Maple Springs Baptist Seminary

MSBBS is primarily an evening college designed to serve full-time Christian workers and others who have full-time jobs during the day. Therefore, MSBBS offers most of its curriculum during evening hours. Most certificates and degrees are earned primarily through the evening programs. This strategy enhances opportunity for learning among those who seek admission to the seminary.

Although, MSBBS is primarily an evening seminary, several classes are held during the day Monday through Saturday.

Evening classes are held Monday through Friday evenings. The entire cycle of courses are offered over a four year period.

The regular academic year programs at MSBBS are comprised of two semesters, 16 weeks each. Summer school is eight weeks.

Credit Hour -- All scholastic work is measured according to the semester credit hour. This is the equivalent of one class of 50 minutes per week (plus preparation) or two laboratory hours per week (plus preparation) for 16 weeks. The "credit hour" is sometimes referred to as a "semester hour."

Curriculum -- The pattern of courses leading to a specific educational objective. These are required sequential offerings which meet an Educational Objective.

Electives -- Courses which may be chosen voluntarily by a student, to contribute to a balanced program of education within his or her chosen curriculum or area of emphasis.

Grade-Point Average [GPA] -- The GPA is the average determined by dividing a student's total quality points by the total number of semester hours of credit that he or she has attempted. Quality points for one course are computed by multiplying the number of credit hours for a course by the student's grade as measured on a four-point scale). The total quality points earned by a student is computed by adding together the quality points in each of the courses attempted.

Prerequisite -- A course which must be completed prior to admission into another course.

Student Classification -- Division of students into classes based on the number of credit hours completed.

 Transfer of Credit -- Applying credit hours earned at one educational institution to the completion of an academic program at another institution. The rule which applies to most transfers is that the grade earned in a transferred course must be "C" or above, and the course must be similar to a course offered in the college to which the transfer is made.

MSBBS is supportive of the concept of Academic Freedom for faculty as it relates to the delivery of quality instruction and enhanced academic research. Academic Freedom at MSBBS shall be governed under the institution's philosophy, its ethical standards and its central thrust toward preparing men and women for the ministry of Jesus Christ. From such a policy MSBBS assures that its students will benefit from both quality research and enhanced academic research. 

MSBBS degree programs are structured to give every student a thorough background in Bible and doctrine. Thus, every student regardless of area of concentration is a Bible major.

The academic area of the Seminary is organized according to the following departments:

Department of Bible and Theology

Department of Christian Counseling

Department of Church Vocations

Pastoral Ministries

Church Administration

Department of Religious Education

The students enrolled in the Seminary are classified as follows:

Juniors: Duly matriculated students beginning the Master of Divinity or Master of Religious Education program.

Middlers: Students not having less than 30 semester hours and 90 grade points at the beginning of any semester.

Seniors: Master of Divinity students with not less than 60 semester hours and 180 grade points with reasonable assurance of fulfilling all requirements for graduation in two more semesters in residence.

Graduates: Students working toward advanced theological degrees including the Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, Master of Religious Education and doctoral programs.

Special Students: Students who desire Christian training but are not enrolled in a degree program. Students whose vocational goals are uncertain and who desire a year of theological study may enroll as special students. Such a period of study will provide exposure to our varied curriculum offerings and opportunities to seek counsel in order to make wise decisions concerning vocational directions. Special students may register for any courses for which they meet the individual course prerequisites as noted in the course description section of the catalog.

With the exception of the first year core curriculum requirements and certain other basic courses, many of the courses in the curriculum are not offered every year. Most of these are offered in alternate years and on demand.

The breath of the curriculum and the carefully calculated distribution of courses over a four-year cycle means that there will always be courses in each of the departments for the student to select from, even though a particular course may not be offered at the time it is desired by the student.

While the Seminary publishes its intentions to offer the courses described in this catalog class at the time indicated in the schedule, it reserves the right to withdrew any course for which there is an insufficient demand. If within one week of the registration date for the semester there is an insufficient number of student have registered for a course being offered, the department offering the course may be permitted to withdraw the course and arrange for the registered students to meet any requirements attached thereto in some other way.

Course content is based on textbook materials, an analysis of material in each chapter, and material presented by the teacher in class. Grades are based on collateral reading, written reports, and examinations in the form of objective, multiple choice, and essay questions. The student is expected not only to acquire and recall facts, but also to relate those facts to personal experiences and Christian responsibilities.

By the permission of the Director of Records and Admissions, students may add or drop a course during the first two weeks of classes and no notation of the drop will be recorded on the student's permanent record. Student may withdraw from courses up to the fourth week of classes but will receive a "W" on permanent record indicating a withdrawal. The student who withdraws after the four-week limitation will receive a "WF" or "WP" (whichever is applicable) on permanent record.

