MA in Christian Leadership (MACL)

3. Which MACL degree option is right for me?

The MACL degree can be completed using one of two options:

Ministry Residency (EML801/802)*

Instead of completing a 3-credit, one-year internship and 6-9 hours of approved electives, the student completes an eight-month Ministry Residency, in which he or she earns 11-12 hours of credit. The program is specifically designed for those students involved in paid vocational ministry in a local church or parachurch organization for 25 hours or more per week. Students become eligible for the Ministry Residency program after starting the Spiritual Formation program, and upon completion the requirements noted above. For more information, please visit the Ministry Residency page.

*Enrollment is limited. Students should plan to complete Ministry Residency prior to their final year in the program. Students who complete EML802 in spring of their graduating year should plan for degree completion the following summer.

Elective Option

Student completes a 3-credit, one-year internship in Christian Leadership (INT155), and 6-9 hours of approved MACL electives, depending upon the student’s catalog requirements. Electives must be pre-approved leadership electives. Any EML3xx level class applies. A complete and up-to-date list of pre-approved electives can be found in the latest catalog.

4. I’m a distance student. How do I meet my 21-hour residency requirement?

21 credit hours of the MACL degree must be completed at an approved campus or location (see chart above). DTS provides several opportunities for students attempting to complete the MACL from a distance to earn face to face credit through weekend or week-long courses (Dallas or Houston winter and summer courses). Each registration period (October for winter and spring; March for summer and fall) look for leadership electives and BE and ST courses offered at a nearby location. Do not rush through the BE and ST courses online. Instead, start taking face to face courses your first year.

5. What is the EML950 Applied Research Project (ARP)? (for those who began summer 2016 or before)

The Applied Research Project (ARP) is required for all MACL students entering before Fall 2016 (students entering after Fall 2016 must complete RS103). Using the ARP subject approval form as a guide, students develop a “problem-solution” research project under the guidance and supervision of a DTS faculty member and possibly an approved ministry practitioner. This is a two-semester process requiring careful planning and execution on the part of the student. Students should begin to confer with DTS faculty members early in their DTS coursework, and seek to register for the ARP no later than the semester prior to your final spring semester. The ARP project will be available during spring semesters only. For more information, please access the ARP subject approval form below.