Northwestern College Announces New Advanced Degrees in Education and Pastoral Ministry

ST.PAUL, MN (03/30/2012)(readMedia)-- Northwestern College (St. Paul) continues to expand its program offerings and is pleased to announce the addition of two new advanced degrees: Master of Arts in Education and Dual B.A./M.Div. Degree in Pastoral Ministry. Applications are being accepted for both degrees for fall 2012.

Master of Arts in Education

The Master of Arts in Education (MAED) is a non-licensure program that will expand educators' knowledge and skills in the areas of curriculum, instruction, technology and assessment. With the addition of this graduate-level program, professional educators can advance in their field as they tap into Northwestern's reputation for excellence in teacher preparation. The MAED offers three concentrations: Curriculum & Instruction, Instructional Technology, and Immigration & Education.

The MAED is designed especially for licensed educators who want to expand their knowledge, those who serve immigrant populations in the education or social service sectors, or business professionals who provide assessment for professional development training.

Northwestern Education Department Chair Susan Johnson, Ph.D., was instrumental in developing the MAED program, and sees it as an excellent fit for those who are passionate about their career as educators. "We want candidates to see professional service as a calling. This program will nurture that call as they further develop their skills, and offers a course of study that will nurture a servant-leadership model with a strong community emphasis. With the concentration in Immigration & Education we will also be able to equip our graduate students to work effectively with immigrant and cross-cultural populations."

More information for this degree is available at nwc.edu/gradstudies or 651-631-5200.

Dual B.A./M.Div. Degree in Pastoral Ministry

The unique dual B.A./M.Div. degree offers the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and a Master of Divinity in just five years. The dual degree includes integrated internships and matches participants with local church pastors who serve as mentors throughout the program.

Designed for highly motivated students who plan to pursue pastoral ministry, the first four years of the dual degree program are taught in a traditional day-school format and include several graduate-level courses. The fifth year includes all graduate courses, taught in an accelerated format through Northwestern's Center for Graduate Studies. Because of its format, the dual degree will save both time and money; a traditional B.A. to M.Div. path takes seven years.

Randy Nelson, Ph.D., professor of New Testament Studies and director of the dual B.A./M.Div. program, is thrilled that Northwestern now offers this option to students going into pastoral ministry. "Northwestern students already attained advanced placement status at other seminaries or institutions offering a Master of Divinity because of the rigor of our undergraduate courses in biblical studies and ministry. Now we have created a clear path that allows serious students to begin their ministry careers sooner, and with less financial burden."

There are scholarships available for students entering the dual degree program. The scholarship application deadline is June 1. More information is available by contacting Northwestern's Office of Admissions at 651-631-5110.

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About Northwestern College

Founded in 1902, Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minn. offering more than 70 areas of study, five master's degrees and several associate degree and certificate programs. More than 3,000 students representing 31 states and 28 countries are enrolled in Northwestern's traditional undergraduate and graduate and continuing education programs. Visit www.nwc.edu.