The procedure for adding or dropping courses is as follows:

1. Secure Add/Drop form from the Director of Records and Admissions' Office.

2. Secure Advisor's approval on the Add/Drop form.

3. Return Add/Drop form to the Director of Records and Admissions' Office.

If a student drops a course but fails to secure the proper permissions, the student will receive a permanent grade of "F" for the course. If a student takes a course and fails to registrar for it on the official registration form, the student will receive no credit for the course. Hence, a faculty member cannot officially add, drop or withdraw a student from a course or the Institution.

Should it become necessary for a student to withdraw from the Seminary, the student must report to the Director of Records and Admissions at that time and complete the specified procedures. If a student leaves college and fails to withdraw officially, it will result in an "F" grade notation on the student's permanent record.

Examinations taken out of their regularly scheduled time, either early or late, impose an added burden on the faculty. Any student desiring to take an examination out of schedule must obtain the permission of the professor and be subject to a payment of $20.00 per examination.

Students who believe that a grade has been issued in error must contact the instructor. In the event that grade is to be changed, the instructor will submit a change grade form to the Office of the Director of Records and Admissions.

If a grade of "I" is awarded, the work for the course must be completed within the next semester and the grade changed by the instructor, or the "I" will default to an "F."

Graduation from the Seminary is based not only upon the accumulation of credit hours but also upon the number of grade points earned by the student which constitutes the grade point average (GPA). The Seminary follows a 4.0 grade point system and requires a 3.0 (B) average for masters graduation and 3.2 for doctoral graduation. The student's cumulative grade point average (GPA) is based on hours attempted.

An applicant may be admitted to the Seminary on probation for either of the following reasons: (1) a rather weak academic background as reflected in the undergraduate grade average or (2) a baccalaureate degree from a non-accredited institution or, low scores on a graduate level admissions examination. In such cases, the probationary status may be removed after one year of successful academic performance at the Seminary.

A student is placed on academic probation at the conclusion of any semester in which his or her cumulative grade point average falls below that which is required for the degree program or whose current semester grade point average is less than 3.0. The student remains on probation as long as the cumulative average remains below the required level. An academic warning shall be given at the conclusion of any semester in which the student fails to earn the minimum grade point average required for the program of study, even though the cumulative average may be acceptable. The minimum grade point average for the specific degree programs, and for Special Students, is as follows:

Master of Divinity 3.0

Master of Religious Education 3.0

Master of Arts 3.0

Doctor of Ministry 3.2

Special Students 3.0

Students who fail to raise their cumulative grade point average to the required level by the end of two semesters on probation, or who fail to make substantial improvement in grade point average though remaining on probation, will be academically dismissed from the Seminary.

After academic dismissal from the Seminary, the Admissions Committee will consider applications for readmission only if warranted by exceptional circumstances. Such applications are considered on a case by case basis, seeking reasonable grounds to expect that the former student could make satisfactory progress toward removal of his/her probationary status. After dismissal, a time period of no less that eight weeks must transpire before application for readmission may be considered.

The status of any student whose cumulative grade point average drops below 3.00 for masters or 3.20 for doctorate is changed to probationary. Any probationary student who fails to raise his/her cumulative grade point average to 3.00 for masters or 3.20 for doctorates over the next 2 semesters is ineligible for continued study in the degree program. The student may request permission to continue study as a special student.

The student who brings up cumulative average to 3.00 or above over the next 2 semesters hours of work will be restored to regular status.

The student who fails to meet the above requirement will not be readmitted to the degree program. Any student who has a question about status may appeal to the administration for reconsideration.

1. Academic Warning - An academic warning notice will be placed on the student's semester grade report that academic performance is below the standard of 3.0 which is necessary for graduation from any program.

2. Academic Probation - An academic probation notice will be placed on the student's semester grade report that academic performance is below the standard of 3.0 which is necessary for graduation from any program.

3. Academic Dismissal - The student should expect to be dismissed from MSBBS when cumulative GPA falls below 3.0. Students dismissed for low academic achievement may appeal the decision to the Committee of Academic Affairs or they may reapply for admission after a period of one academic year. Applicants for readmission need to supply evidence of successful work or course experience since the time of dismissal and submit a plan for successful completion of course work in the future at MSBBS.

Grade reports are issued at the end of the semester. In compliance with Federal Statute, Public Law 93-380, cited as the Educational Amendments of 1974, Section 438, Protection of the Rights and Privacy of Parents and Students, all reports of grades are mailed to the student at the address indicated on the Admission Application. Errors on the grade report other than grade errors should be reported to the Director of Records and Admissions' Office within two weeks of receiving the grade report. The student's copy of the grade report will be mailed within three weeks after the completion of the semester.

