GRADUATE PROGRAMS
SCHOOL OF RELIGION
Richard D. Israel, Ph.D.
Associate Dean: Graduate Programs in Religion
Mission: The School of Religion is a learning community committed to the church and to the academy, dedicated to the study of Scripture, theology, mission, leadership, and spirituality for the purpose of transforming individuals, relationships and communities.
More specifically, our mission is expressed through achieving the following objectives:
- offer graduate degree programs of high quality through increasing the student’s capacity for critical, investigative thinking;
- provide resources for those pursuing scholarly interests in theological disciplines;
- increase the effectiveness of leaders in church and society while deepening their Christian faith;
- enhance professional skills and competence among persons preparing for or already in vocational ministry; and
- promote community and collaboration among students and faculty.
Vanguard offers the following research graduate degree programs:
The Master of Arts degree in Leadership Studies with a concentration in Leadership and Spirituality is being offered in the cohort model. This program is designed for graduate students who desire to explore the interior life while increasing their leadership effectiveness. Graduates from this program will be equipped to continue in doctoral studies or to pursue leadership roles in a variety of settings within church and society. This program requires coursework and a final project selected by the student that may include travel abroad.
The Master of Arts degree in Religion with a concentration in Biblical Studies or Leadership Studies is a two-year traditional program (nine units per semester). Each concentration is an academic, research-oriented program designed to prepare graduate students for research in a chosen discipline, and for future study in a Doctoral Program. Requirements for the M.A. degree in Religion include: coursework, a comprehensive examination, specialized research instruction, and a research exit option. The program requirement assumes students have completed certain prerequisites at the Baccalaureate level or through additional courses in each of the concentrations.
The Master of Theological Studies is a three-year professional degree program (nine units per semester) that prepares students for service in the church or religious organization. The courses in this program emphasize biblical studies, theology and ethics, and leadership studies. No prerequisites in religion for admission to this program are required.
History of the Graduate Programs in Religion
For almost 90 years, Vanguard University of Southern California has been a leader in educational innovation within its denomination, and in fulfilling its founders’ vision of training men and women for Christian ministry. From the very beginning, the program in religion has played a central role in the fulfillment of that mission. Our commitment to excellent theological education is rooted in that long legacy.
A major milestone was reached in 1983, when the University initiated its first graduate program leading to the Master of Arts (M.A.), an academic degree with a major in religion and concentrations in Biblical Studies and Leadership Studies. This program was well received, and in 1991, a three-year professional degree leading to a Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) was added.
In 1999, the University entered into a collaborative relationship with the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS) in England for offering the Ph.D. program to provide the opportunity for outstanding students to conduct doctoral level research that contributes to the conceptual understanding and practice of holistic mission in Christian organizations. OCMS is an affiliated institution of the University of Wales, and a sponsoring establishment of The Open University. These are the main awarding institutions for the research degrees.
The Graduate Programs in Religion contributes to the original mission of the University, to prepare men and women for ministry within the Assemblies of God, though presently students come from other denominations and diverse backgrounds. Our commitment to all students is to provide the opportunities for academic, professional and spiritual growth, which we believe is found in the community of graduate students and faculty.