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Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership

The Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAML) is designed for persons preparing for Christian ministry, with a particular view towards persons who wish to minister in cross-cultural or multicultural environments. The program is suitable for persons seeking academic preparation for service as missionaries, cross-cultural workers, pastors, teachers, and researchers. 2 years    |    40 units
About Program
Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAML) is designed for students preparing for a wide range of Christian ministries, especially those who expect to serve in cross-cultural or multicultural settings. The program provides substantial preparation for missionaries, cross-cultural workers, pastors, teachers, ministry leaders, and researchers. It also serves experienced ministry practitioners who desire to deepen their biblical and theological knowledge or strengthen particular ministry skills.

Highlight Program
Highlights of the Program

BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION

All MAML students complete a 21-unit core in biblical studies, theology, and church history. The core equips students to interpret Scripture responsibly, articulate the Christian gospel, and develop a biblically informed theological foundation for ministry and life.

CROSS-CULTURAL AND MISSIONAL FORMATION

The program places particular emphasis on cultural sensitivity, ethnic diversity, intercultural communication, and ministry beyond one's own cultural setting. Students learn to communicate the gospel and lead ministry faithfully within diverse local and global contexts.

FLEXIBLE TRACK OPTIONS

After completing the Bible and Theology Core, students may choose among three designed tracks—Missions/Intercultural Studies, Ministry and Leadership, or Pastoral Counseling. Qualified students with significant ministry experience may instead pursue an Open Track that allows them to select courses according to their vocational needs.

PRACTICAL AND INTEGRATIVE LEARNING

Students in the designed tracks complete supervised practicum or internship experience in the area of their concentration. Students approved for the Open Track complete a faculty-supervised Capstone Project that integrates multiple dimensions of their MAML studies into a significant ministry endeavor.

Program Learning Outcomes
Students will have demonstrated

Demonstrate a broad and significant knowledge of Scripture as the foundation for preaching, mission, ministry, and Christian life.

Explain and communicate the gospel clearly.

Articulate a solid, biblically informed foundation in Christian theology and doctrine.

Practice spiritual disciplines that support lifelong spiritual growth and faithful service.

Minister with sensitivity to cultural differences and ethnic diversity.

Demonstrate substantial knowledge and practical competence in their chosen area of concentration.

Potential Fields
Potential Fields of Employment

AEU's MAML program prepares graduates for employment in

  • Missions, both within one's own culture, or in an intercultural setting.
  • Church planting ministry
  • Ministry leadership (associate pastor, church ministry director, etc.)
  • Chaplaincy
  • Christian non-profit Organizations
Requirements
Admission Requirements

  • Completion of the Application Form for Admission
  • Two letters of recommendation from faculty members, counselors, school administrators, employers, or church leaders
  • An accredited bachelor's degree or its equivalent, completed before formal enrollment
  • A statement of the applicant's Christian faith
  • One recent photograph
  • An official transcript from the applicant's college or university
  • A personal interview with a university representative
  • A sense of calling from God for Christian ministry or service
  • A regeneration experience and baptism with water
  • Active and fruitful participation in a church
  • Payment of the $100 application fee

The Main Components of the Program (40 Units Total)
MAML track options
  • Missions / Intercultural Studies (ICS) Track — 19 units For students preparing for missions, intercultural ministry, evangelism, church planting, and leadership in culturally diverse settings.
  • Ministry and Leadership Track — 19 units For pastors, associate pastors, ministry directors, church planters, and other leaders seeking broad preparation in ministry practice and leadership.
  • Pastoral Counseling Track — 19 units For ministry leaders who seek to integrate pastoral care and Christian counseling into congregational, community, and ministry settings.
  • Open Track — 19 units For qualified students with substantial ministry and leadership experience; courses are selected with approval from the Academic Dean, together with the one-unit Capstone Project.
Required Courses for All the Tracks
  • Bible and Theology Core — 21 units Required foundational study in Scripture, theology, and church history.
  • Track / Concentration — 19 units Missions/ICS, Ministry and Leadership, Pastoral Counseling, or an approved Open Track.
Full Curriculum
Bible Pre-requisites 9 Units

These courses may be taken through AEU, or equivalent courses may be transferred in from an accredited school.

BS 102 Biblical Interpretation
BS 103 Old Testament Survey
BS 104 New Testament Survey


Bible & Theology Core 18 Units

All MAML students take the three required courses, and select from the Limited Electives, below.

The following three courses are required for all MAML students:
BS 525 Pentateuch
BS 604 The Gospels & the Life of Christ
BS 627 Pauline & General Epistles


Limited Elective – Choose one of the following church history courses:
CH 525 History of Christianity I
CH 526 History of Christianity II

Limited Electives – Choose two of the following theology courses:
TH 511 Revelation, and Theology Proper
TH 513 Soteriology and Christology
TH 522 The Person & Work of the Holy Spirit

 Missions / ICS Emphasis Track 22 Units
The following six courses are required for all students in the Missions /ICS track:
PT 519 Evangelism & Mission in the Postmodern Era
PT 556 Church Planting & Growth
MS 599 World Religion and Missions
MS 637 Power Encounters in Missions & Evangelism
PT 510 Digital Literacy and Technology
PM 601 Practicum/Internship I (one credit)

Limited Electives – Choose two of the following practical theology courses:
PT 501 Pastoral Ministry
PT 503 Homiletics (expository preaching)
PT 545 Christian Leadership

General Ministry Track 22 Units

The following three courses are required for all students in the General Track:
MS 599 World Religions and Mission
PT 510 Digital Literacy and Technology
PM 601 Practicum/Internship I (one credit)

Limited Electives – Choose two of the following practical theology courses:
PT 503 Homiletics (expository preaching)
PT 505 Theology and Practice of Worship
PT 545 Christian Leadership

Limited Electives – Choose one of the following two courses:
PT 519 Evangelism and Mission in the Postmodern Era
PT 556 Church Planting & Growth

Limited Electives – Choose two of the following practical ministry courses:
PT 501 Pastoral Ministry
MC 501 Marriage & Family Counselling
CE 607 Christian Education