Graduation honors will be granted to student who attain cumulative grade point averages as listed: Summa Cum Laude, 3.90; Magna Cum Laude, 3.80; Cum Laude, 3.40.

In determining the academic load to be carried, student must use self-discipline and good judgment based on their previous academic records.

Each course must be completed before the official conclusion of each semester. Under unusual circumstances the student, in consultation with the course instructor, may be granted a two-week extension to complete course work. The student must initiate all such requests.

Absences

1. Class attendance is of paramount important and excessive absences will affect the final grades. Each student is permitted to be absent from class one period per semester hour without penalty.

2. After 20% absence, the student normally receives an "F." Three tardies normally equal one absence.

3. Student will not be excused from classes the last week of any semester, nor the day before or the day following any scheduled recess. Such absences will count double.

Although the Seminary will endeavor to hold all courses scheduled, it reserves the right to cancel any course due to insufficient enrollment.

Any substitutions for, changes in, or exceptions to courses which are required for the granting of a degree from Maple Springs Baptist Bible Seminary must be submitted to the Academic Dean and to the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the Seminary for approval.

For students needing courses for which the demand is insufficient to justify a regular class, for students that have irreconcilable conflicts, and for students capable of completing additional independent work, provisions are commonly made by colleges under such headings as "directed reading, " "directed research," or "directed independent study." At Maples Springs Baptist Bible Seminary, the latter term is used. Directed independent study (DIS) is subject to four limitations: (1) All courses so taken must be individually submitted to the Academic Dean for approval; (2) Permission is not granted if the course is available in a regular class at a period open to the student; (3) The consent of the instructor must be secured; and (4) The quality of the course must be maintained through the arrangement differs from the traditional method of instruction and learning.

The tuition rate for DIS is the same as the regular tuition rate.

Assignments are made on the basis of 50 clock hours of study for each semester hour of credit granted, which means 150 hours of study for a three credit course. The student is responsible for completing all requirements assigned by the instructor. The instructor will set due dates for all assignments. Directed Independent Study is designed to meet a specific need in exceptional circumstances, and is not intended to have extended use.

When a student elects to repeat a course, only the grade received for the second time will be counted in the computation of grade point average.

Student transcripts are kept on file in the Director of Records and Admissions' Office. A copy of the transcript includes only the academic record accumulated by Maple Springs Baptist Bible Seminary. The first copy of the transcript is provided to the student at no cost. Thereafter, five dollars ($5.00) is charged for each transcript payable in advance. Money orders should be made payable to Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary. Copies of transcripts furnished from other institutions become the property of the Seminary and will not be furnished for other purposes. All transcript requests must be made by students and must be in writing. Transcripts will not be issued for students who have outstanding fees or fines.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of the 1974 was enacted by Congress to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right for students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. The privacy of all student records is observed at MSBBS. No information may be released to the public without the consent of the student. Members of the administration, faculty or counseling staff may have access to student records and then only for educational, administrative or statistical purposes. Students have the right to file complaints with the Family Education Rights Privacy Act Office (FERPA) in Washington, D.C. concerning alleged failure by the Seminary to comply with the Act.

The Seminary retains documents received in the admissions process for those who apply, but for whatever reason do not enroll, for two years. For those who do enroll, the Seminary retains documents in the official student dossiers, including transcripts on file from other educational institutions, for five years beyond the date of last attendance at MSBBS.

Records of individual academic performance at MSBBS are retained permanently.

Students who are in the Seminary intermittently may graduate under the catalog of their original enrollment period unless there is a lapse of one calendar year or more. In this case, the student will be expected to fulfill requirements of the catalog in effect at the beginning of the last continuous enrollment period prior to graduation. In case the student begins on one major and decides to change to another, he/she will follow the catalog in effect at the time the change is approved.

A student involved in writing a thesis or dissertation must adhere to the guidelines provided in the "Manual For Papers, Theses and Dissertations" prepared by the MSBBS faculty. Students should be prepared to follow the strict scheduling requirements when writing theses and dissertations. Failure to meet any of the deadlines could result in postponement of graduation. See manual for important details.

Applicants who wish to take a course but not receive credit for it may do so on an audit basis. Audit students are not held responsible for tests and other class assignments. Applicants must meet the admission requirements, complete an Application for Admission, and pay the appropriate application and course fees.

Students desiring to transfer to MSBBS from other seminaries and universities must follow all the steps outlined above when applying for admission. The applicant must request a copy of an official transcript of their seminary level work to be sent directly to the Office of the Director of Records and Admissions of MSBBS. Transcripts will be evaluated in terms of the MSBBS curriculum, and credit will be allowed whenever possible for equivalent courses taken elsewhere. Work completed with a "C" or better is transferable.

