The MAL in Specialized Ministry program will provide you with an applied ministry degree that is flexible enough to create a customized curriculum around your vocational goals. Choose this program if your specialization is not represented by one of our other MAL concentrations.
This program may be a good fit for you if you are interested in pursuing:
- A non-ordained ministerial career in a church
- A career in a para-church organization
- A career in a social service context
Concentration Learning Outcomes
In addition to the core MAL degree learning outcomes, the outcomes for the MAL Specialized Ministry program will be based on the elective courses that the student selects in consultation with their advisor.
United’s MAL at a Glance
- 48 credits
- Sixteen 3-credit courses, including one field experience and a final project
- Can be completed in approximately two years if you take a full-time course load of 9 credits per trimester
- All MAL concentrations, including Specialized Ministry, can be completed entirely via distance learning; many courses can be taken completely asynchronously
Program Course Guide Sheet for Academic Year 2025–2026
| PRIMARY OUTCOME |
NUMBER OF COURSES | COURSES |
| Theology | 2 |
Invitation to Theology: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty
Choose one:
History of Christian Theologies
History of Modern Theologies
|
| Textual Hermeneutics | 2 | Introduction to Religious Texts One 2000-level Religious Texts course |
| Ethics and Justice | 2 |
Choose one:
Christian Ethics
Comparative Religious Ethics
Choose one:
Queer and Trans Theologies
Black and Womanist Theologies
|
| Formation | 1 | Introduction to Spiritual and Personal Formation |
| World Religions | 1 |
Choose one:
Global Christianities & Intra-religious Diversity
World Religions
|
| Religion, Culture, and the Arts | 1 |
Choose one:
History of Arts and Theology
Art, Religion, and Contemporary Culture
|
| Social Transformation | 1 |
Leadership and Strategies for Social Change
|
| Religious Leadership and Practice | 1 |
Choose one:
Contextual Education Internship (1 or 2 terms)
CPE Internship (2 terms)*
|
| Concentration | 4 |
Two PM courses
Two elective courses (as approved by advisor)
|
| Research and Communication | 1 | MAL Final Project |
| DEGREE TOTAL |
16 | |
| * Although not required for degree completion, Introduction to Pastoral and Spiritual Care must be completed to be eligible for CPE Internship registration. | ||