Master of Christian Studies

Available Online and on the Memphis area Campuses

Purpose Statement

The Master of Christian Studies exists to raise the level of ministry competence among bi-vocational pastors, missionaries, church planters, foreign nationals planting ethnic churches in the U.S., church staff members, and laypersons seeking a more thorough blending of faith and life in the workplace through both on-site courses in Memphis and online offerings.

Program Emphases

MCS courses are foundational, in terms of the student’s ability to think biblically and theologically, fostering effective ministry. MCS students become biblically and theologically grounded, while developing ministry skills that integrate faith and learning.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes

Students will acquire competence in (and deepen their analytical skills as they reflect on) the biblical text, theology, and Christian history, as well as how these apply to the ministries of churches.
Students will acquire skill in Bible study methods, Bible preaching/teaching, and leadership principles.
Students will integrate what they learn in classes with the ministry they complete in their church or ministry setting.
Students will be more motivated to participate in and lead their churches in advancing the kingdom of God.
Students will demonstrate commitment to apply Scripture to their personal lives and ministries.

Academic Calendars and Schedules

Calendars and Schedule of Course offerings for the M.C.S. program follow those for non-cohort programs. For additional information see www.uu.edu/programs/stm/academics/graduate/.

Admission Requirements

A Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or equivalent, or completion of the first three years of Union University’s Bachelor of Urban Theological Studies: Accelerated Track.
Official transcript(s) showing all course work, completion of baccalaureate degree(s). Even if withdrawal occurred prior to earning credits and even if those credits do not apply to the current degree being sought, official transcripts must be sent from each institution.
A minimum college cumulative grade point average of 2.4 (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants with a college cumulative grade point average below 2.4 (on a 4.0 scale) may be accepted on academic probation on an individual basis.
Complete online M.C.S. application process at www.uu.edu/applications/graduate and submit $25 application fee.
Three personal letters of recommendation.
If English is not a student’s first language, minimum scores of 560 or 220 computer must be achieved on the TOEFL.
A 3-5 page essay outlining the applicant’s spiritual journey.

Transfer of Credit

Up to nine semester hours of graduate credit from a regionally accredited college or university may be transferred into the degree program at the time the student is admitted provided the grades earned were B or higher.

Financial Information

Application Fee	$25
General Student Fee	$27
Tuition per semester hour	$421

Payment is expected in full upon enrollment unless the student participates in a FACTS monthly electronic draft from checking or savings account.

All financial information is subject to change without notice.

Financial Assistance

Financial aid information for graduate students is available on our website at www.uu.edu/financialaid. Generally, graduate students may be eligible for Federal Direct student loans or private alternative student loans, depending on the program of study and the eligibility of the borrower. The MCS program also has several scholarships available to students.

Graduation Requirements

The completion of 36 hours of course work with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
The fulfillment of all financial obligations
The approval of the faculty

Dual Degree Options

Dual Degree options are offered in conjunction with the School of Social Work and the McAfee School of Business. Interested students enrolled in either the Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs may dually enroll in the MCS program. See MCS Dual Degree Options for more information.

Master of Christian Studies—36 hours