Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL)
Description
The primary purpose of the MAEL degree is to equip students to become competent leaders in the educational ministries of churches, para-church organizations, and denominational agencies. MAEL degree students may study at any GGBTS campus location. However, the degree can only be completed in full by taking certain required courses at a campus accredited to deliver the entire degree. Currently only the Northern California campus, the Southern California campus and the Online Program are authorized to deliver the MAEL in its entirety.
Degree Objectives
The goal for each MAEL student, upon completion of the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, is to:
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Demonstrate a basic understanding of scripture, theology, hermeneutics, and Church History.
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Demonstrate Christlikeness through personal Bible Study and interaction within the Christian Community.
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Know the theoretical base for Christian Educational Leadership.
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Demonstrate competence in practical skills for Christian Educational Leadership. These include effective communication, team building, conflict resolution, evangelism, discipleship, creating and evaluating curriculum, administration, embracing cultural diversity.
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Demonstrate the ability to effectively lead in Christian Educational Ministry.
Vocational Roles
Courses in Educational Leadership, in conjunction with other seminary courses, are designed to provide preparation for the following occupational roles:
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Christian Education Minister
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Family Ministries
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Adult Ministries
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Collegiate Ministries
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Student Ministries
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Middle Childhood Ministries
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Early Childhood Ministries
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Church Preschool Administrator
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Pastor of Ministries
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Minister of Discipleship
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Minister to Small Groups
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Singles Minister
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Campus Minister
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Youth Minister
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Executive Pastor/Administrator
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Women's Ministries
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Minister of Equipping
Prerequisites
An appropriate accredited bachelor's degree or its equivalent is required.
Course Requirements
This section is designed to help you keep a record of courses taken and courses needed to complete your MAEL degree.
Course Title |
Course # |
Hours |
Leadership Discernment |
Leadership in Ministry Practicum I* |
P1121 |
2 |
Leadership in Ministry Practicum II* |
P1122 |
2 |
Biblical Foundations |
Old Testament Introduction I |
S1112 |
3 |
Old Testament Introduction II |
S1113 |
3 |
New Testament Introduction I |
S1312 |
3 |
New Testament Introduction II |
S1313 |
3 |
Theological Foundations |
Christian Theology I |
L1211 |
3 |
Christian Theology II |
L1212 |
3 |
Baptist Heritage and Practice or Church History II |
L1113/L1112 |
2/3 |
Educational Leadership Skills |
Foundations for Educational Leadership |
E1111 |
3 |
Life Span Development |
E1112 |
3 |
Principles and Approaches to Bible Teaching |
E1113 |
3 |
Ministry Leadership |
E1312 |
2 |
Administration and Church Growth |
E1314 |
2 |
The Educational Ministry of the Church |
E1412 |
3 |
Public Speaking for Christian Educators or Introduction to Preaching/Communication |
E1211/P1411 |
3 |
General Electives
Select from the following courses or any E elective course to complete 49 hours: |
Basic Evangelism |
I1311 |
2 |
Worship and Music in the Faith Community |
P1916 |
3 |
Introduction to Missions |
I1211 |
3 |
Counseling for Church Leaders or Pastoral Counseling |
E1114/P1512 |
3 |
Hours to graduate |
49 |
*P1121 & P1122 (TFE) must be taken in two consecutive terms in a fall-spring sequence only. A total of 4 semester-hours credit for the courses will be given at the end of the second term. No credit is earned if both courses are not completed. Variable credit is available by contracting with the TFE Office and identified on the TFE Application. Students must remain in the same Peer Reflection Group for the two terms.
For full-time student verification, students must be registered for 9 semester hours in any given semester and 24 hours for the year. VA students, see Registrar.