About HGST
Introduction
Haggard Graduate School of Theology (HGST) at Azusa Pacific University is an expansion of an institution that began in 1899 with the formation of the Training School for Christian Workers. Devoted Christian educators from the Evangelical Friends (Quaker) and Methodist churches provided education for ministry at the training school throughout the early part of the 20th century. Today, HGST exists to carry on and expand this fundamental purpose of training men and women for effective ministry in the Church and the world, whether as lay persons or as ordained professionals, through its accredited degree programs. The theological stance of HGST is Wesleyan.
Accreditation
Haggard Graduate School of Theology (HGST) is accredited by the Association
of Theological Schools (ATS). Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Mission Statement
Haggard Graduate School of Theology (HGST), in keeping with its commitment to the authority of Scripture and the centrality of Jesus Christ, seeks to prepare people for effective, practical ministry in the Church throughout the world; to promote the spiritual, personal, and professional development of students; and to extend theological knowledge through academic inquiry, research, writing, and publication.
Specifically, HGST is dedicated to the following purposes:
- Serving the global mission of the Kingdom of God.
- Preparing people for leadership in the Church and ministries within various cultural and ethnic settings.
- Challenging students to respond to the spiritual and social needs of the world.
- Providing a balanced core of academic studies within the theological disciplines.
- Engaging students in experiential learning and integrative academic reflection.
- Promoting evangelical Christianity from a Wesleyan heritage.
Programs Offered
Master's Degrees
Asian Program (graduate theology courses in English and Korean)
The Asian Program offers bilingual courses in English and Korean for the various graduate degree programs in C.P. Haggard Graduate School of Theology. Blending Korean culture with the principles of God's Word, the program provides academic excellence coupled with practical ministry training.
Master of Arts in Christian Education
The Master of Arts in Christian Education Program is designed for persons seeking preparation in the specialized field of educational ministries.
Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Program is designed for persons seeking preparation in a specialized field of ministry. Concentrations include church leadership and development, urban studies, worship leadership, and youth ministry.
Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies - Hispanic Program
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Program consists of 60 semester units taught in three stages: 20 units taught in Spanish by Hispanic professors, 20 units taught in a bilingual setting with the aid of a bilingual staff and teaching assistant, and the remaining 20 units taught in English. Hispanic students are thus prepared to embrace two cultures and two languages, and to provide a Christian witness where God has called them to minister.
Master of Arts in Theological Formation
The Master of Arts in Theological Formation Program is designed for every type of ministry leader: community professionals, businessmen and women, volunteer ministers, church staff, and pastors. The program encourages the student's ongoing conversion, those increments of growth that happen intellectually and spiritually, resulting in greater Christ-likeness and deeper community.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies Program is designed for individuals seeking advanced academic training in biblical studies or theology and ethics in preparation for teaching in Christian schools and colleges, or for doctoral studies in Bible or theology and ethics.
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity Program prepares men and women for professional ministry in the church by providing solid training in biblical, theological, and ministerial studies.
Doctoral Degrees
Doctor of Ministry
The Doctor of Ministry Program renews and transforms ministry leaders, churches, and communities, equipping them to spread the message of Jesus Christ.
