New York Theological Seminary to Re-Launch Two Masters Degrees in Specialized Ministries

New York Theological Seminary (NYTS) is re-launching two accredited Master Degree programs in areas of specialized ministry:  Pastoral Care and Counseling and Religious Education (formerly called Christian Education).  Recruitment for both degree programs for admission for the fall of 2011 is now underway.

Both degree programs have been historically part of the Seminary’s curriculum and are currently listed as Masters of Professional Studies (MPS) with New York State Department of Education.  Approval for the Master of Arts (MA) award for both degree programs has already been granted by the Seminary’s national accrediting body, the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools.  A petition for change of degree award from MPS to MA has been awarded by the Board of Regents.  Students who enroll under the current MPS degree are eligible to transfer all credits to the MA degree.

Both degrees are 48-credit programs designed to be completed in a minimum of two years.  Classes are offered in formats designed to be accessible to full-time employed candidates.  Both degree programs are designed to meet the needs for specialized areas of ministry, are suitable for both lay and ordained leadership, and serve to prepare individuals seeking further academic preparation in their respective areas of service.  Application to both degree programs is through the regular NYTS process for Masters level programs, with application forms available both on line at https://www.nyts.edu/academics and from the office of admissions at the Seminary.  Candidates in both degree programs are eligible for financial aid through the Seminary, including federally guaranteed student loans.

Pastoral Care and Counseling

The Pastoral Care and Counseling degree is offered in collaboration with the Blanton-Peale Institute for Mental Health.  Graduates from the program will receive a Certificate in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Blanton-Peale in addition to their master’s degree.  Blanton-Peale is one of the nation’s oldest and best known institutes for spiritually-based mental heath and pastoral care training.  Courses in NYTS degree program constitute Blanton-Peale’s basic Pastoral Care and Counseling program.  Candidates who are interested in receiving the Blanton-Peale basic certificate in Pastoral Care and Counseling only may enroll in the program apart from NYTS through Blanton-Peale.  For further information on Blanton-Peale, please see the Institute’s web site at http://www.blantonpeale.org/.

The Pastoral Care and Counseling degree is designed to offer clergy and other pastoral care givers a basic body of knowledge necessary to address pastoral care needs in both the religious congregation and in the wider community.  Courses in the program address issues of pastoral identity and formation, theoretical and practical understanding of the complexity of human development and behavior, and the effective integration of spirituality with mental health issues.  Practical skills that are gained include the ability to address particular situations as well as the ability to assess and make further professional referrals.  The degree also incorporates biblical studies as a foundational discipline.  Classes in the program are offered in both day time (Monday) and evening (Monday through Thursday) sessions during the regular fall and spring semesters, and as intensives in January, June, July and/or August each year.  Additional work in the practicum is scheduled as required.  The Pastoral Care and Counseling degree does not prepare candidates to practice psychotherapy, and it does not qualify a graduate to take a professional licensing exam in New York State for either counseling or psychotherapy.  The degree may qualify for licensure in states other than New York depending on the requirements of each individual state.

For more information on the Pastoral Care and Counseling degree program contact:

Director of Pastoral Care Programs
New York Theological Seminary
475 Riverside Drive #500
New York, NY 10115
(212) 870-1211

Religious Education

The degree in Religious Education is designed to prepare persons to administer and lead educational programs in churches, religious institutions, or other academic settings.  The program seeks to integrate various academic disciplines that contribute to the best educational practices in the field of Religious Education with an emphasis upon education that is biblically and theologically informed, while allowing students to deepen their understanding of the educational, cultural, and religious context in which they will serve.  Courses focus on the art of teaching, the examinations of historic models and contemporary methodologies germane to Religious Education, and practical aspects of the profession. Graduates of the program will leave with a thorough understanding of the foundations necessary to build and sustain an educational ministry within the congregation or other institutional setting.  Classes in the program are offered in evening (Monday through Thursday) sessions during the regular fall and spring semesters, and as intensives in January, June, July and/or August each year.  Practicum components may require additional work on week-ends as part of field placement.

For more information on the Religious Education degree program contact:

Director of Religious Education Programs
New York Theological Seminary
475 Riverside Drive #500
New York, NY 10115
(212) 870-1211

Admissions Requirements

Students applying to all Masters degree programs at NYTS are expected to possess a  baccalaureate degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution (applicants holding degrees or diplomas from another country may be required to provide a translated copy and to provide further information to help the admissions committee determine equivalency); demonstrate evidence of an ability to do graduate level study, primarily assessed through the written answers to the application essay questions and through recommendations; be able to articulate an understanding of their call to professional ministry in a manner that is appropriate to their own experience and faith tradition; and be able to identify a faith community within which they are able to exercise their responsibilities as a religious professional.