Earn a Master of Arts in Ministry at Central Seminary
English | Online | 36 Credits
Our accredited online Master of Arts in Ministry is a professional degree program that equips students for ministry both inside and outside of congregational settings.
What to Know
- Degrees can be completed in two years.
- Choose a personalized study track to tailor the program to your goals.
- Virtual classes meet on Zoom one night a week.
- You can start in August, January, or May.
- Tuition assistance and payment plans are available.
If you want to learn more about our Master of Arts in Ministry program, contact us today. Central Seminary has over 100 years of history launching students into the world to minister and serve humanity. Let us be a part of your educational and vocational journey.
Why Consider a Master of Arts in Ministry
The MA in Ministry prepares graduates for a variety of vocational goals that may include roles as pastor, chaplain, youth and children’s minister, non-profit executive, community leader, and more.
If you have a specific career goal in mind, talk to your Student Success Advisor during the application process to determine if this program is best for you.
Choose a Personalized Study Track
Students complete a core curriculum of 24 credit hours plus 12 hours in a personalized study track concentration. Choose from a pre-determined concentration or design a portion of the program specific to your vocational goals. Based on their professional goals, students choose 12 hours in one of the following tracks:
- Chaplaincy
- Peace and Justice Ministry
- Bible and Theology
- Counseling
- Ministry Leadership
- Multi-Cultural Ministry
- Pastoral Ministry
- Build Your Own Track
FAQs About Our Master of Arts in Ministry
The MA in Ministry and the Master of Divinity share some of the same coursework and are both designed to prepare someone for a role in active ministry. However, the MA in Ministry (36 hours) is shorter and more focused than the Master of Divinity (72 hours). Some positions in ministry require or prefer the Master of Divinity, but increasingly, many do not and are willing to accept candidates with an MA in Ministry.
The MA in Theological Studies (36 hours) is an academic degree that allows students to engage in the study of particular topics of interest including biblical studies, theology, and Christian heritage. The MA in Theological Studies prepares students for further academic study, usually a Ph.D. The MA in Ministry, however, is a professional degree that focuses on the skills one needs to succeed in professional ministry.
Our live, online classes offer students the best of two educational formats. Live classes provide an interactive, personable, and communal learning environment with an instructor giving real-time instruction and feedback. Hosting these live classes online offers convenience to our students, allowing them to participate from wherever they are located. Classes generally meet one night per week.
Yes, applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution. A limited number of students without an earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent may be admitted to the MA program through alternative credentialing. Please ask for details.
This program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools.