Christian Education

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education (BCEd)
120 Credit Hours

General overview: The Bachelor of Christian Education (BCEd) program at Metropolitan Christian University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Christian educational principles and practices. The program includes the following components:

  • Biblical Foundation: The BCEd program emphasizes a strong biblical foundation through courses covering Old and New Testament studies, biblical interpretation, and Theology.
  • Educational Theory and Practice: The program prepares students to effectively teach and disciple others in various educational settings through courses in curriculum development, teaching methods, and educational psychology.
  • Ministry and Leadership Skills: Students develop skills in leadership, pastoral care, and ministry administration specific to educational contexts within churches, schools, and other Christian organizations.
  • Ethics and Christian Worldview: The program includes discussions on ethics, Christian worldview, and the integration of faith into education, enabling students to apply Christian principles to educational practices.
  • Practical Experience: Many programs include practical experiences such as internships or field placements in educational settings, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities.
  • Capstone Project or Thesis: The BCEd program may culminate in a capstone project or thesis where students demonstrate their mastery of a specific educational topic or issue through research and analysis.
  • Professional Development: Some programs offer modules or courses focused on professional development for ministry, including leadership skills, conflict resolution, and pastoral care in diverse communities.
  • Flexible Learning Options: The program offers flexible learning options, allowing students to work at their own pace through online learning within the term time frame.

Overall, the Bachelor of Christian Education program at Metropolitan Christian University equips graduates to serve effectively as educators, leaders, and ministers within Christian educational settings while emphasizing academic excellence and spiritual formation.

Total: 120 credits

Sample Course Options

Term 1: Foundations of Christian Education and General Education (15 credits)
  1. CRED1100 Introduction to Christian Education – 3 credits
  2. ENGL1000 College Composition I – 3 credits
  3. PHIL1000 Introduction to Philosophy – 3 credits
  4. HIS1100 History of Western Civilization I – 3 credits
  5. MATH1000 Math (e.g., College Algebra) – 3 credits
Term 2: Biblical Foundations and General Education (15 credits)
  1. BS1002 Old Testament Survey – 3 credits
  2. BS1003 New Testament Survey– 3 credits
  3. ENGL1200 College Composition: Biblical Worldview  – 3 credits
  4. SOCI1100 Introduction to Sociology: A Biblical Perspective – 3 credits
  5. SCIN1000 Science Requirement (e.g., Biology) – 3 credits
Term 3: Educational Psychology and General Education (15 credits)
  1. CRED2200 Educational Psychology – 3 credits
  2. CETH2300 Introduction to Christian Ethics – 3 credits
  3. PSY2020 Introduction to Psychology – 3 credits
  4. SCI 2200 Science Requirement (e.g., Environmental Science) – 3 credits
  5. HIS2200 History of Western Civilization II – 3 credits
Term 4: Teaching Methods and General Education (15 credits)
  1. CRED2670 Teaching Methods in Christian Education – 3 credits
  2. BS2200 Biblical Hermeneutics – 3 credits
  3. BIBL2200 Introduction to Literature – 3 credits
  4. MS2222 Public Speaking/Homiletics – 3 credits
  5. MAST2223 Math/Science/Technology Requirement (e.g., Statistics) – 3 credits
Term 5: Curriculum Development and Outreach (15 credits)
  1. CRED3400 Curriculum Development in Christian Education – 3 credits
  2. CHIS3000 Church History II – 3 credits
  3. TS2200 Systematic Theology I – 3 credits
  4. SOSC3030 Social Science  (e.g., Economics) – 3 credits
  5. BS3999 Bible Research Methods– 3 credits
Term 6: Advanced Educational Theories and Ethics (15 credits)
  1. CRED3300 Advanced Educational Theories – 3 credits
  2. CRED3700 Contemporary Issues in Christian Education – 3 credits
  3. MS4040 Ecclesiology and Pastoral Formation– 3 credits
  4. BS4400 Christian Spirituality – 3 credits
  5. TS3000 Systematic Theology II – 3 credits
Term 7: Integrative Christian Education and Applied Practice (15 credits)
  1. TS4200 Practical Theology – 3 credits
  2. BS4000 Advanced Hermeneutics – 3 credits
  3. CHIS4100 Historical Geography of the Bible – 3 credits
  4. MS4030 Foundations in Biblical Counseling – 3 credits
  5. General Elective – 3 credits (CHIS1011, CHIS 1111, BIBS 1211, BS2200/2211, BIBL 2111, MS3011, MS3111, CLEA3100/2111, CLEA4111, FLBH1000, CETH3300/3311,TS3411, TS3511, MS4011, CRED4111 )
Term 8: Capstone and Educational Integration (15 credits)
  1. CAPS4444 Capstone Seminar – 3 credits
  2. MS4545 Practical Ministry Internship – 3 credits
  3. THEO 4500 Advanced Systematic Theology – 3 credits
  4. MS4100 Philosophy of Religion – 3 credits
  5. General Elective – 3 credits (CHIS1011, CHIS 1111, BIBS 1211, BS2200/2211, BIBL 2111, MS3011, MS3111, CLEA3100/2111, CLEA4111, FLBH1000, CETH3300/3311,TS3411, TS3511, MS4011, CRED4111 )
 

Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACEd)
30 Credit Hours

General Overview: The Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACEd.) degree program at Metropolitan Christian University aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Christian principles and educational theories. The program integrates theological foundations with practical skills necessary for effective ministry and teaching within Christian contexts. Here’s an overview of what the MACEd. program typically offers:

  • Theological Foundation: Students delve into biblical studies, theological principles, and the history of Christian thought. Courses cover topics such as Old and New Testament studies, Christian ethics, and systematic theology, providing a strong theological framework.
  • Educational Theory and Practice: The program emphasizes educational theories and methodologies relevant to Christian teaching settings. Students learn about curriculum development, teaching strategies, and educational leadership within churches, para-church organizations, and educational institutions.
  • Ministry and Leadership Development: There’s a strong focus on preparing students for leadership roles in Christian education ministries. This includes training in pastoral care, discipleship, spiritual formation, and the practical aspects of ministry within diverse congregational settings.
  • Specialization Options: Depending on the university’s offerings, students may have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as youth ministry, adult education, Christian counseling, or educational administration, tailoring their studies to their specific career goals.
  • Capstone Projects: Many programs require students to complete a capstone project or thesis, allowing them to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications in a real-world ministry context.
  • Flexibility: Some universities offer flexibility in course delivery, with options for online, hybrid, or traditional classroom formats to accommodate the diverse needs of students already engaged in ministry or other professional roles.
  • Faculty and Support: Students benefit from experienced faculty who are often practitioners in the field of Christian education. They receive mentorship and guidance to effectively integrate faith with educational practice.

 

Overall, the MACEd. program at Metropolitan Christian University aims to prepare graduates to become competent Christian educators, equipped to lead and teach effectively in various educational and ministry settings while grounding their practice in a solid biblical and theological foundation.

Sample Course Options

Term 1: Foundations of Christian Education (9 credits)
  1. Introduction to Christian Education (3 credits)
  2. Biblical Foundations for Teaching and Learning (3 credits)
  3. Theology of Education (3 credits)
Term 2: Educational Strategies and Methods  (9 credits)
  1. Pedagogical Theories and Practices (3 credits)
  2. Curriculum Development in Christian Education (3 credits)
  3. Technology in Educational Settings (3 credits)
Term 3: Leadership and Administration in Christian Education (9 credits)
  1. Educational Leadership in Ministry (3 credits)
  2. Church Administration and Management (3 credits)
  3. Financial Management in Ministry (3 credits)
Term 4: Specialized Topics and Practical Applications (3 credits)
  1. Special Topics in Christian Education (3 credits)

Doctorate of Christian Education
(D.C.Ed.) - 60 Credit Hour

General Overview – The Doctorate of Christian Education (D.C.Ed.) program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in Christian education theory, practice, and leadership. The program emphasizes a deep understanding of educational principles rooted in Christian theology and philosophy, preparing graduates to serve as educators, administrators, researchers, and leaders in educational ministries within churches, Christian schools, seminaries, and other religious organizations.

Program Goals:

  • Advanced Theological Understanding: Deepen theological knowledge and integrate it into educational practice.
  • Educational Leadership: Develop leadership skills to effectively lead educational programs within Christian contexts.
  • Research and Scholarship: Equip students with research methodologies and critical thinking skills for scholarly inquiry and contribution to the field of Christian education.
  • Integration of Faith and Learning: Foster the integration of faith and learning in educational settings, preparing graduates to address contemporary educational challenges from a Christian perspective.

Degree Requirements:

  • Total Credits: Typically, a D.C.Ed. program requires around 60 credit hours of coursework beyond the master’s level.
  • Core Courses: Foundational courses covering topics such as Christian education philosophy, theology of education, curriculum development, educational leadership, and research methods.
  • Electives: Specialized courses allowing students to focus on specific areas of interest within Christian education, such as youth ministry, adult education, pastoral counseling, or educational technology.
  • Dissertation: A significant research project that demonstrates the student’s ability to conduct original research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in Christian education.

Delivery Format:

  • Residential or Online: Programs may be offered in a residential format, allowing for on-campus interaction and engagement, or online to accommodate working professionals and those in ministry.

Career Outcomes: Graduates of the D.C.Ed. program are prepared for a variety of roles, including:

  • Christian educators and teachers in schools and seminaries
  • Educational administrators and leaders in churches and Christian organizations
  • Curriculum developers and instructional designers
  • Researchers and scholars contributing to the field of Christian education
  • Consultants and advisors in educational ministries

Accreditation and Quality Assurance: The program adheres to accreditation standards set by recognized accrediting bodies to ensure academic rigor and quality. Graduates are equipped with credentials that reflect both their academic achievement and their commitment to Christian education excellence.

This overview provides a foundational framework for designing a Doctorate of Christian Education degree program, emphasizing both academic rigor and practical application within a Christian educational context.

Sample Course Outline

Term 1: Foundations of Christian Education (8-9 credits)

  • Introduction to Christian Education (3 credits)
  • Biblical Foundations of Teaching and Learning (3 credits)
  • Educational Psychology and Human Development (3 credits)
  • Seminar in Educational Research Methods (1-2 credits)

Term 2: Curriculum Development and Instructional Design (8-9 credits)

  • Curriculum Theory and Design (3 credits)
  • Instructional Strategies for Christian Education (3 credits)
  • Assessment and Evaluation in Education (3 credits)
  • Advanced Seminar in Educational Research (1-2 credits)

Term 3: Leadership and Administration in Christian Education (8-9 credits)

  • Leadership Principles in Educational Settings (3 credits)
  • Organizational Behavior and Management in Christian Organizations (3 credits)
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Christian Education (3 credits)
  • Advanced Seminar in Educational Leadership (1-2 credits)

Term 4: Special Topics and Dissertation Preparation (3-4 credits)

  • Special Topics in Christian Education (3 credits)
  • Dissertation Proposal Seminar (1 credit)
  • Dissertation Research and Writing (variable credits, typically 9-12 credits)

Dissertation Requirements:

  • Dissertation Research and Writing: Approximately 9-12 credits
  • Dissertation Defense
  • This structure allows for a comprehensive exploration of Christian education principles, curriculum development, leadership in educational settings, and specialized research in preparation for the dissertation. Adjustments can be made based on specific program goals and institutional requirements.