Since MSBBS considers its courses essential for graduation, it will not be possible to extend credit for subjects bearing minor similarity to those listed in the prescribed curriculum. No courses used as credits toward college degrees will be accepted as credit toward the Seminary degree. No more than two-thirds of the required credit may be transferred to any of the master degree programs. No more than one-fourth of the required credits may be transferred to the doctoral degree programs. A student must take at least three semesters of studies (minimum 45 S.H.) at MSBBS to receive any degree or certificate. Courses grades less than "C" will not be transferred.

Each student is held responsible for his/her schedule of courses arranged at the time of registration. Any changes must be made in the Director of Records and Admissions' Office. A student who makes a change in his/her schedule without completing an add/drop with the Director of Records and Admissions' Office will be penalized by loss of credit for the course involved. The seminary reserves the right to drop at any time students who fail to do satisfactory work or who do not cooperate with the policies of the Seminary. The student must enroll with the understanding that the Administration may request the withdrawal of any student at any time, who in its opinion, does not fit into the spirit of the institution whether or not the student conforms to the specific regulations of the school.

The graduate level programs are designed to further a student's undergraduate training on the Masters and Doctoral levels providing expertise in a limited field of study.

Graduates of Bible institutes and colleges as well as Christian liberal arts colleges should not repeat course work done on the undergraduate level. Students whose undergraduate study has included basic biblical and theological subjects which clearly parallel courses in a prescribed masters curriculum are encouraged to request program modifications in one or both of two ways: 1) Eligible students who have taken such courses beyond the normal bachelor's degree requirements may request advanced standing toward the masters degree. Permission to receive advanced standing is determined by the advisor. 2) Eligible students who have taken such courses as part of their bachelor's degree may request the substitution of other course work in order to meet the required number of credit hours to be completed at MSBBS.

Students enrolled in the Seminary for any degree program are required to participate in Christian service ministries for each academic semester specified in the program of study. The Christian service ministries may be performed in a local church or other para-church agencies. Periodic reports of accomplishments and evaluations will be made by the student. All candidates for degrees must meet these requirements to be graduated, even though credit hours are not given for these ministries.

Purposes of the Program. Adaptability is a key feature of the Certificate in Biblical Studies, which provides a flexible, short (one-year) program which can be tailored to individuals with varying objectives in their seminary studies. The program can be adapted to meet the needs of: (a) those preparing for missionary service and whose mission board requires formal biblical and theological training; (b) the Christian layperson who desires one year of seminary studies to equip him or her to be a more effective witness and leader in the church; (c) those who need a "trial year" in seminary to define more clearly their gifts and goals, and who may eventually wish to complete a masters-level degree program; and (d) the Christian worker who has only limited time available to pursue graduate level theological studies.

The Certificate is not appropriate for those who hold an undergraduate degree in Bible or its equivalent, nor for those who intend to enter professional ministry. These individuals are encouraged instead to apply for admission into the Master of Divinity.

The required 30 semester hours of course work can be completed in one year.

Admission Requirements. The one-year Certificate program is primarily designed for graduates of North American colleges and universities. Persons seeking admission to the program are required to submit an application for admission to the Seminary.

All applicants for graduate degrees at MSBBS must take a comprehensive examination. This applies to all master degree programs as well as all doctoral degree programs. Of necessity, the complexity of the doctoral comprehensive examinations is greater than for the master degree examinations. These examinations are given to achieve the below results.

1). Focus the candidates attention on and direct his energy toward the academic issues within his discipline or area or emphasis.

2). Provide the institution with information on the degree to which the candidates have achieved the body of knowledge which the curriculum was intended to deliver.

Though the doctoral comprehensive is more complex than the masters comprehensive, both of these examinations test the candidate on general and broad based issues related to his discipline(s) or area of emphasis.

These examinations are given at least twice during each academic year, once in the Fall Semester and again in the Spring Semester. Candidates should consult their advisor as to the time and place of these examinations.

Candidates are advised to take the comprehensive examination when most course work has been completed in their curriculum of study. Each candidate will be given feedback and an analysis on the results of his examination.

The Master of Arts and the Master of Divinity, are designed for those students who already have a foundation in biblical studies. This may be from previous Bible college, Christian liberal arts, or prior seminary education. Courses are designed to build on the earlier biblical education without unnecessary course repetition.

The Master of Arts in Church Administration and Christian Counseling are focused on students who need skills in Church Administration or Christian Counseling and related areas.

