The degree normally consists of 40 units or their equivalent (36-unit minimum) that constitute a coherent disciplinary or interdisciplinary focus. The total units must include a core of at least 3 units in biblical/theological studies or a related area that offers an integrative approach to questions of philosophy and/or values in the field of study and 4 units of thesis or equivalent.

Subject to the specified requirements and to final approval by the IMAP Council, the structure and content of the program is negotiated with the faculty mentor/advisor and may consist of a combination of taught courses, independent study or research, tutorial, seminar or supervised field experience (normally limited to one-third of total units) or other approved experiences.

A significant portion of the program shall be taken at Fresno Pacific University in a setting that provides for interaction with others, such as a taught class, seminar or colloquium.

A maximum of 10 units completed prior to admission to the program may be approved for transfer from other accredited (or equivalent) graduate programs and must be included in the preliminary proposal of study. Such credit must be relevant to the program of study being undertaken. No course may be more than 10 years old at the time of completion of the IMAP.

Preliminary Interview

Schedule a meeting with the IMAP program director. At this meeting the program director will determine whether there is a good fit between the student’s goals and the resources available through the university. Students should be prepared to discuss:

• Objectives: Indicate the purpose(s) of the proposed study. To what use will the degree be put? What are the specific understandings or skills to be developed?
• Area of concentration: Define the specific field of study within the broader objectives. Provide a tentative title that reflects the academic interests.
• Key questions: What are some of the key questions to explore? Identify some of the major areas (or subjects) in which to read. Are there particular writers to study or specific courses to take?
• Qualifications and background: Describe qualifications or skills brought to the study to aid success in the program; for example, previous studies, work experiences, etc.
• Culminating experience: All IMAP students are expected to complete a thesis or similar final project. What are the student’s ideas about the nature or content of a thesis or project?

Final Program of Study

At the beginning of the IMAP program and as the part of the course IMA 701: Introduction to Individualized Study, students will prepare a 10-15 page paper in which they outline their final program of study. This paper provides a structure in which to survey and explore some of the broad parameters and context within the area of study. It also serves as a learning contract between the student and the university and must thus indicate specific courses or learning experiences that are being proposed.

A form will be provided that will be attached to the full paper and will assist in the task of outlining the specific instructional components of the final plan. The final study plan must be approved by the IMAP Council. Students who do not have an approved final study plan by the end of the first semester must petition the dean of the appropriate school for an extension of time in order to register for additional courses. See course description for details.

The final program of study is developed in consultation with the mentor/advisor and is subject to approval by the IMAP Council. It must demonstrate internal coherence and should include a section that pays attention to the theoretical and historical context within which the proposed study is undertaken. The plan should provide evidence that the student outcomes specified for the program are likely to be met. The final program of study should normally include at least the components listed below:

1. Theoretical and/or historical context for the field(s) in which the study will be undertaken. While the amount of attention given to this component in both the written document and in the program itself will vary between students, it is important that, at least at this conceptual stage, the proposed study be located within its larger context.
2. The objectives and/or outcomes for the program of study, including how they fit into the student's professional and/or personal objectives.
3. Concentration, including a title that reflects the field of study and a brief summary description of the content to be pursued.
4. Key questions to be investigated and/or skills to be developed.
5. Listing of activities and experiences such as taught courses, directed readings, tutorials, research or field experiences and the course credit to be earned by each. A proposed timeline for achievement should also be indicated where possible. Where the relationship between the objectives and the proposed activities, experiences and products are not obvious, they should be spelled out. All IMAP students are expected to complete at least 4 units of a project or thesis (including 1 unit equivalent for the project or thesis proposal).*
6. Major resources including a preliminary overview of some of the bibliographic and human resources expected to be available (both within and outside of the university) that can be used in pursuing the proposed plan.
7. Any substantive changes in the plan subsequent to its initial approval must be approved by the IMAP Council and/or the appropriate dean (depending on the nature of the changes) prior to being undertaken.

Attention should also be given to how the proposed area of study will address the interface between faith and culture.

View the IMAP handbook.

* Master of Arts Thesis/Project Handbook

Back to the IMAP program page.