Master of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Pastoral Ministry


The Master of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Pastoral Ministry prepares graduates to provide spiritual guidance and care to members of their church or congregation. Those seeking a degree in pastoral ministry may include pastors, pastoral associates, health care chaplains, religious educators, retreat leaders and Bible study leaders. This program requires a total of 38 credits and may be taken online, or at one of our campus locations.

The MA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Pastoral Ministry prepares students with biblical and theological knowledge and the practical application of that knowledge in pastoral leadership settings. Students learn how to become a pastor by studying how to prepare sermons as well as how to identify the needs of those in their congregation. Coursework includes a study of spiritual growth and the major Christian doctrines including revelation, God, humanity, and the world. Topics of study also include the theological structures and themes of the Old and New Testament historical and literary documents.

This master‛s degree with an emphasis in Pastoral Ministry will study the basic principles of evangelical biblical interpretation and the use of biblical language tools as well as the techniques for preaching and the preparation and delivery of sermons. It also addresses issues that arise in the day-to-day life and work of a pastor and how pastors can prepare themselves to face potential challenges in pastoral life.

Program Disclosure

Category Non-Traditional Traditional
Books & Supplies (Per Program) $935 $1,375
Tuition & Fees (Per Program) $19,360 $15,720
Room & Board (Per Semester, If Applicable) $3,434
On Time Graduation Rate 92% N/A
Median Private Loan Debt $0 N/A
Median TIV Loan Debt $34,324 N/A
Median Institutional Financing Plan Debt N/A N/A

Program SOC

Occupations
Directors, Religious Activities and Education
Clergy
  1. It is the policy of the University to collect and remit sales, use, excise and/or gross receipts taxes in compliance with state and local taxing jurisdiction regulations which require the University to remit tax where applicable. These regulations vary by location. Please note: It is also the policy of the University to require payment of sales, use, excise, and/or gross receipts tax. Payment of tax is ultimately the student's financial responsibility to the University regardless of financing arrangements. Per Hawaii requirements: It is hereby stated that students residing in the State of Hawaii will be charged Hawaii General Excise Tax on all transactions. Students living in the District of Oahu will be charged 4.5%. Students residing in other Hawaii districts will be charged 4.0%.
  2. Book costs are based on an average. Costs may increase or decrease depending on electronic availability or publisher's book costs.
  3. Room and board costs may be higher or lower depending on housing and meal plan choice. This number is based on an average for students on campus.
  4. Some Non-Traditional programs may be offered on the ground campus or on-line.
  5. N/A identifies that a program is not offered in that modality or that fewer than 10 students graduated within the reported timeframe.
  6. Tuition and Fees for each program are based on current rates. Future Tuition and Fee Rates may vary. Tuition was calculated using the number of credit hours in the program times the current tuition rate and includes the Graduation Fee. Full time students enrolled at a program taken at the main campus include a Student Activity Fee, charged every semester. Online programs include a one time Learning Management Fee. Some programs may also include additional fees based on course materials.
  7. On-time graduation rates and median loan debt are based on students who graduated in the 2011-2012 award year.
  8. Not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities.
  9. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment.

Disclosure Information

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.

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