Satisfactorily complete Theological Research and Writing, if required.
6. Give evidence of readiness for ministry, including such attributes as satisfactory character, moral and spiritual maturity, and emotional stability.
Graduation and Ordination
The M.Div. program is intended to prepare persons for ordained ministry, but granting the degree does not necessarily imply endorsement for ordination. While this degree from Palmer Theological Seminary normally meets the educational requirements for ordination in most denominations, some may require additional work in denominationally-specific areas. More importantly, churches and other appropriate bodies ultimately determine whether a graduate will be ordained and/or offered a position.
THE MASTERS OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (M.T.S.)
The Master of Theological Studies is for students interested in theological education for a variety of educational and personal goals. This degree program seeks to provide a meaningful grounding in the theological disciplines for further graduate study or general education purposes. Through a core of required courses and a wide variety of elective course offerings and concentrations, the Master of Theological Studies can be tailored to a variety of particular interests and goals.
Program Requirements
1. All M.T.S. students are required to complete satisfactorily an M.T.S. Writing Course and an M.T.S. Writers' Workshop. The Writing Course must be completed in the first semester of course work, the Writers' Workshop in the second semester. Satisfactory completion of all requirements in the course and workshop is necessary in order to advance in the M.T.S. program.
2. The Master of Theological Studies consists of 32 course units (the approximate equivalent of 48 semester hours of credit), normally as follows:
Area I: Biblical Studies 8 units
Area II: Christian Thought & Mission 8 units
Area III: Concentration Electives 12 units
Area IV: Internships, Methodology Courses, or Major Research Papers 4 units
Total: 32 units
(Note: most courses in the curriculum are 2-unit courses that meet for 2 3/4 hours a week for a 14-week semester, equivalent to a 3 semester-hour course.)
General Guidelines
1. Requirements for the Master of Theological Studies could theoretically be completed in one-and-a-half years of full-time study. Scheduling of courses or extra-Seminary commitments may extend the program of studies over a two-year period. Normally, the maximum time allowance for completion of the degree requirements is six academic years.
2. Faculty advisors are responsible for working with students in designing their program. Requests for exceptions to the stated requirements are submitted to the Academic Dean by the advisor. Students are assigned an entry-level advisor. Most must then select a permanent advisor to work with them in particular concentrations.
3. All M.T.S. research papers will follow Chicago Manual style, as outlined in Carole Slade's Form & Style.
4. Transfer credit from other institutions will be evaluated and approved by the Registrar and the Dean. A minimum of one-half of the Area III elective concentration (6 units) must be taken with the Seminary's regular or adjunct faculty members.
Areas I and II: Biblical Studies and Christian Thought and Mission
Students will normally take foundation courses listed in the M.Div. curriculum (e.g., O.T. & N.T. Study; Biblical Interpretation; O.T. or N.T. Theology; Systematic Theology I and Church History I or II), as stipulated for each concentration.
Area III: Elective Concentrations
An elective field of concentration enables students (with the approval of advisors) to obtain the particular Master of Theological Studies that will best suit their personal and vocational goals. The availability of particular concentrations depends on existing faculty and curricular resources.
Area IV: Internships, Methodology Courses and/or Research Papers
One or a combination of the following may fulfill this segment of the program: practica; methodology courses (such as educational methods, theological field education, exegesis/ language); independent research. Two unit research papers must be connected to and of interest to the church; cross-disciplinary in nature, drawing on the area of concentration plus at least one other discipline within the Seminary's curriculum; written in clear, cogent English that demonstrates the students ability to analyze, synthesize, and think critically about an issue.
CONCENTRATIONS
For specific requirements for each concentration, contact the Registrar's Office.
Biblical Studies
The M.T.S. in Biblical Studies curriculum includes language study (Greek and Hebrew), methodology and biblical background (e.g. Biblical Interpretation, Archaeology, Background to the New Testament) and biblical content/theology courses in individual books or sections of the Bible (e.g. Psalms, Prophets, Romans, Gospels, O.T./N.T. Theology).
Contemporary Theology
This focus offers an opportunity for theological reflection on personal and global issues of concern today, based on a solid foundation of Christian theology. Because of the diverse backgrounds and interests of our theology faculty, the concentration might take any one of several directions.
Christian Faith and Public Policy
This concentration equips persons to shape public policy in a way that is grounded in both Christian faith and social analysis, by helping students learn how to integrate solid biblical/ theological study and careful socio/political thought. The curriculum includes courses at Eastern College and other institutions, as well as internships with agencies impacting public policy.
NOTE: Students in this concentration may also apply for a Charles Finney Fellowship in Evangelism and Social Change.
Christian Heritage
The central purpose of this concentration is to learn how to draw upon the Christian heritage as a resource for ministry today. Two means to that end are to gain a graduate level familiarity with the Christian heritage and to gain a good grasp on historical methodology.
