The Master of Arts in Ministry may not be designed for those seeking official ordination under most religious denominations, but most MA in Ministry programs are still considered a cornerstone for anyone seeking advancement or appointment in the form of lay leadership or service.
Career Outlook & Salaries with This Degree
Typical MA in Ministry degree candidates embark on this particular program of study seeking church or congregational leadership roles — but usually not pastoral ordination. While candidates looking to enhance careers as pastors, ministers or priests might do so by seeking a Master of Theology or Master of Divinity, those seeking a Master of Arts in Ministry degree most often do so with other leadership opportunities in mind.
Compensation for lay ministers or congregational leaders may range from approximately $33,000 to nearly $60,000 — with an MA in Ministry degree being worth a noticeable compensation increase.
Job Responsibilities with This Degree
MA in Ministry graduates may use such a degree to help enhance careers in young adult ministry, church administration or expansion, women’s ministry, or any other ministry effort typically performed by a lay person and not a minister or pastor. In essence, such a degree could be considered vital to expounding on a particular church or denomination’s overall mission. Development of religious programs and church expansion efforts are just two of many day-to-day opportunities such a degree could help provide.
Course Requirements and Prerequisites for Earning This Degree
Bachelor’s degrees are universally required for the standard MA in Ministry program, with expected academic work containing thorough liberal arts study, including languages and social sciences required. Specific religious study — often the old testament, new testament, and theology, among others — is also often required. Local parish endorsement is also often recommended for entrance into such a program.
Online MA in Ministry Degree Programs
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree involves the study of Christian theology. This degree is the first professional degree of the pastoral profession in the United States. Holders of this degree are typically prepared for pastorship, priesthood, or professional ministry. Studies include Scripture studies, pastoral theology, Hebrew, liturgical studies, canon law, philosophy, and more. Below is a list of the most popular online colleges offering an M.Div. or related degree.
MDiv
MDiv: Biblical Studies
MDiv: Chaplaincy
MDiv: Church Ministries
MDiv: Leadership
MDiv: Missional Studies
MDiv: Pastoral Counseling
MDiv: Theology
Master of Sacred Theology
More Degrees...
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Liberty University offers online theological Masters degrees in Christian Leadership, Discipleship Ministries, Evangelism & Church Planting, Intercultural Studies, Marketplace Chaplaincy, Pastoral Counseling, Worship Studies, and Theological Studies. There is also a Master of Arts in Religion (MAR), a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Religious Education (MRE), and Master of Sacred Theology. Programs are well suited for pastors, Christian educators, small group leaders, evangelical leaders, and even Christian musicians. In fact, the M.Div. in Worship Studies has a faculty of top Christian leaders in worship music, song writing and arranging. Another unique MA is in Pastoral Counseling, in which students learn biblical counseling principles and strategies they can apply to help people in churches, rescue missions and shelters.
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MA: Christian Studies
MA: Christian Leadership
MA: Pastoral Ministry
MA: Urban Ministry
MA: Youth Ministry
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Grand Canyon University is among the top online education programs according to the Online Education Database. Students in the Masters of Arts in Christian Studies program can choose an emphasis in Christian Leadership, Pastoral Ministry, Urban Ministry, and Youth Ministry, all online. The Christian Leadership emphasis prepares religious, professional and secular leaders in biblical and theological knowledge and its application in leadership settings. Pastoral Ministry students has some of the same courses, like Old Testament Foundations, but specializes in mentoring, the work of the pastor, and sermon preparation. Urban Ministry includes a course titled "Issues in Urban Ministry," but is otherwise similar to Pastoral Ministry, and Youth Ministry includes courses on Youth Issues and Crisis, and Mentoring and Counseling Youth.
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MA: Spiritual Leadership
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Spring Arbor University's MA in spiritual formation and leadership combines the principles of "Christian spiritual formation and growth" with "evangelical perspective on discipleship." Students need not be pastors or ministers, but simply those looking to promote their own abilities to spiritually lead others in faith and practice. Students will strive to develop the communication, skills, and values needed to carry out duties of leadership positions.
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MA: Ministry
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The MA in ministry program from Hope International University prepares students looking for training in a second career by providing the means to be become more effective leaders in their local church or para-church organization. Students experience a combination of biblical development, professional development, and personal development courses that equip them with a solid foundation for Christian leadership. Classes are offered both on campus and online for convenience.
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MA: Pastoral Care
MA: Religious Education
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The MA in Pastoral Care at Fordham University combines the studies of theology and psychology to increase the effectiveness of pastoral ministry. This comprehensive program looks at philosophy, theology, history, sociology and culture to help inform future ministers of how best to serve their communities. The MA in Religious Education focuses on Youth and Young Adult Ministry and encourages strong values and improvement of human interaction and communication skills.
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MA: Religion
MA: Christian Ministry
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Graceland University's MA in Religion program is mostly online, but requires one three-week residential session. The Curriculum includes Christian Theology, Hebrew Scriptures, New Testament, Survey of the History of Christian Thought as well as three to four electives and is meant to give students a strong foundation for Christian ministry or doctoral study. The MA in Christian Ministry is more devoted towards teaching students practical ministerial skills in pastoral care, worship leadership and preaching.
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Hope International University: MA in Ministry