Specializations
Indigenous Community Development
The Master of Arts (Theology) with a specialization in Indigenous Community Development program, which is offered in partnership with NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community, provides a rigorous theological studies program that will enable students to deeply encounter and value the experience of the Indigenous follower of Jesus Christ in community, and to learn how to assist an Indigenous community in identifying and developing the strengths derived from their worldview, history, traditions and cultural expressions in order to move forward in Creator’s good intentions for them.
To apply to this program you must first be accepted by NAIITS.
For admission requirements and tuition information visit the Master of Arts (Theology) page.
Meet Rev. Dr. Daniel Zacharias
Director of Master of Arts (Theology) Program

Program Overview
Course Number Course Title Credit Hours Biblical Studies BIBL 5503 Hebrew Scripture Foundations 3 BIBL 5513 New Testament Foundations 3 BIBL 6503 Community Models in Scripture 3 Christian Thought THEO 5503 Theology 1: Indigenous Perspectives 3 THEO 6503 Theology 2: Theology and Ethic of the Land 3 THEO 6513 OR THEO 6523 Ethics in Intercultural Context OR Creation and Transformation 3 Research Methodology IDTH 7813 Indigenous Research and Writing 3 Indigenous Community Development Specialization INCD 5513 Cultures and Systems Change 3 INCD 5523 Theory and Praxis in Development – History and Method 3 INCD 5533 Indigenous Leadership Development 3 INCD 6503 Asset-based Development 3 INCD 6513 Community Field Placement 3 INCD 6523 Family and Social Systems 3 INCD 7623 Colonization and Decolonization 3 INCD 7723 Indigenous Spirituality and Formation 3 INCD 7823 Indigenous Symposium Seminars 3 Electives4 Elective 3 Elective 3 Elective 3 Elective 3 Total Credit Hours 60
- This specialization is offered in partnership with the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies (NAIITS) to offer an almost entirely Indigenously-taught program.
- Applicants to this specialization will meet the admission requirements of both Acadia Divinity College and NAIITS.
- The Statute of Limitations is seven years.
- Normally a course offered by NAIITS. When appropriate, other ADC courses may be taken with permission.
Course Number Course Title Credit Hours Biblical Studies BIBL 5503 Hebrew Scripture Foundations 3 BIBL 5513 New Testament Foundations 3 BIBL 6503 Community Models in Scripture 3 Christian Thought THEO 5503 Theology 1: Indigenous Perspectives 3 THEO 6503 Theology 2: Theology and Ethic of the Land 3 THEO 6513 OR THEO 6523 Ethics in Intercultural Context OR Creation and Transformation 3 Research Methodology IDTH 7813 Indigenous Research and Writing 3 Indigenous Community Development Specialization INCD 5513 Cultures and Systems Change 3 INCD 5523 Theory and Praxis in Development – History and Method 3 INCD 5533 Indigenous Leadership Development 3 INCD 6503 Asset-based Development 3 INCD 6513 Community Field Placement 3 INCD 6523 Family and Social Systems 3 INCD 7623 Colonization and Decolonization 3 INCD 7723 Indigenous Spirituality and Formation 3 INCD 7823 Indigenous Symposium Seminars 3 Electives4 Elective 3 Elective 3 Project INCD 7913, INCD 7923 Project 3,3 Total Credit Hours 60
- This specialization is offered in partnership with the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies (NAIITS) to offer an almost entirely Indigenously-taught program.
- Applicants to this specialization will meet the admission requirements of both Acadia Divinity College and NAIITS.
- The Statute of Limitations is seven years.
- Normally a course offered by NAIITS. When appropriate, other ADC courses may be taken with permission.
Course Number Course Title Credit Hours Biblical Studies BIBL 5503 Hebrew Scripture Foundations 3 BIBL 5513 New Testament Foundations 3 BIBL 6503 Community Models in Scripture 3 Christian Thought THEO 5503 Theology 1: Indigenous Perspectives 3 THEO 6503 Theology 2: Theology and Ethic of the Land 3 THEO 6513 OR THEO 6523 Ethics in Intercultural Context OR Creation and Transformation 3 Research Methodology IDTH 7813 Indigenous Research and Writing 3 Indigenous Community Development Specialization INCD 5513 Cultures and Systems Change 3 INCD 5523 Theory and Praxis in Development – History and Method 3 INCD 5533 Indigenous Leadership Development 3 INCD 6503 Asset-based Development 3 INCD 6513 Community Field Placement 3 INCD 6523 Family and Social Systems 3 INCD 7623 Colonization and Decolonization 3 INCD 7723 Indigenous Spirituality and Formation 3 INCD 7823 Indigenous Symposium Seminars 3 Thesis 6,6 Total Credit Hours 60
- This specialization is offered in partnership with the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies (NAIITS) to offer an almost entirely Indigenously-taught program.
- Applicants to this specialization will meet the admission requirements of both Acadia Divinity College and NAIITS.
- The Statute of Limitations is seven years.