Christian Mission
The aim is to provide students with a biblical, wholistic understanding of contemporary challenges to Christian mission, current theologies of mission, the missionary situation around the world and the involvement of the local church in world mission.
Christian Counseling
This concentration offers the opportunity to gain insights and abilities for ministry to persons where relational, interpersonal and caring skills are called for. This concentration does not prepare persons to be professional counselors, but it does lay a solid theological and counseling theory foundation for further preparation.
When selecting this concentration, it is especially important that the student understand how this course of study relates to the field and practice of counseling. Completion of the M.T.S in Christian Counseling does not qualify a person for licensure, certification or practice as a professional counselor. The course of study, however, does provide exposure to a variety of counseling theories, issues and skills, and it requires the student to bring theological and biblical knowledge to bear upon this foundational social science material. Consequently, the M.T.S with a concentration in Christian counseling is well suited for those who a) intend to pursue graduate studies in psychology/counseling, b) are engaged in lay ministry settings requiring interpersonal and caring skills, and c) desire to integrate their Christian faith with counseling theory and practice.
Graduation Requirements
To be recommended for the Master of Theological Studies degree a candidate must:
1. Satisfactorily complete 32 course units and fulfill financial and library obligations;
2. Maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average in the course of studies when taken for general educational purposes;
3. Maintain a cumulative and concentration grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5 when taken as preparation for further (post-seminary) graduate study.
4. Successfully complete the M.T.S. Writing course and Writers' Workshop and submit one major research paper for assessment.
5. Give evidence of growth in personal character, moral and spiritual maturity and emotional stability.
Dual Degree Masters Programs and
Doctoral Programs
M.Div./M.B.A., M.Div./M.S.
Palmer Theological Seminary offers dual degree programs (the M.Div. and an M.B.A. or M.S.) in conjunction with most of Eastern College's graduate programs in business or economic development, including urban and global economic development. This arrangement enables students to earn both degrees in approximately one year less and at less cost than if they pursued the degrees separately.
This dual degree program is designed to create the following opportunities:
1. Enrichment of interdisciplinary inquiry into issues and concerns encompassing theology, business, ethics and development.
2. More thorough preparation of lay people who will have considerable opportunity to minister and disciple within the marketplace of business or development.
3. Preparation of individuals for bi-vocational ministries, particularly in situations where the church minister is engaged in development/business enterprise creation to financially aid the Church or community.
4. More thorough preparation of leaders in Christian institutions and organizations for superior management.
The administrative structure and curricular requirements for these dual degree programs are as follows:
Admissions:
Students wishing to enter the M.Div./M.B.A. or M.Div./M.S. programs need to apply to both the Seminary and the College and be admitted separately to each institution.
Financial Arrangements:
Students are required to pay tuition to each school for the courses required in that school's degree program, which entails approximately five semesters at the Seminary and three semesters at the College.
General Academic Requirements:
Fifty-five course units need to be taken in the Seminary's M.Div. degree program and normally 35 credit hours in the College's M.B.A. or M.S. program.
Schedule:
During the first two years, a student normally spends one full-time year* at the Seminary, and one full-time year at the College. The student can begin the program in either school.
The third year will normally be spent at the Seminary, with the possibility of electives in the M.B.A. program.
The fourth year will include remaining requirements and electives in each school.
* It is possible to pursue this dual program on a part-time basis.
Course Requirements
Seminary Requirements. These are the same for both the M.Div./M.B.A. and M.Div./M.S. programs.
1. The required core courses listed in Year I and Year II of the M.Div. curriculum (30 course units).
2. The following courses:
- N.T. Greek
- A Preaching Practicum
- Christian World Mission
- Church Renewal and Evangelism
- Theology and Practice of Worship
- Bible electives (4 course units)
3. Electives (12 course units)
College Requirements. Consult the Eastern University Catalog for the Graduate Programs.
Other Academic/Administrative Matters
1. Academic standing in the respective programs is determined solely on the basis of work taken at each school.
2. Each school is responsible for the integrity of its degree in terms of course requirements.
3. The student will complete the requirements for both degrees, as herein specified, in order to receive either degree in this program. If the requirements for the dual degree program are not met, the requirements of either degree taken separately apply.
4. The Academic Dean of the Seminary and the Dean of the Graduate Studies Programs at the College serve as contact persons for information and advisement about the dual degree programs.
M.Div./Master of Social Work
It is possible for students who wish to combine theological education and ministry preparation with social work credentials to earn the M.Div. and M.S.W. degrees in a total of four years. The two degrees taken separately would normally take 3 and 2 years, respectively. The Seminary waives the equivalent of one year of full-time study (22 course units) in the M.Div. program. Thus, 44 course units (out of a total of 66) must be earned in the M.Div. program.
The following policies and procedures apply to this degree program.
