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Master of Divinity & Master of Business Administration

A partnership between United Theological Seminary and Dakota Wesleyan University.
Elevate your leadership for effective church management.

90 credit hours. Two degrees. Complete in 3-5 years.
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  1. Ordering the life of a congregation can require pastoral oversight of financial, personnel and strategic decisions. Elevate your leadership skills by adding a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to your Master of Divinity (MDiv).

    Dakota Wesleyan University and United Theological Seminary have joined forces to offer a new program in which future church leaders can earn two master’s degrees. Through this program, earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from United and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at DWU to develop theological and applied knowledge for effective church management.

    One program. Two degrees.

    Students will begin by completing 60 credits toward completion of United’s MDiv, with coursework encompassing biblical studies, church history and theology, practical theology, contextual ministries, and denominational studies. In the DWU program, students will complete the remaining 30 credits with an emphasis on non-profit church administration. Upon completion of both programs, the students will receive the MDiv from United and the MBA from DWU.

    The MBA from DWU is offered 100% online. The MDiv from United includes two 3-day formation retreats, with the remaining courses available online or in person.* Students will require 3-5 years to complete both degrees.

    *Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Each student must check with her or his own denominational leadership regarding residency requirements for ordination.

    View the Program Map here

    “DWU has demonstrated its ability to equip those in the non-profit sector, especially pastors, to think and act effectively in the business situations they encounter in their ministries. At United, we have the expertise to equip pastors to minister faithfully and fruitfully through spiritual formation, and grounding in the theological and pastoral disciplines. It just made sense for the two institutions to partner, to the benefit of future pastors.”

    -Scott Kisker, Associate Dean for Master’s Programs

    To earn both degrees, students must apply to and enroll at each school separately, meeting the admission requirements for each program at the time of application. Students will begin the MDiv at United, then enter the MBA at DWU to complete the remaining credits required for the MDiv and MBA.

  2. Degree Plan - 90 Credit Hours

    Biblical Studies - 12 credit hours

    • NT500 Introduction to the New Testament (3)
    • OT500 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
    • Any 600 level OT course (3)
    • Any 600 level BI/NT course (3)

    Church History and Theology - 12 credit hours

    • CH500 Intro to Church History (3)
    • TH502 Introduction to Christian Theology (3)
    • Any 600 level CH Course (3)
    • Any 600 Level TH Course (3)

    Practical Theology - 12 credit hours

    • ER503 Church Renewal for Mission (3)
    • Any 500 Level Preaching Course (3)
    • PC507 Pastoral Care Giving (3)
    • Any 600 Level Practical Theology Course (ER, LD, PC, PW) (3)

    Contextual Ministry - 12 credit hours

    • CM501 Field Education Unit 1 (0)
    • CM510 Contextual Ministry 1 (3)
    • CM511 Contextual Ministry 2 (3)
    • CM601 Field Education Unit 2 (0)
    • CM610 Contextual Ministry 3 (3)
    • CM611 Contextual Ministry 4 (3)

    Cross-Cultural Immersion - 3 credit hours

    • CM620 Methods of Interreligious and Intercultural Encounter (3)
    • CM621 Immersion Trip (0)

    ELECTIVES - 9 CREDIT HOURS

    Students may use elective courses to fulfill denominational requirements. United Methodists are required to have (6) credits in UM History, Doctrine, and Polity.

    Note: 21 credits of electives are typically required for United’s MDiv. The remaining electives will be fulfilled through DWU’s MBA program.

    NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

    • SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
    • SS601 MDiv Mid-Program Review (0)
    • SS701 MDiv Final Review (0)

    COURSES COMPLETED AT DAKOTA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY - 30 CREDIT HOURS

    Students must fulfill 30 hours in Dakota Wesleyan University’s MBA core curriculum. After 15 hours at Dakota Wesleyan University, students will receive their MDIV degree from United Theological Seminary.

    View MBA course offerings at dwu.edu

  3. Degree Requirements

    To earn both degrees, students must fulfill the degree requirements for both the MDiv and MBA. Requirements for United’s MDiv are described below. Please visit DWU.edu for details about MBA requirements.

