Master of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry
Master of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry (MAYFM)
Since 1889, Howard Payne University has been training men and women who have sensed God’s calling to vocational ministry. The Master of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry is designed to provide preparation for those who will minister to teenagers and their families through the local church and other related ministries. The curriculum contains a combination of courses that emphasize biblical, theological and practical application. The 42-hour, non-thesis program is designed to work with the schedules of those serving away from the Brownwood area.
HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
Howard Payne’s Master of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry program does not have a housing requirement. Our unique non-residency program allows students to complete internships in lieu of a thesis, while continuing to minister right where they are.
MODULAR CLASS FORMAT
Modular graduate classes are offered from August to May (usually on our Brownwood campus). Students must complete pre-assignments before the classes begin, and post-assignments within four weeks of the final class day. The Tuesday-through-Friday format allows for a focused learning experience with minimal disruption to the schedule of a full-time youth minister.
INTERNSHIPS
In lieu of a thesis, students must complete three semester-long youth ministry internships, each focusing on the student’s personal and spiritual growth, and also a specific target area for development in ministry. For each internship, the student will have an on-site ministry guide with whom she or he will meet each week for reflection and accountability. In addition, the student will have weekly communication with the instructor in order to stay on task toward meeting the targeted goals. By design, no student who earns the MAYFM degree will be without significant guided experience in youth ministry.
FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
HPU Church Match Scholarship: HPU will match designated gifts for HPU graduate students up to, but not exceeding $100.00 per semester hour. For example if a church contributes $300 for a 3 hour class, then HPU will match that $300.00 so that the student’s tuition cost would be $600.00 less for that class. This scholarship is limited to Baptist churches.
BGCT Ministerial Grant/Scholarship: For students who are members of a Baptist church, the Baptist General Convention of Texas offers aid of $100.00 per semester hour.