The three key factors that motivate us:

1. Ministry Responsibility

Spurred by our desire to equip the whole people of God for their calling to be a witness in multiple settings, online education enables us to reach out to new constituencies and train people without uprooting them from their ministry/work responsibilities. The use of technology also enhances our global appeal as we are able to transcend borders and cater to the needs of people from other parts of the world.

2. Contextual Reality

As the world is rapidly changing with huge technological advances, the way people access and process information has also changed. Online education is able to cater to this new contextual reality and train people who prefer online mode of learning due to various reasons.

3. Financial Sustainability

As the cost of the residential programme continues to go higher, online education is also seen as a viable alternative to complement the ongoing residential programme. This new initiative will also enhance the greater sustainability of SAIACS in the future.

SAIACS offers a 2-6 years online Masters with specializations in Biblical Studies, Leadership, Apologetics, Christian Counselling, World Religions, Creative Arts and Worship Studies, Theological Studies and Theological Librarianship. The programme is accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA). Several other specializations are also under consideration.

The SAIACS MA Online programme is uniquely designed to provide a holistic theological education, focused on the head [cognitive], heart [affective] and hands [behavioural/skills].

The MA Online programme is unique in its pedagogical methodology with regard to the course administration, which is built on a hybrid mode of learning. Several technological tools like Moodle, Zoom, EZProxy, WhatsApp and others are employed for lectures, discussions, seminars and library access.

• Bachelor’s Degree (minimum 2nd Class pass) is mandatory. The degree can be from any recognized University or Theological College or Seminary that is accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA) or the Senate of Serampore College.
• SAIACS application requirements, interview, and examinations must be completed.

The MA Online curriculum is designed to provide biblically grounded, ministry-focused courses, which are relevant to the contemporary socio-cultural issues and realities, from both local and global perspectives. The curriculum is intentionally designed with focus on sharpening the intellect, shaping the character and enhancing the ministry skills.

The course comprises of 60 credit hours, which is spread across 20 modules of 3 credit hours each. Applicants who hold an ATA accredited BTh degree with a ‘B+’ grade can avail a waiver of certain modules.

The MA Online curriculum includes the following six components:

1.    Online Orientation and Research Writing Skills: (1 Module: 3 Credits)

This module enhances critical thinking, academic writing skills and library research. It is mandatory as it lays the groundwork for the entire course.

2.    Specialized Courses: (9 Modules: 27 Credits)

A total of 9 modules will be offered from the following specializations: Biblical Studies, Leadership, Apologetics, Christian Counselling, World Religions, Creative Arts and Worship Studies, Theological Studies and Theological Librarianship.

3.    Foundational Courses: (5 Modules: 15 Credits)

All students are required to do 5 foundational modules that provides them core competency in theological education.

4.    Elective Courses: Choice of Modules (3 Modules: 9 Credits)

Students are required to select an additional 3 modules that are pertinent to their selected discipline as electives. Students can choose these from a pool of modules with the assistance of their Head of Department (HoDs).

5.    Practicums (2 Modules: 6 Credits)

1.    Spiritual Formation (Year 1)

This module is to ensure that the students are fully engaged in their personal ongoing  inner formation that exemplifies biblical ethos and a lifestyle dedicated to service.

2.    Ministry Formation (Year 2)

This module is developed to provide opportunities for practical ministry, to apply their learning to contextual realities. Partnership with the student’s local church and other ministry agencies will be provided as part of their Ministry Formation module.

Each module is of 8 weeks with 4 units of 2 weeks each. The online classes will include lecture videos, paper presentations, assignments, quizzes, forum discussions through the Moodle learning platform. There will also be face to face interaction with the respective tutors/facilitators through Zoom or any other online platform.

Each credit hour requires 2000 minutes of learning. This means that a module will require 6000 minutes of learning, i.e.100-120 learning hours. Detailed information of learning hour allocation for each academic activity such as reading, writing, field work, video lectures, etc. shall be sent separately to the registered candidates.

(i) Successful completion of 60 credit units.

(ii) Ministry involvement meeting the set requirements.

(iii) Character and spiritual development meeting the set requirements.

SAIACS library catalogue and all electronic resources are now accessible from off campus (online) through EZProxy. This gives students and faculty access to library resources from any location. Students desiring to visit the campus briefly for educational purposes can avail the boarding and lodging guest facilities at SAIACS at additional cost.

SAIACS Online MA can be completed within 2 years, but can be extended up to 6 years. If the student takes beyond 6 years, the registration expires, and the candidate has to register again for the programme.

The fee has been kept very reasonable, considering the financial reality of many of our candidates. Also, students will have the option to pay this in multiple instalments [Minimum 3 Modules package]. Scholarship will be provided for suitable candidates. Please email the Programme Manager, Online Department for more details. (onlineprog.manager@saiacs.net).