Christian Studies: Christian Leadership, MA

MA Mission

The joint mission of each of the two MA degree programs offered through Oklahoma Baptist University’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies is to provide each student with a solid foundation in the Christian faith, Christian worldview, and Christian life, and to equip the student to follow his or her respective calling to lead the Church, defend the faith, and reach the world, for the cause of Christ, and glory of God.

MA Degrees

OBU’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies offers two distinct MA degrees with specific concentrations:

MA in Christian Studies: Christian Leadership
MA in Christian Studies: Apologetics
MA in Christian Studies: Biblical and Theological Studies
MA in Intercultural Studies: Intercultural

Each MA degree includes a common set of classes designed around understanding the essentials of a Christian faith, a Christian worldview, and a Christian life. As a student, you will build on these core competencies as you pursue focused training centered on leading the church, defending the faith, and reaching the world.

MA Admission Requirements

• Completed Application (okbu.edu/graduate/apply)
• Two Letters of Recommendation (one from pastor)
• An Accredited Undergraduate Degree
• Official Transcripts
• A desire to Lead the Church, Defend the Faith, and Reach the World for the cause of Christ and the glory of God.

Advanced Standing 

Advanced Standing in the Master of Arts in Christian Studies and Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies programs can be granted if a student previously completed a Theology or Ministry degree from a CCCU or IABCU institution with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.  Upon review of the transcript, up to six hours can be awarded.

Integrated OBU Bachelor’s Degree/MA Degree Program

Students at Oklahoma Baptist University are more likely to complete their bachelor’s degrees in four years than at most colleges in the region. No matter what your discipline of study, you can begin work toward a Master of Christian Studies or Master of Intercultural Studies degree at OBU while completing your undergraduate degree. You don’t have to major in a Bible, theology, or ministry field to qualify for the integrated program. You only need to complete the prescribed 6 hours of Bible courses in the core curriculum (REL 1013; REL 1023) and meet other Graduate Program admission standards before admission to the OBU MA program will be granted. OBU’s MA degree programs provide each student with a solid foundation in the Christian faith, Christian worldview, and Christian life, and to equip the student to follow his or her respective calling to lead the Church, defend the faith, and reach the world, for the cause of Christ, and glory of God. Undergraduate students may count up to twelve hours of OBU MA cross-listed course work for undergraduate credit. The program effectively reduces the number of OBU MA credit hours needed to be taken in years five and six from 36 to 24.

 

Any student in the program must maintain a GPA of at least 3.00 in the required courses, with no grade lower than a “C.” The student’s overall GPA must be at least 3.0 in order to graduate from the program. To participate in the program, the student must complete the MA degree program admission process. Students may apply for admission after completion of their sophomore year and may take courses during their junior and/or senior years of undergraduate work. The student is provisionally admitted into the MA program until the bachelor’s degree is completed. A degree plan to complete the MA program will be compiled in consultation with the student after acceptance. Students may begin MA degree classes in August or January of their senior year. Undergraduates may take up to twelve hours of graduate work. Course options will be discussed with an advisor. The remaining MA degree requirements may be completed in the academic years following completion of the bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate students cannot take an MA topics course for undergraduate credit.

 

For more information, contact the Director of the MA programs.

Convenience

Each course is offered in a fully online, eight-week format. MA coursework can be completed in a timely fashion (as little as one or two academic years).