Master of Arts in Ministry
English | 100% Online, Virtual Classroom | 36 Credit Hours | 2-years
The Master of Arts in Ministry is a professional degree program that equips students for ministry both inside and outside of congregational settings. Tailored for your vocational goals, the MA in Ministry offers a focused route to theological education.
Central’s goal is to educate and form creative leaders to minister to and serve humanity in a rapidly changing global environment. If this describes you, we urge you to consider the MA in Ministry.
CONTACT ADMISSIONS to Learn How You Can Customize Your Curriculum for the MA in Ministry Degree
Master of Arts in Ministry Program
If students follow the recommended course sequence, the program is designed to be completed in only two years.
Courses are 12-weeks in length, offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer. Courses usually meet one night per week on Zoom in a virtual classroom.
Applications Calendar
| Session | Start Date | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Easter 2025 (May - July) | May 5, 2025 | April 14, 2025 |
Tuition & Fees
Tuition
$410 per credit hour before scholarships or other institutional financial aid. Scholarship opportunities are available to all degree-seeking students. Payment plans are also available to make your education affordable.
Registration Fee
$250 per term
Admissions Information
Start your application anytime. Classes start in August, January, and May. Official transcripts, references, and an autobiographical statement will be required for admission. 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. Students participating in the English program for whom English is not their first language will be required to demonstrate their English proficiency.
Required Coursework
Required – 24 hrs
- Thinking Theologically (3 hrs)
- Global Conversations I (3 hrs)
- Christian Ethics (3 hrs)
- Biblical Interpretation (2 hrs)
- Forming Spiritual Community (1 hr x 5 = 5 hrs)
- Hebrew Bible (3 hrs)
- New Testament (3 hrs)
- Christian Heritage (3 hrs)
Personalized Study Track – 12 hrs
Program Schedule
Students will complete 36 credit hours over two years if they follow the recommended sequence.
The program operates on three terms per year, August (Fall), January (Spring), and May (Summer). Each term runs for 12 weeks.
Contact Admissions
LeAundra Boyice
Admissions and Student Success Advisor
Program Benefits
Online, but not on your own
Courses meet one night per week on Zoom in a virtual classroom. These live, online sessions, offer students real-time interaction with their classmates and instructors.
Save Money
Central Seminary is committed to keeping our tuition as low as possible while providing exceptional educational experiences. Scholarship opportunities are available to all degree-seeking students. Payment plans are also available to make your education affordable.
Widely-Recognized Accreditation
Central Seminary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate interpretive skills appropriate for effective ministry leadership.
- Demonstrate spiritual growth and self-awareness appropriate for effective ministry leadership.
- Demonstrate the ability to integrate program knowledge, skills, and character in chosen ministry setting.
- Demonstrate empathy within a diverse community setting.
Program Frequently Asked Questions
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. While the Chaplaincy track and the Peace and Justice Ministry track may lead to certain careers, the Personalized Study track can be customized to meet your individual career goals. 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.
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 a learning environment that is interactive, personable, and communal 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.
This new program is pending accreditor approval. Central is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools.