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Master of Arts

Design your own degree and grow in your faith.

36 credit hours. Fully online or on campus. Customized program of study. Complete in 1-2 years.
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Master of Arts in Christian Ministries

Prepare for specialized ministry in ordained or lay leadership.

15 courses. 45 credit hours. Primarily online or on campus. Complete in 2-3 years.
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  1. 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.

    View the Curricular Plan

  2. Degree Plan - 36 Credit Hours

    MA Core Requirements - 3 credit hours

    • CQ640 MA Integrative Colloquy (3)

    MA ELECTIVES - 33 credit hours


    MA NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

    • SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
    • SS706 MA Final Review (0)

  3. Degree Requirements

    1. 1. Complete the entire degree program requirements listed for the MA.

    2. 2. Take CQ640 MA Integrative Colloquy in the final semester.

    Admission Requirements

    • Bachelor's degree
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA

    Learn more about the master’s application process.

  4. At a Glance

    • $790/Credit Hour
    • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $15,205
    • Average United Aid: $4,123
    • Average External Aid: $2,515

    Average Annual Cost After Aid: $8,567

    *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 [email protected].

    1. 1. Scholarship Application
      Contact [email protected] to learn about available scholarships. Continuing students will be notified each year when the scholarship application for the upcoming academic year is available.

    2. 2. Decisions
    3. • Award decisions will be made by the Student Aid Committee.
    4. • Communication regarding scholarship awards will be sent via United email.

    5. 3. Scholarship Acceptance Requirements
      If a scholarship award is received, recipients must do the following to accept and maintain the award:
    6. • 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.

Meet Our Faculty

Begin your journey. Follow God’s call at United.

Apply Now
Overview

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministries (MACM) supports leadership and service in ministries impacting Christian community, life and practices. From worship to discipleship, deaconship to pastorate, the MACM can equip you for your call.

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 January, June, August and September.
• Online courses can be completed during the semester.
• Live Interactive Virtual Education (LIVE) courses meet simultaneously on-campus and online.

The MACM degree can be completed primarily online in three years.*

*Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Most United Methodist students must complete 1/3 of their degree (15 credit hours) on campus.

Degree Plan

<strong>Biblical Studies</strong> - 6 credit hours

  • OT500 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
  • NT500 Introduction to the New Testament (3)

<strong>History and Theology</strong> - 6 credit hours

  • CH504 History of Christianity 1 (3) or
    CH505 History of Christianity 2 (3)
  • TH502 Introduction to Theology (3)

<strong>Practical Theology</strong> - 9 credit hours

  • PW501 Preparing to Preach (3) or
    PW502 Introduction to African American Preaching (3) or
    PW504 Work of Worship (3) or
    PW510 United Methodist Worship (3)
  • ER501 Foundations for Evangelism (3)
  • ER503 Church Renewal for Mission (3)

<strong>Contextual Ministry</strong> - 6 credit hours

  • CM501 Field Education Unit 1 (0)
  • CM510 Contextual Ministry 1 (3)
  • CM511 Contextual Ministry 2 (3)
Requirements

Degree & Admission Requirements

Degree Requirements

  1. Complete the entire degree plan requirements listed for the MACM.
  2. Complete all course credits applied toward the MACM degree within ten years of the awarding of the degree, in keeping with the standards set forth by the Association of Theological Schools.
  3. Participate in United’s Contextual Ministry Program, which includes:
    • Attendance at one Contextual Ministry retreat in early September
    • Completion of two Contextual Ministry courses over one year
    • Participation in a professionally facilitated ministry group
    • Ministry in a church or community site in your area

To fulfill residency requirements for The United Methodist Church, United Methodist students must complete 1/3 of the degree (15 credits) on campus. Dayton, Intensive, and hybrid courses count toward this requirement. For ordination requirements, please check with your own judicatory.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA

Learn more about the application process

Tuition & Financial Aid

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 [email protected].

Tuition & Fees Overview: Master of Arts in Christian Ministries

  • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*
    $14,910

  • Average Student Aid
    United Aid – $4,451; External Aid – $1,969

  • Average Annual Cost After Aid
    $8,490

  • Average Program Total After United & External Aid*
    $26,861

Advanced COS

Advanced Course of Study

ACS

ACOS

Request information









Contact Information

  1. 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. Most United Methodist students must complete 1/3 of their degree (12 credit hours) on campus. For ordination requirements, please check with your own judicatory.

    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.

    View the Curricular Plan

  2. Degree Plan - 36 Credit Hours

    MA Core Requirements - 3 credit hours

    • CQ640 MA Integrative Colloquy (3)

    MA ELECTIVES - 33 credit hours


    MA NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

    • SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
    • SS706 MA Final Review (0)

  3. Degree Requirements

    1. 1. Complete the entire degree program requirements listed for the MA.

    2. 2. Take CQ640 MA Integrative Colloquy in the final semester.

    Admission Requirements

    • Bachelor's degree
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA

    Learn more about the master’s application process.

  4. At a Glance

    • $790/Credit Hour
    • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $15,205
    • Average United Aid: $4,123
    • Average External Aid: $2,515

    Average Annual Cost After Aid: $8,567

    *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 [email protected].

    1. 1. Scholarship Application
      Contact [email protected] to learn about available scholarships. Continuing students will be notified each year when the scholarship application for the upcoming academic year is available.

    2. 2. Decisions
    3. • Award decisions will be made by the Student Aid Committee.
    4. • Communication regarding scholarship awards will be sent via United email.

    5. 3. Scholarship Acceptance Requirements
      If a scholarship award is received, recipients must do the following to accept and maintain the award:
    6. • Demonstrate appreciation by writing a letter of gratitude to the scholarship benefactor by the date specified on the award letter.

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