Master’s in Christian Ministry Online
Pursue Your Passion and Prepare for Pastoral Leadership
Current and future lay ministers and assistant pastors are invited to apply for admission to Grand Canyon Theological Seminary. The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry online program is well-suited to individuals who wish to provide pastoral guidance and care to members of their church community.
This online master’s in Christian ministry program provides a comprehensive survey of the Old and New Testament foundations and the development of Christian doctrine. It examines pastoral care, biblical interpretation and ministerial ethics. You will have the opportunity to develop your spiritual, intellectual and professional knowledge, and prepare to serve as a faithful gospel minister within your community. You will be inspired to nurture your passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ and Christ-like ministerial service.
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
How GCU Prepares You for Leadership in Christian Ministry
The Grand Canyon Theological Seminary provides spiritual support, online resources, including eBooks and interactive forums and technical and academic assistance. We also offer affordable online tuition, helping you earn a quality master’s degree in Christian ministry.
The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry can equip you to lead with confidence by providing a solid understanding of pastoral care, biblical interpretation and ministerial ethics. You’ll be taught the skills needed to organize ministries, communicate effectively and inspire congregations to address challenges with faith and purpose.
Work Toward a Master’s in Ministry Online
GCU’s flexible learning path can empower you to pursue the advanced study of God’s Word while continuing to meet your current responsibilities. Our online master’s in Christian ministry degree is taught by instructors who are knowledgeable in their respective fields. Through our Learning Management System, you can connect with peers and faculty, manage your program activities and find helpful resources.
Master’s in Ministry Courses and Competencies
In your Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program, you will cover material that can help you gain competence in various areas of ministry. Rigorous coursework and hands-on field ministry experiences come together in this comprehensive master’s in Christian ministry degree program.
Through coursework and thoughtful discussions, you have the opportunity to develop the profound theological knowledge and strength of character necessary to lead multigenerational congregations. GCU seeks to help you understand modern challenges and apply ethical principles and the rightful interpretation of Scripture to guide others in overcoming these challenges.
Some of the course topics in this degree program include:
How to lead and organize ministries
Contemporary ministry communication
Pastoral care in a ministry context
Foundations of the Old and New Testaments
The importance of ministerial ethics
Cultivate Pastoral Skills To Help Others Grow in Their Faith
The master’s in ministry online program covers competencies in multiple areas critical to a successful, fulfilling career in the church, including:
This degree’s curriculum includes multiple supervised ministry field experiences embedded throughout the program. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your grasp of the program’s concepts, theories and research by applying these principles to practical contexts. There is an emphasis on practical training for ministry leaders as they work to edify the Christian community and to lead with grace and compassion.
Career Paths for Master’s in Ministry Graduates
This online master’s degree can open the door to various roles within a ministerial context. Graduates should have a deep understanding of discipleship, evangelism and prayer, which can prepare them to pursue a lifetime of service to others in the Christian community.
With a thorough grounding in the Christian doctrines, you will be taught to lead, teach and shepherd God’s people. Some possible roles that may be related to this degree include a religious activities and education director or postsecondary and religion teacher.
Other related careers that you may pursue with a master’s in ministry include:
Clergy
Education administrators
Teaching assistants
New jobs estimated for directors, religious activities and education from 2023 to 2033(See disclaimer 1)
Earn an ATS-Accredited Christian Ministry Degree
Grand Canyon University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Grand Canyon Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our frequently asked questions are here to provide you with more information on a career in ministry and earning your master’s in ministry degree from GCU.
How do you become a pastor?
What is Christian ministry?
What can you do with a master’s ministry degree?
What are the prerequisites for a master’s in Christian ministry?
Program Curriculum
Fundamental Courses
Fundamental courses prepare students for the curricular content they will encounter within the program. Upon evaluation of their transcripts, students with the appropriate undergraduate degree(s) may wave fundamental course(s). All students will undergo transcript evaluations upon receipt of their undergraduate degree bearing official transcript. For college specific information regarding fundamental coursework, students should refer to the University Policy Handbook.
Core Courses
Prepare to lead others in their spiritual journey with a master’s in Christian ministry.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Directors, Religious Activities and Education, retrieved on Nov. 14, 2024.