GCU
PURPOSE
The Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE) program aims to equip and prepare students to become competent leaders in the educational ministries of the Church. The MACE degree is designed to help students develop their philosophy of Christian education and sharpen existing pedagogy while being exposed to in-depth teaching methodologies. The program is designed to offer a balance between educational theories and practices.
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE) program, students will demonstrate the following:
- the fundamental Christian understanding of the Bible, theology, and various educational theories,
- the ability to apply Christian educational theory and skills to educational ministries, and
- The ability to integrate Christian educational disciplines and social and behavioral sciences in serving the Christian community effectively and professionally.
COMPONENTS AND REQUIREMENTS
Courses
The program requires 60 semester hours for graduation: 18 courses (54 credits) and a final project/thesis (6 credits). In addition, MACE students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or more to be eligible for graduation, with no more than one course completed with a grade of "C-" or below.Course Distribution
The program's courses comprise four fields of specialization that students may select: religious heritage, cultural context, personal and spiritual formation, and capacity for ministerial and public leadership. MACE students must complete four courses (12 credits) in School Core, seven courses (21 credits) in MACE Core, Final Project/Thesis (6 credits), and seven courses (21 credits) of Electives.Final Project/Thesis
Students will write a thesis or a project as a part of graduation requirements. They will examine the implications and possibilities of theological study for future ministry or life enrichment. A Project/Thesis Seminar will be provided for each candidate in their second year, with faculty members to help and guide them to complete their project/thesis. A tutorial for writing the thesis will be held in an informal arrangement with a faculty member; the faculty member will meet the student as needed to offer guidance and criticism. The spring term Thesis Tutorial is pro forma, allowing the candidate to complete the final form of the thesis/project for presentation to the Thesis Committee.Institutional Requirement
GCU requires all students to attend WS501 Institutional Requirement (chapel) every semester through graduation. Students will receive a Pass/Fail grade on Institutional Requirements.CURRICULUM
School Core 4 courses + RP700 (18 credits)
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| NT501 Introduction to the New Testament | 3 | OT501Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 | TH506 Life and Doctrine of Christ | 3 | RW500 Research and Writing | 3 | RP700 Final Project/Thesis | 6 |
MACE Core (8 courses; 24 credits)
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CE500 Foundation of Christian Education | 3 |
| CE516 Philosophy of Christian Education | 3 |
| CE517 Teaching/Learning Methods | 3 |
| CE530 Church's Educational Ministry | 3 |
| CE580 Christian Education and Human Development | 3 |
| CE590 Christian Education and Psychology | 3 |
| CE601 The Bible in Christian Education | 3 |
| CE702 Education Practicum | 3 |
Electives (6 courses; 18 credits)
To complete the program, students are to take seven courses as electives in the areas of their interest. CE702 Education Practicum is available every semester upon request; please consult your Academic Advisor for details.SUGGESTED COURSE SEQUENCING
The expected completion of this program consists of two academic years (four semesters).| First Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CE500 Foundation of Christian Education | 3 |
| CE517 Teaching /Learning Methods | 3 |
| NT501 Introduction to the New Testament | 3 |
| Two Electives | 6 |
| Total 15 |
| Second Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CE516 Philosophy of Christian Education | 3 |
| CE590 Christian Education and Psychology | 3 |
| OT501 Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 |
| CE702 Education Practicum | 3 |
| One Elective | 3 |
| Total 15 |
| Third Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CE530 Church's Educational Ministry | 3 |
| TH506 Life and Doctrine of Christ | 3 |
| RW500 Research and Writing | 3 |
| Two Electives | 6 |
| Total 15 |
| Fourth Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CE580 Christian Education and Human Development | 3 |
| CE601 The Bible in Christian Education | 3 |
| One Elective | 3 |
| RP700 Final Project/Thesis | 6 |
| Total 15 |
Total Course Hours Required for Graduation 60