Master's in Urban Ministry Degree
Master's in Urban Ministry Degree
Start your GCU
journey today.
journey today.
We're here to help.
Urban ministry recognizes the need to bring the love of Christ to urban areas and inner city neighborhoods. The Master of Arts in Urban Ministry degree, offered by the Grand Canyon Theological Seminary, is a Christ-centered course of study that can prepare future Christian leaders to serve congregations amid the hectic pace of city life.
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)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
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).
Throughout your courses, you will examine some of the pressing matters of today’s congregations, including:
Additionally, you will be required to complete supervised ministry hours. These field experiences are opportunities for you to demonstrate academic progress in theology and the practical application of biblical principles.
During this master’s in urban ministry program, you will be encouraged to examine today’s challenges for the church and of the dynamics of the urban communities you can minister to. Examine strategies for communicating effectively with culturally diverse audiences, and explore how to help others to know and love Christ. Prepare to embrace holistic ministry service that answers God’s call and preserves the fundamentals of evangelism and discipleship.
You will be taught foundational knowledge and skills in biblical interpretation and ministerial ethics. Prepare to review strategies for leading and inspiring others who desire to know the Word of God. Understand at-risk communities, biblical justice, crisis, conflict and change in the urban setting. Explore the value of social services, community-building, urban leadership and holistic ministry strategies within a multicultural setting.
Other core competencies include:
While you’re weighing your choice of urban ministry degree programs, it’s important to ensure that the college or university you choose is institutionally accredited. Accreditation is an indication of the quality of a university. GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university that offers biblically rooted college education.
Our MA in Urban Ministry degree is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). The Commission of ATS aims to accredit programs that are designed to further enhance and improve theological education. It focuses on educational quality, accreditation clarity and contextualized flexibility.
Grand Canyon University’s urban ministry Master of Arts degree emphasizes the power of the gospel for transformation while also making it accessible and contextually appropriate for an urban, 21st century audience. Examine theological and biblical knowledge while closely exploring the unique problems and needs associated with urban settings. Be taught how to offer pastoral guidance to inner city congregations in a way that addresses their unique challenges.
An academic background in urban ministry enables graduates to pursue meaningful work improving the lives of others in your local communities.
Bring the love of Christ to urban and inner city neighborhoods by potentially pursuing a ministerial or related position at:
Urban churches
Suburban churches with an urban outreach component
Nonprofit organizations
Social service programs
Faith-centered educational organizations
A modern curriculum demands a modern method of learning, and GCU has risen to the challenge with our flexible online learning platform. Earn your online urban ministry degree while fulfilling your familial and professional obligations. Access your coursework from anywhere, and enjoy engaging discussions with your peers.
Prepare to serve Christ in urban settings. Apply today for enrollment in GCU’s master’s in urban ministry and fill out the form on this page to learn more.
1 Renn, A. (2022, July 31). Why Cities Are Important to the Church’s Mission. The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved Sept. 22, 2023.
2 Memphis Urban Ministry. (n.d.). Eight Urban Ministry Strategies. Memphis Urban Ministry. Retrieved Sept. 22, 2023.
Before enrolling in an urban ministry degree program, take the time to research your career path choices and related degree options. These frequently asked questions and answers can help guide your research.
One simple reason why urban ministry is important for today’s church is that cities house a large percentage of the population. While ministerial leaders are also needed in suburban and rural areas, urban settings offer the opportunity to minister to a larger number of people.1 Urban ministry programs also provide opportunities to uplift the impoverished by connecting struggling individuals to needed resources.2
Urban ministry involves providing spiritual counseling and ministerial leadership to individuals and groups who live in urban areas, such as the inner city. An urban ministry leader may lead worship services, conduct Bible study classes and develop outreach initiatives designed to uplift the community. For example, as a future urban ministry leader, you might lead your congregation in working toward creating a food pantry for the neighborhood.
Although every school establishes its own policies, generally speaking, diplomas do not indicate whether a degree was earned online or via in-person classes. At GCU, all of our online degrees offer the same quality of instruction as our on-campus classes. Our online learning platform enables you to access the same coursework, and to participate in discussions with your peers.
Each university or theological seminary establishes its own requirements to complete a master’s in urban ministry. At Grand Canyon Theological Seminary, you are required to complete a total of 38 credits. You will work through coursework that teaches the foundational principles of spiritual knowledge, and you will explore modern issues pertaining to ministerial ethics, with a focus on urban ministry.
