Graduate Studies in Ministry and Theology

For the student interested in graduate-level studies in ministry and theology, Bethel University offers a Master of Arts in Ministry degree (36 hours) or a Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree (60 hours)

The Master of Arts in Ministry (M.A. Min.) establishes a customized and strong foundation for ministry leadership. Elective coursework may be tailored by students to meet ministry and educational goals. The program helps students

increase their biblical and theological understanding
build practical ministry skills
experience deeper personal spiritual growth that will enable them to provide Christ-centered leadership in the contemporary world.

Candidate for the program include pastors, church workers or active laypeople.

The M.A.Min. program structure is designed so that upon completion of the degree, students can easily transition into the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program to continue toward their educational goals.

Building on the foundation of the Master of Arts in Ministry, the M.A.T.S. degree is a 60-hour program. It establishes a strong foundation for ministry leadership and the groundwork for graduate academic and ministerial training in the future. Biblically grounded coursework is academically sound and theologically challenging. Students are equipped to integrate biblical truth and practical skills in their current ministry context.

Courses can be transferred towards a Master of Divinity at seminaries or toward various other masters programs.

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SNAPSHOT

Credit Hours: 36

Cost/Credit Hour: $340

Format: Hybrid and Online

Est. Completion Time: 1-2 years

Course Requirements

Choose the Master of Arts in Ministry degree (36 hours) and opt to continue for a Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree (60 hours).

Program Format
Electives

Program Format

Master of Arts in Ministry is fully online.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies is hybrid.

Each semester, four courses are scheduled in a seven-week format. During the summer two courses are offered. Each course carries three graduate hours of credit. Students complete the degree at their pace. Rigid sequencing of courses is not a feature of either program and therefore students may apply, be admitted, and enroll at any time during the academic year. From the time of matriculation, 7 years are granted to complete the M.A.Min. degree; 10 years are granted to complete the MATS.

Electives

Visit the Academic Catalog for course descriptions:

catalog

Career Paths

Master’s in Ministry
U.S. News* reports on online ministry master’s degrees. The site says this type of degree can “help students enhance theological knowledge and develop leadership skills.” Students will develop ministry skills by studying history, the Bible and practical applications. Areas of concentrations could include a career in: counseling, family ministry, pastoral ministries, church planting, and women’s leadership studies.

*U.S. News: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/ministry-masters-degree

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How to Apply

Complete a free online application.
Meet with an admission counselor.
Send us your official college transcripts directly from the school to Bethel. They can be mailed in a sealed envelope or sent electronically to AGSAdmission@BethelUniversity.edu.
Complete the FAFSA using Bethel's school code: 001787 to be considered for state and federal need-based aid.

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Next Start Date

Feb 8 2023

Last day to withdraw (7-week AGS classes) Subscribe to Alerts

Admission Requirements

For the Master of Arts in Ministry and Master of Arts in Theological Studies candidates, the following requirements must be completed:

A total of 36/60 semester hours with a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average.
Successful completion of BBST 531, BBST 532, BBST 541, CHMN 522, THES 531, THES 535, or THES 536 for both the M.A.T.S. and M.A.Min. Degrees, with the addition of THES 523, THES 534B and THES 534C for the M.A.T.S. Degree. If these or comparable graduate level courses were successfully completed at another accredited graduate school and transferred to the student’s Bethel Col-lege graduate program, this requirement may be adjusted accordingly. The pro-gram director must approve any exception to this.
Courses for which a grade below "C-" is received may not count as hours earned for either of these degrees.
The final 15 semester credit hours for either of these degrees must be completed at Bethel University immediately prior to graduation. Any exception to this must be on the basis of appeal submitted to the program director. The appeal will then be sub-mitted to the Vice President of Academic Services of Bethel University, with whom the final decision will rest.
All financial accounts must be fully paid to Bethel University. Academic credit, transcript and diploma are withheld until the account is paid in full.
An Application for Graduation form must be completed by an advisor, signed by the graduate student, and approved by the program director. This must be completed and submitted to the office of the registrar no later than September 30 prior to the following spring commencement.

$340 per credit hour*

*Fees per semester: $190 (full-time students): $160 (all part-time students)

Other fees may apply by program. Please see Advisor.

FAFSA Details

Complete the form on the Federal Student Aid site, StudentAid.gov. Bethel’s federal school code is 001787.
Payment Plan bethelcollege.afford.com OR call 800.722.4867.
Contact our Financial Aid department.

Financial Aid

Financial aid for adult and graduate students is available. Contact our Financial Aid Office at 574.807.7326 or Sabrina.Citte@BethelUniversity.edu to learn more about your options.

Find Direct Costs and Tuition and Fees in our latest Academic Catalog