1. The student applies and is accepted into the M.Div. program.
2. During the first year, M.Div. core courses (preferably first-year core courses) are completed satisfactorily for a total of 16-22 course units.
3. The student applies and is accepted into an M.S.W. degree program of an accredited college or university.
4. The student enrolls in the required M.Div./M.S.W. Internship Seminar for 2 years.
5. M.S.W. degree work is completed satisfactorily.
6. The student returns to the Seminary for a second year of M.Div. study, with the following conditions:
a. that the program of study for this final year be determined in consultation with the Academic Dean, in light of the student's vocational goals;
b. that the student complete all remaining course units;
c. that the student produce a major research paper (40 to 50 pages for 2 units or 80 to 100 pages for 4 units) under the guidance of an Palmer Theological Seminary faculty member and, when possible, in consultation with a professor from the graduate department in which the M.S.W. was taken. This research paper must deal with a particular issue in the life of society and/or the church, and must integrate perspectives from social work practice, the social sciences and from the theological disciplines. The paper will be produced in conjunction with the required M.Div./ M.S.W. Integrative Workshop.
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY DEGREE PROGRAMS
Doctor of Ministry in Ministry to Marriage and Family
The D.Min. program in Ministry to Marriage and Family is designed primarily to enable local church pastors and other persons in ministry to prevent and/or address problems facing marriage and families in their contexts of ministry. This program prepares pastors and others to become proactive agents for marriage and family health, focusing on promoting growth of marriages and families in the parish context. Students learn to enrich their own marriages and families through the program. They are also prepared to deal therapeutically with the routine stresses of marriage and family life, to recognize the need for professional counseling for dysfunctional families and to make appropriate referrals. The program requires only 3 three-week periods on campus over the course of three years.
The D.Min. Degree and Clinical Certification Combined Program, approved in April 2000 by Palmer Theological Seminary and the Penn Council for Relationships, Inc. (formerly the Marriage Council of Philadelphia), is a joint academic and clinical partnership to offer the Doctor of Ministry to Marriage and Family along with post-graduate AAMFT-approved certification training in couple and family therapy. The combined model is designed so that a student can complete both programs within four years full-time. This uniquely combined program is designed for participants to: 1) address changing paradigms in marriage and family; 2) learn preventive interventions and clinical skills; and 3) gain a deeper understanding of marriages and family dynamics.
The Penn Council for Relationships program operates on a trimester model. Coursework includes weekly classroom lectures along with supervised training and practice in a clinical setting. Penn Council for Relationships, Inc. is nationally accredited by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) as well as by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Penn Council for Relationships is a division of the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Couple and Family Studies at Jefferson Medical College. Applicants must apply and be accepted individually in both programs to participate in the combined Academic Partnership program.
The D.Min. in Ministry to Marriage and Family is fully described in a separate catalog. To receive that catalog or to inquire about the program, write to:
Doctor of Ministry Office (Marriage and Family)
Palmer Theological Seminary
6 Lancaster Avenue
Wynnewood, PA 19096-3495
Or you may call (610) 645-9368 or our toll-free number, 1-800-220-3287. Our fax number is (610) 649-3834. You may also e-mail the Marriage and Family program at semdminm@eastern..edu.
Doctor of Ministry in the Renewal of the Church for Mission
Palmer Theological Seminary's pioneering D.Min. in the Renewal of the Church for Mission focuses on preparing Christian leaders to be responsive instruments in God's work of transformation and renewal. Participants begin with an immersion in the spiritual disciplines and with a review of the multiform traditions of the faith. The Old and New Testaments are examined to locate the biblical principles of transformation and renewal, and history is mined for its models of the new life and awakenings. Participants consider the many dimensions of leadership and are encouraged to develop in the skills that are required of the undershepherds of the Good Shepherd. Participants grapple with the nature and mission of the local and global church and engage in contextual analysis (community and cultural exegesis). Immersion experiences in diverse congregational and community settings provide opportunities for interaction with dynamic church leaders in exciting ministry settings.
The program consists of five two-week intensives held in various locations in January and June. Faculty members include some of the foremost experts in church renewal and urban ministry. Each participant is assigned a project mentor who journeys with the student in the design, implementation, and evaluation of a ministry project and the writing of a report "unpacking" that project. The D.Min. in Renewal program offers participants the flexibility to tailor their D.Min. experiences to their own ministry contexts.
The D.Min. in the Renewal of the Church for Mission is fully described in a separate viewbook. To receive that viewbook or to inquire about the program, write to:
Doctor of Ministry Office (Renewal of the Church for Mission)
Palmer Theological Seminary
6 Lancaster Avenue
Wynnewood, PA 19096-3495
Or you may call (610) 645-9368 or our toll-free number, 1-800-220-3287. Our fax number is (610) 649-3834. You may also e-mail the Renewal program at dminr@eastern.edu.
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