Masters degree
Ministry
Summary
Discover our MA in Ministry and how it will uniquely equip you for further ministry.
MA in Ministry Overview
This degree is designed for those with Bible college undergrad degrees who want grad-level theology and ministry training.
It has an 18-hour core of Bible and Theology and an 18-hour customizable concentration defined by each student.
The concentration can consist of classes on Bible, theology, apologetics, preaching, or graduate classes in some other field transferred from another school. Because this is a ministry degree, at least six concentration credits will need to be in practical theology.
The guiding requirement is that your concentration must work together with the Bible and Theology core to equip you to minister in your field, whether that is pastoring, chaplaincy, business, or something else. We’ll work with you at the beginning of your degree to define your concentration.
I’d recommend GBS’s MA for the same reason I recommend GBS’s BAs. They go deeper.
It’s not about head knowledge and it’s not about a “feelings” religion either. I see a lot of educated pastors who are professional performers. That’s not what GBS is. I think it’s a good balance of what the Christian life is. That’s what they’re teaching pastors to be.
Overview
Program Format
The MA in Ministry has a total of 36 credit hours. Students may take classes…
- Full-time: 3 classes (9 credit hours) per term.
- Part-time: 1-2 classes (3-6 credit hours) per term.
Students went on to be a
- Bible teacher
- missionary
- PhD student
- MDiv student
- pastoral counselor
- chaplain
Cost
Visit the Masters Tuition page for up-to-date cost information.
Homework Load
Students report spending 7-12 hours weekly per graduate course.
Financial Aid Options
If you want to save money and have less debt after you graduate. Learn more about your financial aid options.
Degree Structure
You can shape the MA in Ministry to meet your needs. However here is our suggested sequence for this degree.
Biblical Studies
The biblical core of the Ministry MA is 12 credits.
- Biblical Hermeneutics – 3 hours
- Biblical Theology of Holiness – 3 hours
- Biblical Theology Elective – 3 hours
(Old Testament or New Testament) - Biblical Languages and Technology – 3 hours
Theological Studies
The theology core of the Ministry MA is 6 credits.
- Wesleyan or Historical Theology Elective – 3 hours (Example: History of American Methodism 1784-1900)
- Systematic Theology Elective – 3 hours (Example: Ecclesiology)
Concentration Electives
Complete one of these concentrations for 18 credits, design your own using electives from several content areas, or transfer in up to 18 hours of qualifying electives.
- Bible Teaching
- Christian Counseling
- Muslim Studies through an articulation agreement with Mission Muslim World University
Whether you create your own concentration or choose one of these, 6 concentration hours must be in practical theology.
Why pursue an MA in Ministry at GBSC?
Flexibility
Graduate classes are completely online, from homework to live class sessions. No need to relocate or upset your schedule. Our degrees are designed for active pastors, missionaries, and lay ministers.
Customization
With 18 hours of electives, the you can shape your MA in Ministry to emphasize Christian counseling, preaching, evangelism and apologetics, church planting, discipleship, or ministry leadership. For specifics, see the catalog’s course listing.
Theology
We are committed to the authority of God’s inerrant Word. We are Wesleyan-Arminian and passionate about the message of Spirit-filled, holy living.