Specific Goals of the MA in Intercultural Studies
In addition to qualifications and competencies in the general foundation areas noted above, this program should produce missions’ leaders who are:
⦁ Competent to understand and explain the historical, theological, sociological and cultural foundations of Islam and its relevance to the Christian mission.
⦁ Directly and competently engaged in evangelization of Muslims and the discipling of Muslim Background Believers (MBBs).
⦁ Able to properly understand and interpret the Qur’an and other literature within the Muslim Hadith, and to compare and contrast such with the teachings of the Old and New Testaments.
⦁ Enable students to have a comprehensive understanding of Islam.
⦁ Know the ways, life and practices of Muslims.
⦁ Discover common grounds through which to reach and minister to Muslims.
⦁ Identify ways on how to relate and minister to Muslims.
⦁ Appreciate and demonstrate practical love and respect for the Muslims.
⦁ Provide the students in the department with the right foundations of knowledge, ethics, and behaviour to help the Muslim community.
⦁ Learn the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity in order to enhance the relationship between both as a foundation for genuine dialogue.
⦁ Gain knowledge of the tools and techniques needed to analyze the theology, traditions and worldview of Islam.
⦁ Witness and engage in Muslim evangelism and church planting in Islamic contexts.
⦁ Mobilize the churches for cross-cultural missions.
General Requirements for Admission
Applicants generally must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in religion or theology, with a second-class pass, from any recognized university or theological college or seminary which is either affiliated with a Nigerian university at the degree level or accredited by the Accrediting Council for Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA) or any candidate with equivalent qualification(s) from outside Nigeria. Admission into all master’s programs is monthly, except the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership, which has been upgraded to include a Fast Track option of 2 years (January, April, July and October) in addition to the Regular 3 years January and July contacts depending on availability.
Candidates are required to write entrance examinations and must fulfil all general and departmental requirements. Also, they are required to fulfil the following:
1. Purchase and complete Application Forms
2. Provide an official transcript of previous academic work
3. Provide three letters of recommendation from the following: one from the candidate’s denominational leader; one from a former professor/instructor; and one from a professional colleague
4. Write a biographical essay (not less than 500 words) on their lives before and after conversion and their call to ministry.
5. Attend and pass an oral interview
Preferences for admission will be given to those holding accredited Bachelor’s degrees in religion or theology. Candidate(s) with first degrees in non-religious areas may be admitted into WATS’ Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies, or Master of Arts in Christian Education. A Bachelor’s degree in education will be an added advantage for a Master of Arts in Christian Education.