Students may select a program of studies leading to the Master of Divinity, the Master of Religious Education, Master of Arts degrees, Master of Religious Education or to the Biblical Studies Certificate.

Since the seminary is a graduate school, prospective students need to meet minimum academic prerequisites consonant with graduate school standards. Those minimum standards are as follows:

1. A Bachelor of Arts degree or its equivalent is required for entrance into all masters level programs. The prospective student is responsible for having complete transcripts of all post-high school credit sent directly from the school(s) to the Office of the Director of Records and Admissions of MSBBS.

2. Students without thirty semester hours of college credit in Bible and theology and six semester hours of New Testament Greek or six semester hours of psychology must begin their study at the 500 level.

Purposes of the Program. The Master of Arts program has been designed with those students in mind who have been called into a definite Christian service but who, in some cases, may find need for a type of program different from the professional degrees (Master of Divinity, or Master of Religious Education). The Master of Arts program requires intensive study in a limited area of concentration and is intended primarily for (a) Christian workers in positions where the Master of Arts will gain entrance into academic circles which would not otherwise be possible; (b) teachers in certain Bible institutes and Bible Colleges where the Master of Arts may be the minimum degree required; (c) teachers in Christian Schools who need a Master of Arts degree and wish to secure advanced biblical and theological training even though they do not wish to teach directly in these fields; (d) Christian worker who plan to become counselors in local churches and parachurch agencies; (e) Christian worker who plan to become a church administrator; and (f) students planning to pursue doctoral-level graduate study in a related area of inquiry, for which the Master of Arts degree is an intermediate step. The Master of Arts program is not designed to be a substitute for the professional programs in terms of adequate preparation for the professional ministry.

MSBBS considers the Master of Arts a terminal degree not designed to prepare students for doctoral studies at the Seminary. Graduates holding this degree, who plan to pursue doctoral studies at the Seminary must complete the required hours of preparation for doctoral level studies. Consult your advisor for further details.

Duration of the Program. The Master of Arts program will normally require a minimum of one full-time academic year. However, those without prerequisites will require two full-time academic years. But most of the students served by this institution work full-time jobs, therefore it will take longer to meet the course requirements for the M.A.

With our convenient schedule format, an M.A. student for example, will require five regular semesters (taking two courses of six hours each) and two summer sessions (one course of three hours each) to complete the program. This can be accelerated if the student wishes.

Admission Requirements. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Seminary, the applicant must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

Field of Concentration. The student may select one of four areas of specialty: Church Administration, New Testament, Old Testament or Christian Counseling.

The Master of Arts program provides advanced academic preparation in Bible, Christian Counseling and Bible-related subjects. It is an appropriate degree for teachers, missionaries, para-church workers, and Christian laymen who wish to have a leadership role in lay ministries. It is also attractive to experienced pastors and other Christian workers whose responsibilities or inclinations do not permit them to pursue other degree programs.

Purposes of the Program. The program leading to the Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies is designed to give men and women a biblical and theological foundation for various kinds of Christian service other than pulpit ministry. The program does not provide for thorough pastoral training and is not designed as an abbreviated period of study leading to the pastorate.

Persons served by this degree program include those who are or plan to become counselors, evangelists, workers in parachurch agencies, teachers in Christian educational institutions, lay leaders in local churches, and others.

MSBBS considers the MA/BS a terminal degree not designed to prepare students for doctoral studies at the Seminary.

Course Requirements. Students who meet the prerequisites are required to complete thirty semester hours of course work. Students who do not meet prerequisites are required to complete sixty-six semester hours. Those students without the prerequisite hours of Bible, Theology, and NT Greek must begin their studies with the prerequisite courses.

Eighteen of the thirty semester hours must be in area of concentration, six in theology, three in Bible history & archaeology, three in the teaching process, and three in communication skills.

No thesis or research project is required.

Transfer of Credit. Transfer of some credits is allowed toward the MA degree in Biblical Studies from other graduate theological schools. No more than six hours of credit may be transferred into the thirty semester hour curriculum. However, additional credit may be transferred into the sixty-six hour curriculum. See advisor for further information.

Purposes of the Concentration. The Master of Arts in New Testament is designed for those students desiring a one- or two-year graduate program in biblical and theological studies leading towards a graduate degree but who are not intending to enter the professional ministry. The concentration is particularly appropriate for those contemplating a teaching career in Bible institutes or colleges, or Christian schools as an intermediate degree before doctoral studies.

Required Prerequisite Courses. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Seminary, applicants who intend to concentrate in New Testament are required to have an undergraduate major in Bible or its equivalent, including the minimum of thirty semester hours in Bible and theology, and New Testament Greek. Students without these credit hours must begin their study at the 500-level which includes the necessary studies in Bible, theology, and Greek.

