Master of Arts
Design your own degree and grow in your faith.
Build your own degree with United’s Master of Arts (MA) program. Whether you are looking for a flexible curriculum for specialized expertise, pursuing ministry in the world or seeking to understand your faith more deeply, United’s MA is intentionally flexible to meet a wide range of needs and interests. The MA is also designed for those who wish to earn a degree while completing Advanced Course of Study in The United Methodist Church. Students seeking ordination as a deacon in The United Methodist Church should consider United’s Master of Ministry program.
Learning that fits your lifestyle.
Our flexible options are designed to make high-quality education accessible for working pastors and other professionals, making it possible to earn a degree from wherever you live. Courses are available in four formats. Mix and match to suit your schedule and learning style.
• Traditional on-campus courses meet regularly throughout the semester.
• Gathering Weeks on campus in Dayton, Ohio take place in October, February, and July.
• Online courses can be completed during the semester.
• Live Interactive Virtual Education (LIVE) courses meet simultaneously on-campus and online.
The Master of Arts degree can be completed fully online* or on campus.
*Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Each student must check with her or his own denominational leadership regarding residency requirements for ordination.
Flexible Curriculum
With 3 core credit hours and 33 elective credits, gain a strong foundation and choose electives that equip you to follow God’s call. Pursue specialized studies in biblical interpretation, ministry leadership, church planting, pastoral care ministry, or design your own degree plan.
Advanced Course of Study
Upon approval by the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, United Methodist local pastors who have completed the Basic Course of Study may meet the educational requirements for conference membership and Elder’s orders by taking an additional 32 semester hours of graduate theological studies. Coursework must be planned in consultation with an advisor and be in conformity with the Guidelines for Advanced Course of Study (ACOS) published by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. United’s MA degree program (36 credit hours) is designed for ACOS students to complete ACOS requirements.
DEGREE PLAN – 36 CREDIT HOURS
- CQ640 MA Integrative Colloquy (3)
- For students pursuing Advanced Course of Study, see recommended plans.
MA NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
- SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
- SS706 MA Final Review (0)
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
- Complete the entire degree program requirements listed for the MA.
- Take CQ640 MA Integrative Colloquy in the final semester.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
AT A GLANCE
- $815/Credit Hour
- Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $15,510
- Average United Aid: $8,065
- Average External Aid: $931
Average Annual Cost After Aid: $6,514
*Based on 18 credit hours per year.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS
United provides multiple scholarship opportunities to defray out-of-pocket costs for students. Learn more about tuition, fees, and scholarships here or contact Student Aid at studentaid@united.edu.
1. Scholarship Application
Contact studentaid@united.edu to learn about available scholarships. Continuing students will be notified each year when the scholarship application for the upcoming academic year is available.
2. Decisions
- Award decisions will be made by the Student Aid Committee.
- Communication regarding scholarship awards will be sent via United email.
3. Scholarship Acceptance Requirements
If a scholarship award is received, recipients must do the following to accept and maintain the award:
- Demonstrate appreciation by writing a letter of gratitude to the scholarship benefactor by the date specified on the award letter.
Build your own degree with United’s Master of Arts (MA) program. Whether you are looking for a flexible curriculum for specialized expertise, pursuing ministry in the world or seeking to understand your faith more deeply, United’s MA is intentionally flexible to meet a wide range of needs and interests. The MA is also designed for those who wish to earn a degree while completing Advanced Course of Study in The United Methodist Church. Students seeking ordination as a deacon in The United Methodist Church should consider United’s Master of Ministry program.
Learning that fits your lifestyle.
Our flexible options are designed to make high-quality education accessible for working pastors and other professionals, making it possible to earn a degree from wherever you live. Courses are available in four formats. Mix and match to suit your schedule and learning style.
• Traditional on-campus courses meet regularly throughout the semester
• Gathering Weeks on campus in Dayton, Ohio take place in October, February, and July.
• Online courses can be completed during the semester.
• Live Interactive Virtual Education (LIVE) courses meet simultaneously on-campus and online.
The Master of Arts degree can be completed fully online* or on campus.
*Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Each student must check with her or his own denominational leadership regarding residency requirements for ordination.
Flexible Curriculum
With 3 core credit hours and 33 elective credits, gain a strong foundation and choose electives that equip you to follow God’s call. Pursue specialized studies in biblical interpretation, ministry leadership, church planting, pastoral care ministry, or design your own degree plan.
Advanced Course of Study
Upon approval by the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, United Methodist local pastors who have completed the Basic Course of Study may meet the educational requirements for conference membership and Elder’s orders by taking an additional 32 semester hours of graduate theological studies. Coursework must be planned in consultation with an advisor and be in conformity with the Guidelines for Advanced Course of Study (ACOS) published by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. United’s MA degree program (36 credit hours) is designed for ACOS students to complete ACOS requirements.
