Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership (12 credit hours)

MATL512: Introduction to Transformational Leadership Theory (3) – In this class, students are introduced to the field of transformational leadership theory. Attention is given to the history of transformational leadership theory, noting the key personalities who contributed to the theory, the main characteristics of the theory, and the common application of the theory used in both religious and secular institutions and organizations since the 1970s. Students also explore the need for the revitalization of leadership for effective Christian life, service, and leadership in the twenty-first century.

MATL522: Theological Perspectives on Transformational Leadership (3) – This course provides a survey of several important biblical and theological perspectives of leadership, including a variety of biblical case studies, Christo-centric models of leadership, and an investigation of the leader as a Christian steward. In addition, students utilize the lens of transformational leadership theory for deeper analysis and evaluation of biblical perspectives. Special attention is given to the application of academic insights to life and ministry in a variety of leadership settings, both within and outside of the organized church.

MATL532: Forging a Leadership Foundation: The Heart of a Leader (3) – In our world today, leaders fail as often due to a lack of character as to a deficiency in competence. Leadership is not just about “doing”- it is about “being.” In this personally edifying class, students focus on the ontological basis for effective leadership – the heart and soul of a leader. Special attention is given to the daily devotional life of the student, reinforcing the deeper foundational matters of identity and the inner life of a leader for personal health and organizational effectiveness.

MATL542: Transformational Leadership and Organizational Health (3) – This course investigates the main concepts and components of transformational leadership theory as applied to organizations. Students explore TLT relative to transformational organizations and their own professional calling and setting, yet with an emphasis on current organizational research and theory. In addition, contemporary leadership theories, models, and critiques are examined to give each student an understanding of the broader field of leadership studies.

MAO501: Orientation (0) – This is a one-week course designed to introduce students to the graduate program at Barclay College, including: classmates, course instructors, the mechanics of the online portal and discussion forum, and the academic rigors of graduate studies.

Theology Core (15 credit hours)

MABI511: Old Testament Hermeneutics (3) – God’s revelation through the Old Testament illuminates His timely message and timeless story for His people, while also providing the context and foundation for the New Testament. In this class, students will investigate the richness of the Old Testament and its relevance for today, including the principles and procedures for its interpretation, application, and exposition.

MABI521: New Testament Hermeneutics (3) – The narrative of Christ and His Church, foreshadowed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament, provides the framework for Christian faith and practice. This class in biblical interpretation and exegesis focuses on the life and teachings of Christ, the experience of believers, and the eternal hope of the Church as recorded in the gospels, epistles, and apocalyptic literature.

MATH531: Christian Theology (3) – This class investigates the essential teachings of the evangelical Christian faith, with special attention given to the person and work of Christ, sin and salvation, the role of the Holy Spirit, the life of the Church, and contemporary theological issues. Students will become better equipped to apply and articulate theological convictions in ministry settings.

MATH541: The History of Christianity (3) – This course addresses the major events, issues, personalities, and movements that shape and define the story of the Christian Church. Topics such as the birth and growth of the Early Church, the threat of persecution, the rise of monasticism, the Councils of Nicea and Chalcedon, the Reformation, the Great Awakenings, ecumenical efforts, and the globalization of the gospel provide a deeper understanding of the Church and a relevant perspective for ministry today.

MAMM513: The Missional Church (3) – We may not all be called to serve Christ as missionaries in a foreign land, but we are all called to be “on mission with God” wherever He may lead us. In this course, students are challenged to examine their purpose and calling in life, maximize their capacity to build bridges, and bear faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ both at home and around the world.

Research and Application (9 credit hours)

MARA523: Research Methods (3) – This course is an introduction to the research methods that are applicable in a variety of academic and organizational settings, including both quantitative and qualitative strategies that are commonly used in a graduate Capstone project.

MARA533: Applied Research I (3) – In this research and application course, students will identify and begin to investigate a potential Capstone project that relates to their chosen concentration of graduate studies. Through practical examination, each student will focus on their field of study using a variety of potential methods, some of which may include: field experience, literature review, and other forms of data collection.

MARA543: Applied Research II – Capstone Project (3) – This course involves the completion of a written Capstone project that serves as the culmination of a student’s research and their graduate school experience. Students will integrate their research findings with their chosen area of concentration, making application to life, service, and leadership today. In addition, each student will demonstrate their acquisition of scholarship, critical thinking, creativity, and written communication skills.