The MA in UM serves students engaged in urban ministry who desire a graduate degree that provides knowledge and skills for effective ministry in an urban setting. The emphasis is designed for the mature student with significant experience in urban ministry. While the objectives of this emphasis focus on the specific needs of minority students in urban ministry, others with appropriate urban ministry background or vocational goals are encouraged to apply. The MA in UM has the following objectives:

• Professional Competence. The program will contribute to effectiveness as a pastor, preacher, and teacher.
• Educational Legitimization. The structures of a complex urban society often call on urban pastors to intercede with agencies such as the welfare department, courts, public schools, and social work systems. Adequate professional skill and academic credentials legitimizes the urban pastors ministry in these contexts.
• Theological Integration. The integration of social and spiritual responsibilities in urban ministry often lacks a clear framework. The MA in UM program provides a contextualized setting for engaging this integration.
• Marketable Skills. Professional competence and academic credentials enhance the opening of ministry opportunities for urban pastors.