Candidacy Requirements. Candidacy requirements for the Master of Arts program are outlined earlier.

Graduation Requirements. In addition to the requirements for graduation from the Seminary outlined earlier, and from the Master of Arts program outlined earlier, students concentrating in New Testament are to successfully complete a minimum of thirty hours including at least eighteen semester hours in New Testament, nine semester hours in theology, three semester hours in biblical studies, three semester hours in Bible history and archaeology, and three semester hours in communication skills. Complete a minimum of 24 hours at MSBBS.

Purposes of the Concentration. The Master of Arts in Old Testament is designed for those students desiring a one- or two-year graduate program in biblical and theological studies leading towards a graduate degree but who are not intending to enter the professional ministry. The concentration is particularly appropriate for those contemplating a teaching career in Bible institutes or colleges, or Christian schools as an intermediate degree before doctoral studies.

Required Prerequisite Courses. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Seminary, applicants who intend to concentrate in Old Testament are required to have an undergraduate major in Bible or its equivalent, including the minimum of thirty semester hours in Bible and theology, and New Testament Greek. Students without these credit hours must begin their study at the 500-level which includes the necessary studies in Bible, theology, and Greek.

Candidacy Requirements. Candidacy requirements for the Master of Arts program are outlined earlier.

Graduation Requirements. In addition to the requirements for graduation from the Seminary outlined earlier, and from the Master of Arts program outlined earlier, students concentrating in Old Testament are to successfully complete a minimum of thirty hours including at least eighteen semester hours in Old Testament, nine semester hours in theology, three semester in Bible history and archaeology, and three semester hours in communication skills. Complete a minimum of 24 hours at MSBBS.

Purposes of the Concentration. The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling is a specialized degree program designed to enable those in the ministry to meet the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of people through the art of counseling. This program does not prepare a person to be a licensed counselor, but is oriented toward increasing and improving the skills necessary to minister among the body of believers through counseling.

The Master of Arts concentration in Christian Counseling seeks (a) to assist in the spiritual and psychological development of students so that they will be more competent in their service to others; (b) to create a concern for the spiritual and psychological needs of others and an appreciation for the differences between people; (c) to acquaint students with those methods and conclusions of psychology which are relevant and applicable to the work of the church; and (d) to provide skills in counseling and interpersonal relations.

Candidacy Requirements. Candidacy requirements for the Master of Arts program are outlined earlier.

Graduation Requirements. In addition to the requirements for graduation from the Seminary outlined earlier, and from the Master of Arts program outlined earlier, students concentrating in Christian Counseling are to successfully complete a minimum of thirty hours including at least eighteen semester hours in Counseling and Psychology, nine semester hours in theology, three semester hours in Bible history and archaeology, and three semester hours in communication skills. Complete a minimum of 24 hours at MSBBS.

Purposes of the Program. The Master of Arts in Church Administration is designed for those students who seek skills in the administration of church and church related institutions. This program is designed for church administrators who find specialized administrative skills necessary for the achieving of their objectives.

Persons served by this degree program include those who are or plan to become counselors, evangelists, workers in parachurch agencies, teachers in Christian educational institutions, lay leaders in local churches, and others. Lay leaders include but is not limited to Trustees, Deacons, Finance Committee members and Deaconesses.

MSBBS considers the MA/CA a terminal degree not designed to prepare students for doctoral studies at the Seminary.

Graduation Requirements. In addition to the requirements for graduation from the Seminary outlined earlier, and from the Master of Arts program outlined earlier, students concentrating in Church Administration are to successfully complete a minimum of thirty hours including at least eighteen semester hours in Church Administration, nine semester hours in theology, three semester in Bible history and archaeology, and three semester hours in communication skills. Complete a minimum of 24 hours at MSBBS.

No thesis or research project is required.

Transfer of Credit. Transfer of some credits is allowed toward the MA degree in Church Administration from other graduate theological schools. No more than six hours of credit may be transferred into the thirty semester hour curriculum. However, additional credit may be transferred into the sixty-six hour curriculum. See advisor for further information.

Purposes of the Program. The Master of Religious Education program is designed for students who are preparing for service in the various professional capacities of a Christian Education ministry, particularly those of Director or Minister Christian Education in a local church. The Master of Religious Education is recognized as a standard professional degree, offered at many seminaries.

The Master of Religious Education program is not appropriate for those who plan to become senior ministers upon graduation. Students who are interested in the pastoral ministry should pursue the Master of Divinity.

