The Master of Christian Liberal Arts (MCLA)
1. Program overview
The Master of Christian Liberal Arts degree program is designed to academically and spiritually help the scholar develop vision through knowledge of Biblical truth, and to provide additional effective tools for the scholar to use in advancing the cause of Christ in society. Additionally, the program is to help the student grow in analytical thinking as well as in knowledge of God’s Word and ways.
The M.C.L.A. program is for the student who has a Bachelors degree from a secular institution but desires to add formal Christian education to his/her knowledge base. It is also designed for those who already have extensive formal Bible college training but wish to concentrate in a particular field of Christian studies utilizing the liberal arts approach.
The Chambers College Master of Christian Liberal Arts program is structured yet adaptable to the goals and knowledge inventory of the individual student. Many courses may be completed off- campus and many courses are offered in a module format, giving students scheduling flexibility as well.
2. Admissions Requirements
To apply for the M.C.L. A. Program you need to have:
a. A Bachelors degree from a college program.
b. A personal testimony of faith in Christ.
c. Christian character that confirms your ability to advance the Kingdom of God verified by written references.
3. Requirements for completing the M.C.L.A. program
a. You must complete 36 credit hours of course work with a minimum of 24 hours completed with Chambers College instructors.
b. You may transfer a maximum of 12 credit hours of work in the following ways.
i. Up to 9 hours from other formal graduate level institutions.
ii. Up to 6 hours from life experiences utilizing a portfolio of your graduate quality work.
c. You must complete 12 hours from any combination of the following core curriculum areas.
i. Church history or history of Christian doctrine
ii. Apologetics
iii. Communications
iv. Bible exposition or Biblical languages
v. Fine arts and literature d. Your work will culminate with 6 credit hours in your choice of one of the following:
i. Seminar of Integrated Studies leading to comprehensive written and oral examinations
ii. Masters thesis preparation, presentation, and defense
e. Electives
You may complete the remainder of your 36 hours with your choice of graduate level courses from any division.
f. You must graduate with a 3.0 or better grade point average.
4. Areas of Concentration
You may declare a major by completing 12 hours in a single major field. You are not required to declare a major.
a. Business and Public Policy from a Christian World View
Biblical foundations of business and precepts for Christian statesmanship. The student will be able to navigate in these arenas with a Christian world view.
b. Christian Education
A program to prepare students to successfully teach in and/or manage specialized education programs of the church such as children’s, youth, seniors’ ministries, Christian school programs, outreach programs, etc.
c. Christian Philology
A philosophical, literary, and theological study focusing on a deep understanding of God’s Word and its application to issues of the day.
d. Communications
Understanding and practicing various forms of communication used historically and in the present culture.
e. Management of Religious Institutions
Preparation to serve Christ effectively in the business side of religious institutions such as churches, parochial schools, mission agencies, and parachurch organizations.
f. Pastoral Ministry
Preparation for pastoral duties such as preaching, teaching, and counseling in churches here and abroad.
g. Sacred Music
Prepares students to participate professionally in the music ministries of the church, including accompanying, directing, writing and arranging, and creating and managing church music programs.
h. Women’s Ministries
Prepares the student to serve Christ effectively by meeting needs through Biblical hospitality and Christian education in a variety of settings.
i. Christian Apologetics
Determining and developing effective arguments for the defense of Christianity and the Bible in different environments. Prepares the student to discern and respond to the issues of the day.