Section 9: Turner School of Theology
This section includes important information on the programs, courses, and degrees offered through the Amridge University Turner School of Theology. Exceptions may be noted in the respective sections for specific programs and services specified elsewhere in this publication, noted in later editions of this publication, and/or published addenda (paper- and web-based). Also, as each degree may have its own unique admission, graduation, and related requirements, these requirements are listed with each degree. Even though the individual listing of these degree requirements may appear to be, and in some cases may be, repetitious of other degrees, the University has chosen to list all of the admissions, graduation, and other requirements under each degree for accuracy purposes [Version 1.3, Effective 9.23.2008].
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN OF THE TURNER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
The Turner School of Theology was established to provide a
high degree of training in the fields of Biblical studies Theology, and
Ministry. In this complex world in which we live, it is imperative to equip our
students with the ability to exegete the Word of God accurately. Our graduates
must be able to teach those with whom they come into contact the importance and
the value of the Holy Scriptures, and to impart to them how to apply the many
truths found therein to their daily lives. Not only must those we train be
prepared to expound the pages of the Bible clearly and carefully, they must be
able to defend God’s Word in an age of widespread disbelief.
It is our goal at the Turner School of Theology, as it was the person’s in whose honor the school is named (Dr. Rex Turner, Sr.), that our graduates become the leaders of tomorrow in the communities which they serve. The immensely important task of our capable faculty is to provide our students with the knowledge and skills that will result in the attainment of such a lofty goal.
We invite you to analyze your
own personal objectives and needs, then thoughtfully investigate our programs
(Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Master of Arts in Practical Theology,
Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry,
and Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies). We believe you will find what you need to fulfill your dreams, as well as be a credit to humanity and to your Creator.
Rodney Cloud, Ph.D.
Dean, Turner School of Theology
PURPOSE OF THE TURNER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
The Amridge University Board of Regents chartered the Turner School of Theology in 1999 in profound appreciation of Rex and Opal Turner, founders of the University. The Board deemed it appropriate to establish a School of Theology in their name to honor and recognize the personal labors and sacrifices made by Rex and Opal Turner for the cause of Christ. Dr. Rex Turner, Sr., was an avid student of the word of God and well known for his biblical scholarship, administrative acumen, tireless efforts, and commitment to training church leaders, ministers, and Bible teachers for a world that needs Christ.
The purpose of the Turner School of Theology is to provide for the educational development of qualified persons to be effective Christian ministers, church leaders, teachers, and scholars who will use their gifts and knowledge in proclaiming the gospel, strengthening the church, and serving humanity. To accomplish this purpose, the School seeks to prepare students for the ministerial and teaching professions and for effective voluntary Christian service through both academic and practical studies on the graduate level. The programs of instruction are biblical in orientation, scholarly in intellectual preparation, and relevant to contemporary life in application. These programs include a strong emphasis in biblical studies, supported by studies in such fields as biblical languages, church history, systematic theology, homiletics and communication, religious education, professional ministerial studies, and missiology.
Degrees offered include the Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Doctor of Divinity (D.Min.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
Additionally, the University provides a program of continuing education, through the Amridge University School of Continuing Education, for those who are not pursuing degrees.
EDUCATIONAL GOALS OF THE TURNER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
The Amridge University Turner School of Theology provides programs and services through six educational goals. These goals are as follows:
1. Each student will acquire advanced knowledge of the Bible, related disciplines, and practical methods of ministry as a foundation for a life of Christian service.
2. Each student will develop intellectual capacities for critical thinking and problem solving to enable one to analyze, evaluate, organize, and synthesize information and use it constructively and creatively.
3. Each student will develop attitudes and values appropriate to a life of Christian faith and practice.
4. Each student will develop skills for religious research, human relations, and oral and written communication appropriate for Christian ministry.
5. Through gaining essential knowledge, developing proper attitudes, and acquiring important skills, each student will be prepared for more advanced employment in the area of Christian ministries, and/or for life-long learning.
6. Through developing Christian attitudes and values and through acquiring skills in communication and human relations, each student will be prepared to function responsibly and effectively in the familial, social, and civic arenas of life.
ASSOCIATION OF THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA (ATS)
Turner School of Theology is an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE TURNER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY PROGRAMS OF STUDY
The Amridge University Turner School of Theology offers four programs of study at the master’s and doctoral levels. The specific programs of study include the following:
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biblical Studies is a professional-level degree designed to prepare students for work in Biblical studies with a practitioner's approach to Biblical studies and with an option to become sufficiently acquainted with the Greek and Hebrew languages for use as basic linguistic tools in the study of the Bible. Likewise, this program provides a foundation for students to pursue more advanced studies and degree programs such as the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) followed by the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) or the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biblical Studies offered by Amridge University.
Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies Program the graduates will have:
1. Acquired knowledge and skills necessary to effectively function in various roles in a church setting;
2. Developed a professional scholarly approach to interpreting the Bible;
3. Advanced studies in biblical languages, such as Hebrew and Greek;
4. A sound foundation in biblical studies for advanced education; and
5. Preparation for job opportunities such as minister or ministerial related works, teacher in a school, college or university.
These outcomes are assessed through a comprehensive examination. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade (i.e., Qualifying or Qualifying with Distinction) for the comprehensive examination given for this degree.
Master of Arts in Practical Theology
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Practical Theology is a professional-level degree designed to prepare students for work in biblical studies with a practitioner's approach to biblical studies. Likewise, this program provides a foundation for students to pursue more advanced studies and degree programs such as the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) followed by the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) or the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biblical Studies offered by Amridge University.
Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Practical Theology Program the graduates will have:
1. Acquired knowledge and skills necessary to effectively function as a minister or teacher in a church setting;
2. The skills for a practical/utility approach to the biblical text;
3. The knowledge to make a clearer interpretation of Biblical texts, thus putting the passage/passages on a level that is easier for the average member of the church to understand;
4. A sound foundation in biblical studies for advanced education; and
5. The preparation to handle scholarly teaching positions.
These outcomes are assessed through a comprehensive examination. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade (i.e., Qualifying or Qualifying with Distinction) for the comprehensive examination given for this degree.
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a professional-level degree program for individuals planning to enter or continue careers in full-time ministry. A major element of this program provides students with extensive studies in the biblical text and through preparation in theology and various areas of practical ministry. Through completion of this program, graduates will be able to conduct their ministry at the highest level of professional competence and communicate in a manner that is intellectually articulate. Also, graduates will be committed to, and effective in, evangelism. Finally, graduates of the M.Div. Degree will be able to conduct themselves and relate to others in a way that is spiritually mature and morally sensitive.
Upon completion of the Master of Divinity Program the graduates will have:
1. Acquired a more in-depth knowledge of the Bible to more effectively function in various roles in a church setting;
2. Skills in studying the Bible;
3. A sound foundation for continuing scholarly biblical studies such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Biblical Studies; for advanced education; and
4. Preparation for job opportunities such as minister or ministerial related works, teacher in a school, college or university.
These outcomes are assessed through a comprehensive examination. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade (i.e., Qualifying or Qualifying with Distinction) for the comprehensive examination given for this degree.
Doctor of Ministry
Amridge University offers the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree program to qualified persons currently engaged in ministry. The D.Min. program builds on and extends previous theological education and experience. Students can use this degree to increase their general effectiveness or tailor their program toward a particular specialty. The purpose of this advanced level program is to help focus the efforts and develop the effectiveness of persons in ministry. The Amridge University program utilizes the candidate’s own work setting as a primary learning resource. Much of the course work involves in-service projects of direct benefit to the candidate’s ministry. The intent is to integrate these dimensions into a working totality for each minister. Integration at many levels is one of the important features of the program: of religion and contemporary life, of professional work and personal life, and of the knowledge of the disciplines such as Scripture, theology, church history, and the practice of ministry.
Class time provides occasions for disciplined study, critical reflection, and evaluation of ministry issues. Group interaction among peers aids this important process. The faculty will cultivate and encourage interaction that will promote openness, caring, and growth in the Christian ministry.
The D.Min. is distinguished from the M.Div. in that it demands a higher level of competence, more extensive analytical skills, and greater ability to do practical and thorough research related to ministry. The D.Min. is distinguished from a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) in that it focuses specifically on excellence in practical ministry rather than academic research and languages.
Upon completion of the Doctor of Ministry Program the graduates will have:
1. Acquired a more in-depth knowledge of the Bible and skills to more effectively function in various roles in a church setting;
2. A more in-depth knowledge of the bible and ministry related subjects;
3. Skills in studying and teaching the Bible;
4. Experience in conducting bible or ministry related research;
5. Knowledge and skills in accessing, selecting, judging, selecting, and extracting information from various sources;
6. Skills in analyzing and interpreting research results;
7. Experience in presenting in written form and defending research results;
8. Skills to supervise and lead others in a ministry program; and
9. Have insight and vision in planning church and related works.
These outcomes are assessed in the following course. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade in Research Dissertation Module IV.
Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies
The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biblical Studies with degree majors in the Old Testament or the New Testament is to equip students for creative scholarship, independent research, and effective biblical teaching and ministry. The program is specifically oriented toward preparing students for teaching theological courses in universities and seminaries; for teaching in related academic fields at the college level; for specialized biblical teaching and leadership in the church; and for scholarly writing. This Biblical Studies program should equip students with the aptitude necessary to bring critical skills to the biblical text; to analyze, interpret, and explain the text; and to express insights and conclusions in scholarly writing.
There are 10 core courses of the 30 required courses in the Ph.D. in Biblical Studies which address disciplines such as theology, ancient history, literary criticism, biblical doctrine, biblical ethics, linguistics, and history of religions. These core courses will address the important cultural background of this period of study; provide students with essential research tools; and assess the methods of critical scholarship. The Old Testament and New Testament textual courses in the degree program will be taught from standard Hebrew or Greek Bibles respectively with the assistance of valuable secondary material in other languages.
Other requirements within these concentrations are as follows:
1. Old Testament Concentration
A student may major in Old Testament studies. The primary goal of this degree major is to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the Old Testament and related subjects. The Old Testament study encompasses a study of Ancient Near Eastern History and Religion, Religion and Archaeology of Ancient Israel, Old Testament Theology, and Old Testament textual courses. A total of 33 semester hours of the 60 required semester degree hours would be in Old Testament study; with 15 semester hours in New Testament study; and 12 semester hours in related studies.
2. New Testament Concentration
A student may major in New Testament studies. The primary goal of this degree major is to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the New Testament and related studies. The New Testament study encompasses a study of History and Religion of the Hellenistic Age, New Testament Theology, Patristic Theology, and New Testament textual courses. A total of 33 semester hours of the 60 required degree hours would be in New Testament study; with 15 semester hours in Old Testament study; and 12 semester hours in related studies.
The Ph.D. Degree Program in Biblical Studies is a 60 semester hour rigorous research-oriented program beyond the Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent. The Master of Theology or the two year Master of Arts in Bible or the Doctor of Ministry will usually meet the sixty semester hours of master level required courses. Applicants aspiring to enter this degree program must satisfy the eight primary requirements of admission.
An applicant may successfully meet the eight primary admission requirements and be admitted to the Ph.D. Program in Biblical Studies but may fall short of the necessary master's program course(s) or language requirements. The master level courses and language requirements will be compared to all completed course work for degree program leveling requirements. The total number of hours necessary to fulfill the requirements for the Ph.D. will depend on the number of germane graduate hours in Bible and languages that the student has attained before entering the program. All admitted applicants who fall short of the acknowledged leveling courses will be required to take specific leveling courses for language deficiencies.
All academic degrees in the Turner School of Theology of Amridge University are designed to conform to the standards of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the graduate theological accrediting association. The University retains the right to change the Turner School of Theology degree program requirements if ATS standards are amended. Amridge University is regionally accredited with the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. All academic programs and degrees of each College/School of the University have been approved by SACS.
Upon completion of the Ph.D. in Biblical Studies, the student will be prepared to teach academic courses in biblical studies, biblical languages, and related subjects and will be skilled to engage in productive, original research. The student will also be equipped for higher-level service to the church universal. Also, the graduate will be able to teach in related programs at the university-level.
A student will demonstrate achievement of the program outcomes by receiving a passing grade in Research Dissertation Module IV.
As there may be slight variations for admission to each of the degree programs provided through the Amridge University Turner School of Theology, the admission requirements are provided under the heading Admission and Degree Requirements of each of the five programs of study.
RESPONSE TO ADMISSION APPLICATIONS
Upon receiving an application, the Admissions Office will formally acknowledge the applicant of his or her academic status with Amridge University. The Admissions Office will inform the applicant periodically as to the receipt of all necessary transcripts and documents.
After the applicant completes the requirements for admission, he or she will be notified of current status. The applicant will receive a letter of acceptance from the Admissions Office.
When the applicant has been accepted for admission to the University, the Registrar’s Office will prepare an evaluation of all transcripts. This evaluation will give the student direction as to what course requirements must be completed.
ADMISSION OF TRANSFER STUDENTS
Amridge University allows students to transfer credit from other accredited colleges and universities. Official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended must be received by Amridge University directly from these institutions. Documentation of high school graduation or accepted equivalent as specified in Section 2: Admissions of this catalog must also be on file.