Admission Requirements. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Seminary, applicants for the Master of Religious Education program are expected to hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an approved college or university, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all undergraduate work. Neither an undergraduate major in Christian education nor undergraduate courses in Greek are required for admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements. In addition to the general requirements for graduation from the Seminary, recipients of the Master of Religious Education degree are required to: (a) complete the prescribed two-year course of study with a minimum of 67 semester hours and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0; (b) Complete all work for the degree within five years from the time of matriculation; (c) complete a minimum of 31 semester hours at MSBBS; and (d) complete at least four semesters of Field Education (FE501, FE502, FE601, FE602) in addition to a practicum.

Purposes of the Program. The Master of Divinity is the basic professional degree which provides the most comprehensive graduate education in the various interrelated theological and practical disciplines taught in a seminary.

Professional ministry vocations, for which the Master of Divinity is primarily designed to equip students, include pastoral ministry, missions, chaplains and others with a biblical and theological basis for church related ministries. The program also serves as the foundational degree to prepare students for further studies in preparation for vocations in research, teaching and writing in biblically related fields. Consequently, MSBBS seeks to maintain a healthy balance in the program among the biblical, theological, historical, and practical studies.

The Master of Divinity specifically aims to: (a) develop in the student a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Bible, its content and teaching as the written Word of God, the infallible rule of faith and practice for the Christian; (b) equip the student in basic disciplines and methodologies so that independent study of the Scriptures may be continued throughout one's ministry; (c) lead the student into systematic examination of Scripture as developed through the history of the Christian church; (d) develop skills in preaching, teaching, church administration, worship, and counseling which will most effectively assist the minister in communicating the gospel; (e) expose the student to current theological inquiry into a variety of theological positions, while developing general familiarity with other religious thought; and (f) develop in the student an ability to think independently and constructively in areas vital to the ministry.

Admission Requirements: In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Seminary, applicants for the Master of Divinity program are expected to hold a bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (on a 4.0 scale) for all undergraduate. Thirty semester hours in Bible and theology, and six hours in New Testament Greek are required at the college level. Students without these credit hours are required to begin their program at the 500-level.

Graduation Requirements: In addition to the general requirements for graduation from the Seminary, candidates for the Master of Divinity degree are required to: (a) complete at least 90 semester hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0; (b) complete all courses in the prescribed Master of Divinity curriculum or appropriately approved substitutes; (c) complete at least four semesters of Field Education (FE501, FE502, FE601, FE602); (d) complete a practicum; (e) complete a minimum of 70 semester hours at MSBBS; and (f) give adequate exemplification of the character, emotional stability, maturity, and leadership ability which is essential to effective service in the Christian ministry.

NOTE: Graduates of Bible institutes and colleges as well as Christian liberal arts colleges should not repeat work done on the undergraduate level. Student whose undergraduate study has included basic courses in the biblical and theological subjects which clearly parallel the prescribed courses in the Master of Divinity curriculum are encouraged to request program modifications in one or both of two ways: 1) eligible students who have taken such courses beyond the normal bachelor's degree requirements may request advanced standing toward the Master of Divinity degree. Permission to receive advanced standing is determined by the Director of Admissions and Records. 2) Eligible students who have taken such courses as part of their bachelor's degree may request the substitution of advanced electives in the same division as the core requirements. Permission for such substitutions is determined by the student's advisor.

Internship/Practicum: Master of Divinity students are required to complete a one semester internship/practicum in order to complete the Master of Divinity degree.

Master of Divinity Thesis: Master of Divinity students are required to complete a thesis. All drafts and final copies of the thesis should be prepared in conformity with the seminary's current "Manual for Papers, Theses and Dissertations," and with the latest edition of Turabian's Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations.

The Master of Divinity curriculum was designed primarily for students preparing for pastoral ministry in the United States. This curriculum also serves as the basis for doctoral study for those preparing to do research or teach in a biblically or theologically related discipline.

The emphasis in New Testament is designed for students intending to enter the professional ministry with a special focus on the New Testament.

The emphasis in Old Testament is designed for students intending to enter the professional ministry with a special focus on the Old Testament.

The emphasis in Christian Counseling is designed for students intending to enter the professional ministry with a special focus on the Christian Counseling. The core curriculum of the Master of Divinity program is supplemented by a sequence of courses in Christian Counseling.

The emphasis in Church Administration is designed for students intending to enter the professional ministry with a special focus on the Church Administration. The core curriculum of the Master of Divinity program is supplemented by a sequence of courses in Church Administration.

Maple Springs Baptist Bible Seminary offers one Doctoral Program: Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.).

The Doctor of Ministry is an advanced professional degree designed for those in vocations of ministry.

For the Doctor of Ministry degree, the level of expectation is high and the quality of work is enhanced. Only highly motivated and capable applicants will be admitted to the doctoral program.