DEGREE PLAN – 36 CREDIT HOURS
- CQ640 MA Integrative Colloquy (3)
- For students pursuing Advanced Course of Study, see recommended plans.
MA NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
- SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
- SS706 MA Final Review (0)
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
- Complete the entire degree program requirements listed for the MA.
- Take CQ640 MA Integrative Colloquy in the final semester.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
AT A GLANCE
- $815/Credit Hour
- Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $15,510
- Average United Aid: $8,065
- Average External Aid: $931
Average Annual Cost After Aid: $6,514
*Based on 18 credit hours per year.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS
United provides multiple scholarship opportunities to defray out-of-pocket costs for students. Learn more about tuition, fees, and scholarships here or contact Student Aid at studentaid@united.edu.
1. Scholarship Application
Contact studentaid@united.edu to learn about available scholarships. Continuing students will be notified each year when the scholarship application for the upcoming academic year is available.
2. Decisions
- Award decisions will be made by the Student Aid Committee.
- Communication regarding scholarship awards will be sent via United email.
3. Scholarship Acceptance Requirements
If a scholarship award is received, recipients must do the following to accept and maintain the award:
- Demonstrate appreciation by writing a letter of gratitude to the scholarship benefactor by the date specified on the award letter.
Build your own degree with United’s Master of Arts (MA) program. Whether you are looking for a flexible curriculum for specialized expertise, pursuing ministry in the world or seeking to understand your faith more deeply, United’s MA is intentionally flexible to meet a wide range of needs and interests. The MA is also designed for those who wish to earn a degree while completing Advanced Course of Study in The United Methodist Church. Students seeking ordination as a deacon in The United Methodist Church should consider United’s Master of Ministry program.
Learning that fits your lifestyle.
Our flexible options are designed to make high-quality education accessible for working pastors and other professionals, making it possible to earn a degree from wherever you live. Courses are available in four formats. Mix and match to suit your schedule and learning style.
• Traditional on-campus courses meet regularly throughout the semester
• Gathering Weeks on campus in Dayton, Ohio take place in October, February, and July.
• Online courses can be completed during the semester.
• Live Interactive Virtual Education (LIVE) courses meet simultaneously on-campus and online.
The Master of Arts degree can be completed fully online* or on campus.
*Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Each student must check with her or his own denominational leadership regarding residency requirements for ordination.
Flexible Curriculum
With 3 core credit hours and 33 elective credits, gain a strong foundation and choose electives that equip you to follow God’s call. Pursue specialized studies in biblical interpretation, ministry leadership, church planting, pastoral care ministry, or design your own degree plan.
Advanced Course of Study
Upon approval by the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, United Methodist local pastors who have completed the Basic Course of Study may meet the educational requirements for conference membership and Elder’s orders by taking an additional 32 semester hours of graduate theological studies. Coursework must be planned in consultation with an advisor and be in conformity with the Guidelines for Advanced Course of Study (ACOS) published by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. United’s MA degree program (36 credit hours) is designed for ACOS students to complete ACOS requirements.
DEGREE PLAN – 36 CREDIT HOURS
- CQ640 MA Integrative Colloquy (3)
- For students pursuing Advanced Course of Study, see recommended plans.
MA NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
- SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
- SS706 MA Final Review (0)
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
- Complete the entire degree program requirements listed for the MA.
- Take CQ640 MA Integrative Colloquy in the final semester.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
AT A GLANCE
- $815/Credit Hour
- Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $15,510
- Average United Aid: $8,065
- Average External Aid: $931
Average Annual Cost After Aid: $6,514
*Based on 18 credit hours per year.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS
United provides multiple scholarship opportunities to defray out-of-pocket costs for students. Learn more about tuition, fees, and scholarships here or contact Student Aid at studentaid@united.edu.
1. Scholarship Application
Contact studentaid@united.edu to learn about available scholarships. Continuing students will be notified each year when the scholarship application for the upcoming academic year is available.
2. Decisions
- Award decisions will be made by the Student Aid Committee.
- Communication regarding scholarship awards will be sent via United email.
3. Scholarship Acceptance Requirements
If a scholarship award is received, recipients must do the following to accept and maintain the award:
- Demonstrate appreciation by writing a letter of gratitude to the scholarship benefactor by the date specified on the award letter.
An MA degree might be for you if you are interested in…
Advanced Course of Study for UMC Students
Individualized education
Continued learning
OUR FACULTY
United strives to cultivate an environment where its students may learn and grow. That’s why our outstanding faculty are faithful Christians who are committed to the academic and spiritual growth of every student. Most are ordained, and many have served as pastors, bringing real-world experience into the classroom.
