The master of arts in specialized ministries (MASM) program is designed with an emphasis on youth and young adult ministry and is perfect for working or aspiring youth ministers called to lead others through the doctrines of Christian faith. This nondenominational program develops key ministry leadership skills and prepares those who minister to and promote spirituality among young people to practically apply core academic and theological principles in contemporary church settings.

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church will accept the Master of Arts in Specialized Ministry degree as the educational requirement for professional certification in Youth Ministry in the United Methodist Church. Those who have completed this degree – and have experience in youth ministry and meet the annual conference requirements – can be candidates for professional certification in youth ministry.

The MASM program is available completely online.

Vision

From ages past, philosophy and religion have been understood sometimes as partners and sometimes as opponents. At Southwestern College, we recognize the deep and sometimes contentious relationship between the two and seek to foster each, learn from their interactions and promote their complementary nature. Together they make a formidable pairing. In hopes of harnessing the power of that pairing, here at Southwestern College we’re looking for students to join us to see that thoughtful engagement with knowledge from the past and knowledge from the present can give us guidance in our complex world for the future. We would like to see a multitude of Southwestern College graduates venture out into this world to lead and serve the church, seek further graduate education and assume positions as valuable assets in leadership and labor for the common good.