There are essentially eleven (11) phases of the doctoral programs. These phases are the following.

Phase Number Description

1. Admissions
2. Course Work
3. Comprehensive Examination
4. Research Design
5. Research Implementation
6. Initial Approval by Advisor
7. Review and Approval of Research by outside qualified reader
8. Final editing
9. Approval of Final Edited Version by Advisor
10. Public Presentation of Candidates
11. Graduation

The doctoral student is required to work closely with his advisor throughout his program of study. This includes the following aspects of the program:

1. Selection of courses to be completed;
2. Designing of research and the selection of an area of research study;
3. Selection of data analysis and summary methods to be used;
4. Developing and implementing editing of components of the study;
5. Selection of an outside qualified reader;
6. Manner of public presentation of candidate.

The Purpose of the Program: The Doctor of Ministry degree is an advanced professional degree designed for the continuing development of those involved in vocational ministry. Since it is not oriented towards teaching or research in graduate theological studies, the Doctor of Ministry degree is distinct from the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or the Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) degrees. The Doctor of Ministry program is designed to enhance professional competence by expanding upon an initial foundation of theology and ministry experience, to enable those in vocational ministry to enhance current strengths, address areas of weakness, and increase overall effectiveness.

The Doctor of Ministry degree is available with emphasis in Pastoral Ministry and Christian Counseling. The major areas of concentration are contextual in design and purpose. It is meant to interface with your current ministry in order to maximize the academic and experience relationship.

Admission Requirements: In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Seminary, applicants for the Doctor of Ministry program are required to have a Master of Divinity or its equivalent which maintains academic standards similar to those of MSBBS, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale).

Candidacy Requirements: The Doctor of Ministry degree program requires a minimum of 6 semester hours of study beyond the Divinity or 60 semester hours beyond the Master of Arts. All students specializing in counseling must meet the counseling prerequisites. This program is designed to meet the professional needs of those preparing or practicing a ministry as pastor, evangelist, missionary, chaplain or Christian Counselor. There are three areas of emphasis: Pastoral, Counseling, Theology.

Graduation Requirements: In addition to the general requirements for graduation from the Seminary, a minimum of 30 semester hour of work are required of those planning to receive the Doctor of Ministry degree with no grade below a 'B' and a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale); and the completion of the Doctor of Ministry project with a minimum grade of 'B-'. All requirements for the degree must be completed in six years from the time of matriculation.

Internship/Practicum: Doctor of Ministry with Christian Counseling emphasis students are required to complete an internship/practicum in order to complete the Doctor of Ministry degree.

Doctor of Ministry Project: Doctor of Ministry students are required to complete a Dissertation. All drafts and final copies of the Dissertation should be prepared in conformity with the seminary's current "Manual for Papers, Theses and Dissertations," and with the latest edition of Turabian's Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations.

It is expected that each student will take at least two academic years to complete his/her requirements for the Doctor of Ministry Degree. Each candidate for this degree must demonstrate familiarity with at least one Biblical language: Greek or Hebrew. This requirement may be met by a demonstration of having completed at the graduate level at least six (6) semester hours of work in either Greek or Hebrew.

*D.Min students may be required to take more than the indicated courses. This decision will be made based upon the students academic record. The students advisor will work this out in counseling with the student.

*D.Min reading may be met by taking one credit for I and II under seminary elective courses under the students area of interest: Counseling Students CO780; Theology Students TH785; Pastoral Students NT785. Arrangements to be made with Seminary Dean as to required work.

Note: Doctor of Ministry students must be continuously enrolled in their Program during both Fall and Spring Semesters or their Programs may be changed. Once at the dissertation stage they must maintain continuous enrollment in the dissertation course even if all other class work is completed.

2. The academic cohesiveness and challenge of the total study program of the student.

Once the Advisor, the Academic Dean and the student have reached an agreement as to the students' program of study, the agreed to program will be reduced to writing and signed by the Dean, the Advisor and the student. This Program of study will be binding upon all parties as long as the student maintains continuous enrollment in the Seminary and continues to meet all of the Seminary's standards, policies and requirements. The signed contract of agreement shall contain these elements:

1. Degree objective.
2. Date of signatures.
3. Specific courses required.
4. Any course approved to be used as a substitute.
5. Full name, address and social security number of student.
6. Total number of hours to be completed at MSBBC&S.
7. Other relevant information including written signatures of all parties.
8. This agreement may be amended upon mutual Agreement of all parties.

Maple Springs Baptist Bible College & Seminary

4130 Belt Road  Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743   voice: 301.736.3631     fax: 301.735.6507
Copyright © 2005     Last Updated: 03/15/2010