Dual-Degree Programs

AMBS offers two dual-degree programs in cooperation with Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, a fifty-minute drive from AMBS.

The programs are:

  • Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work
  • Master of Arts: Peace Studies (MAPS) and Master of Social Work

The Andrews University Social Work department has a strong, well-qualified faculty. The MSW degree is approved by the Council of Social Work Education.

Context, rationale, and purpose of the dual-degree programs

The dual-degree programs were developed to prepare church leaders for bivocational or multiple ministries. About half of the pastoral openings in the Mennonite Church provide only partial financial support of leaders. Further, the Master of Social Work is the best masters-level degree to attain certification for counseling with third-party payment.

The purposes of the dual MDiv and MSW degrees are:

  1. To provide one solution to the church's need for pastors who are bivocationally prepared.
  2. To provide a psychological, social, clinical basis of training that will be recognized for third-party funding for social work and counseling employment.
  3. To combine ministerial leadership of a congregation with local social service ministry, either in counseling or community administration and development.

The rationale for the dual MAPS and MSW degree is to open up a wider range of employment for MAPS graduates. It also provides a biblical, theological, and ethical training base for the social work vocation. These two degrees mutually reinforce and strengthen each other.

The purposes of this combination of degrees are:

  1. To prepare MAPS graduates more broadly so that they will have more servant leadership options for employment upon graduation.
  2. To attract to AMBS college graduates with the BSW, because they may be eligible to enjoy the advantage of Advanced Standing at Andrews University, so that both degrees can be earned in two to three years.
  3. To serve the church by preparing graduates for social service ministries, such as in relief and development work, with strong biblical, theological and ethical foundations.

The dual-degree programs have been approved by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and the Higher Education Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, AMBS's two accrediting agencies.

For more detailed information about the dual-degree programs of study, see the AMBS Catalog, pages 97 to 101.

For details about the MSW program, contact Karen Stockton in the Social Work Department at Andrews University, 1 (269) 471-3156. For information regarding admission to Andrews University, contact the Admissions office at 1 (269) 471-3405.