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Youth ministry leadership online program accredited FOR RELEASE August 1, 2006
Huntington, Ind.—Huntington University’s newest Master of Arts program in youth ministry leadership has earned accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The program offers a unique combination of distance and online courses. “I’m excited for the chance to communicate the news of this official accreditation to our growing number of prospective students,” said Dr. Dave Rahn, director of the Master of Arts program in youth ministry. “The momentum is picking up.”
The University applied for accreditation last fall. Representatives from the Higher Learning Commission visited a class in Florida and met with Rahn; Dr. Norris Friesen, vice president and dean of the University; and Dr. Ray Seilhamer, dean of Christian ministries. “Accreditation of this program is vital to its success, and this is a tribute to the hard work of Dr. Ray Seilhamer and Dr. Dave Rahn,” Friesen said. “Accreditation assures students that the program will be equal in quality to other degrees offered by Huntington University and validates the unique blend of online and traditional instruction that we seek to offer. The new degree also will use several different youth ministry professionals as instructors in the program. Students will have the opportunity to study with professors who are currently writing and doing research in the discipline of youth ministry. This unique delivery system is an exciting development for Huntington University, and it is affirming to receive the blessing of the Higher Learning Commission.”
Introduced in October 2005, the program started with three students and now carries an enrollment of 13. This is the University’s first formal foray into distance learning. Courses are being offered in Colorado, Ohio, Florida and other locations near national conferences for youth workers. Huntington University partnered with Youth Specialties and Youth for Christ to create the master’s degree in youth ministry leadership. By offering this program online and in convenient locations across the country, the University has the ability to offer graduate level training in youth ministry from coast to coast. Current students come from Maryland, Texas, Oregon, Georgia, Virginia, Florida, Alabama, Minnesota, Michigan and Ohio. Each course begins with 30 days of online communication, learning activities and fellowship. Three days of intense class time follow, giving students and faculty a face-to-face opportunity to discuss, debate and theorize about relevant ministry topics. The remaining coursework and research activity is facilitated through an additional 60 days of online interaction. Classes meet in Fort Myers, Fla.; Denver, Col.; Huntington, Ind.; and at one Youth Specialties National Youth Workers’ Convention per year. This year, that convention is in Cincinnati, Ohio. The new distance-learning program builds on the strengths of Huntington University’s well established graduate programs, including accredited master’s degree programs in youth ministry, pastoral ministry, discipling ministry and counseling ministry, as well as a diploma in pastoral ministry. For more information about the Master of Arts in youth ministry leadership, log on to http://www.youthministryleadership.com/. Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). # # #
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