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Master of Ministry

Prepare for ordained ministry or the Doctor of Ministry program.

36 credit hours. Primarily online or on campus. 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. United's Master of Ministry (MMin) degree provides a strong basis in theology, church history and biblical studies. Through a robust spiritual formation process, grow in your faith and prepare for ministry in the world today. The MMin is ideal for those who are:

    • Preparing for ordination in a denomination that does not require a Master of Divinity degree
    • Preparing for the work of Deacon in The United Methodist Church
    • Seeking a theological and spiritual foundation for further study in the Doctor 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 MMin degree can be completed primarily online in 1-2 years.*

    *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 24 core credit hours and 12 elective credits, gain a strong foundation and add electives that equip you to follow God’s call. Your ministry can be enriched by focused study in the areas of Church History and Theology or Biblical Studies.

    Considering further study?

    For those with a previous master’s degree who are interested in pursuing advanced study in United’s Doctor of Ministry program, the 36-credit hour MMin program is offered as an approved exception to the ATS Degree Program Standard E, section E.4.3, regarding admission requirements for a DMin program. The MMin program can help you augment a previous master’s degree with theological coursework to achieve the educational equivalent of a Master of Divinity degree.*

    *Master of Divinity equivalency is defined as 72 graduate semester hours that represent broad work in theology, biblical studies and the arts of ministry. A Master of Divinity or its educational equivalent is a pre-requisite for the Doctor of Ministry program.

  2. Degree Plan - 36 Credit Hours

    MMIN CORE REQUIREMENTS - 24 CREDIT HOURS

    Biblical Studies - 6 credit hours

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

    Church History and Theology - 6 credit hours

    • CH500 Intro to Church History (3)
    • TH502 Intro to Theology (3)

    Practical Theology - 6 credit hours

    • Any 500 Level Introductory Worship Course; or Any 500 Level Introductory Preaching Course(3)
    • ER503 Church Renewal for Mission (3)

    Contextual Ministry - 6 credit hours

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

    MMIN ELECTIVES - 12 CREDIT HOURS

    TH510 Theological Research and Methodology is a recommended elective for those entering the Doctor of Ministry.

    MMIN NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

    • SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
    • SS705 MMin Final Review (0)

  3. Degree Requirements

    1. 1. Complete all degree program requirements listed for the MMin.

    2. 2. Complete all course credits applied toward the MMin degree within ten years of the awarding of the degree, in keeping with the standards set forth by the Association of Theological Schools.

    3. 3. Participate in United’s Contextual Ministry Program. Contextual Ministry consists of:
      • Attendance at one Contextual Ministry retreat in early October
      • Completion of two Contextual Ministry courses over one year
      • Completion of one unit of field education in a church or community site in your area.

    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 MMin degree might be for you if you are interested in…

Extension church ministries

Specialized lay ministries

Degree path for DMin

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

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Contact Information

  1. United's Master of Ministry (MMin) degree provides a strong basis in theology, church history and biblical studies. Through a robust spiritual formation process, grow in your faith and prepare for ministry in the world today. The MMin is ideal for those who are:

    • Preparing for ordination in a denomination that does not require a Master of Divinity degree
    • Preparing for the work of Deacon in The United Methodist Church
    • Seeking a theological and spiritual foundation for further study in the Doctor 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 MMin degree can be completed primarily online in two years.*

    *Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Most United Methodist students must complete 1/3 of their degree (12 credit hours) on campus.

    Flexible Curriculum

    With 24 core credit hours and 12 elective credits, gain a strong foundation and add electives that equip you to follow God’s call. Want to add a House of Study track to your MMin? Use two of your four elective courses to specialize in the area of study that fits your calling.


    No track? No problem! Use elective courses to explore other areas of interest. Students interested in a House of Study track are encouraged to discuss their interests and needs with the Office of Admissions, who can help you discern the best fit for your call.

    Considering further study?

    For those with a previous master’s degree who are interested in pursuing advanced study in United’s Doctor of Ministry program, the 36-credit hour MMin program is offered as an approved exception to the ATS Degree Program Standard E, section E.4.3, regarding admission requirements for a DMin program. The MMin program can help you augment a previous master’s degree with theological coursework to achieve the educational equivalent of a Master of Divinity degree.*

    *Master of Divinity equivalency is defined as 72 graduate semester hours that represent broad work in theology, biblical studies and the arts of ministry. A Master of Divinity or its educational equivalent is a pre-requisite for the Doctor of Ministry program.

  2. Degree Plan - 36 Credit Hours

    MMIN CORE REQUIREMENTS - 24 CREDIT HOURS

    Biblical Studies - 6 credit hours

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

    Church History and Theology - 6 credit hours

    • CH500 Intro to Church History (3)
    • TH502 Intro to Theology (3)

    Practical Theology - 6 credit hours

    • Any 500 Level Introductory Worship Course; or Any 500 Level Introductory Preaching Course(3)
    • ER503 Church Renewal for Mission (3)

    Contextual Ministry - 6 credit hours

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

    MMIN ELECTIVES - 12 CREDIT HOURS

    TH510 Theological Research and Methodology is a recommended elective for those entering the Doctor of Ministry.

    MMIN NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

    • SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
    • SS705 MMin Final Review (0)

    MMIN HOUSE OF STUDY TRACKS

    The Master of Ministry degree program graduates persons in the general practice of ministry. The MMin curriculum provides options for House of Study tracks. House of Study tracks include Black United Methodist, Fresh Expressions, Global Pentecostal, Global Wesleyan, and Mosaix. Students interested in a concentration or House of Study track are encouraged to discuss their interests and needs with their advisors and area faculty. For more information refer to the Academic Catalog.

  3. Degree Requirements

    1. 1. Complete all degree program requirements listed for the MMin.

    2. 2. Complete all course credits applied toward the MMin degree within ten years of the awarding of the degree, in keeping with the standards set forth by the Association of Theological Schools.

    3. 3. Participate in United’s Contextual Ministry Program. Contextual Ministry consists of:
      • Attendance at one Contextual Ministry retreat in early October
      • Completion of two Contextual Ministry courses over one year
      • Completion of one unit of field education in a church or community site in your area.

    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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