The Salvation Army and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Charlotte are pleased to announce a new partnership that provides those currently serving in the Salvation Army the following benefits:

• The opportunity to earn a theological degree (M.Div. included) while continuing in the service of the Salvation Army.
• One-week intensive courses offered twice a year.
• Seminary credit for practical ministry.
• Partial completion of degree requirements through distance education.
• Advanced standing for those who have successfully completed the School For Officer Training.

Ask anyone engaged in full-time ministry and most will tell you that the longer they serve, the more critical a seminary degree becomes. This is no less true for those who serve in the Salvation Army. Many life-long career officers often find that the skills and knowledge acquired in graduate seminary training are invaluable. In addition, this partnership enables you to integrate theory and practice. What you learn in the class gives substance to what you do in the field, and what you do in the field gives purpose to what you learn in the class.

Gordon-Conwell strives to integrate theory and practice. We believe that effective preparation for ministry must blend theology and action. To that end, we have designed a student-centered model for theological education geared to the needs of those already in ministry, like you.

With the "advanced standing" and distance education options afforded through this partnership, you will be able to reduce the required residency by more than fifty percent. What's more, the one-week intensive courses will enable you to continue to be faithful to your "call" without neglecting the theological education so vital to fulfilling it.

If you have an undergraduate degree* from an accredited college or university and have successfully completed the School For Officer Training through the Salvation Army, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Charlotte will grant up to twenty-one credit hours of advanced standing toward the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership degree or up to thirty credit hours of advanced standing toward the Master of Divinity degree. In effect, advanced standing reduces the number of courses required to graduate in a given program.

The remaining courses will be completed through various formats: 1) Semlink, our distance education program; 2) Mentored Ministry credit which can be done wherever you presently serve; 3) Directed Study (MACL only); and 4) one-week intensive courses. The Semlink courses and the Mentored Ministry rotations can be taken any time which adds to the convenience of this partnership. The final project requirement for the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership program can be completed as a "directed study" which does not require residency. The one-week intensives are offered during the last two weeks of January and July which allows the student to take up to two courses per month. The student attends class lectures for one week and has eight weeks to complete research and final assignments.

You do the math! With the advanced standing and other flexible formats afforded by this partnership, most students may need to complete only eight weeks of residency in order to earn a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership degree and only thirteen weeks for the Master of Divinity.

* If credit from your Officer Training program was applied toward the completion of an undergraduate degree, advanced standing is not an option. You may participate in the other benefits associated with this partnership, but you will be required to complete the full 60 or 90 hours depending on the respective degree program.

All students will be admitted to the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership program with a concentration in Christian Ministry. However, those who intend to earn the Master of Divinity degree can do so by following a specific course of study within the MACL program. The student has the option of either completing the MACL or changing degree status to the M.Div. without loss of course credits. Those who wish to earn the M.Div. should declare their intent as soon as possible (preferably when applying) to insure they take the necessary courses applicable to both the MACL and M.Div. degrees.

Salvation Army officers with an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning are eligible to apply. The following are necessary for admission consideration:

1. Complete sections I-VII and XI of the degree application.
2. In lieu of recommendations, please request a letter from your supervisor verifying your eligibility.
3. Request official transcripts sent directly from all colleges and universities attended.
4. Include a nonrefundable $25 application fee.