    MDiv Requirements

    1. 1. Complete the entire degree plan requirements listed for the MDiv.

    2. 2. Complete all course credits applied toward the MDiv degree within ten years.

    3. 3. Participate in United’s Contextual Ministry Program, which includes:

      • Travel to two Contextual Ministry retreats in early September.
      • Completion of four Contextual Ministry courses over two years.
      • Participation in a professionally facilitated ministry group.
      • Ministry in a church or community site in your area.

    4. 4. Participation in a Contextual Theology Immersion Trip.

    Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Each student must check with her or his own denominational leadership regarding residency requirements for ordination.

    Admission Requirements

    To earn both degrees, students must apply to and meet the admission requirements of each school. Requirements for master’s admission at United are described below. Please visit DWU.edu for details about MBA admission criteria.

    • Bachelor’s degree
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA

    Learn more about the application process.

  4. At a Glance

    Tuition information is applicable only for United's MDiv program. Visit DWU.edu for information regarding DWU's tuition and fees.

    • $790/Credit Hour
    • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $16,555
    • Average United Aid: $4,025
    • Average External Aid: $2,678

    Average Annual Cost After Aid: $9,852

    *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 MDiv degree might be for you if you are interested in…

Senior pastor/elder

Chaplain

Missionary

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

Request information









Contact Information

  1. Ordering the life of a congregation can require pastoral oversight of financial, personnel and strategic decisions. Elevate your leadership skills by adding a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to your Master of Divinity (MDiv).

    Dakota Wesleyan University and United Theological Seminary have joined forces to offer a new program in which future church leaders can earn two master’s degrees. Through this program, earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from United and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at DWU to develop theological and applied knowledge for effective church management.

    One program. Two degrees.

    Students will begin by completing 60 credits toward completion of United’s MDiv, with coursework encompassing biblical studies, church history and theology, practical theology, contextual ministries, and denominational studies. In the DWU program, students will complete the remaining 30 credits with an emphasis on non-profit church administration. Upon completion of both programs, the students will receive the MDiv from United and the MBA from DWU.

    The MBA from DWU is offered 100% online. The MDiv from United includes two 3-day formation retreats, with the remaining courses available online or in person. Students will require 3-5 years to complete both degrees.

    View the Program Map here

    “DWU has demonstrated its ability to equip those in the non-profit sector, especially pastors, to think and act effectively in the business situations they encounter in their ministries. At United, we have the expertise to equip pastors to minister faithfully and fruitfully through spiritual formation, and grounding in the theological and pastoral disciplines. It just made sense for the two institutions to partner, to the benefit of future pastors.”

    -Scott Kisker, Associate Dean for Master’s Programs

    To earn both degrees, students must apply to and enroll at each school separately, meeting the admission requirements for each program at the time of application. Students will begin the MDiv at United, then enter the MBA at DWU to complete the remaining credits required for the MDiv and MBA.

  2. Degree Plan - 90 Credit Hours

    Biblical Studies - 12 credit hours

    • NT500 Introduction to the New Testament (3)
    • OT500 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
    • Any 600 level OT course (3)
    • Any 600 level BI/NT course (3)

    Church History and Theology - 12 credit hours

    • CH500 Intro to Church History (3)
    • TH502 Introduction to Christian Theology (3)
    • Any 600 level CH Course (3)
    • Any 600 Level TH Course (3)

    Practical Theology - 12 credit hours

    • ER503 Church Renewal for Mission (3)
    • Any 500 Level Preaching Course (3)
    • PC507 Pastoral Care Giving (3)
    • Any 600 Level Practical Theology Course (ER, LD, PC, PW) (3)

    Contextual Ministry - 12 credit hours

    • CM501 Field Education Unit 1 (0)
    • CM510 Contextual Ministry 1 (3)
    • CM511 Contextual Ministry 2 (3)
    • CM601 Field Education Unit 2 (0)
    • CM610 Contextual Ministry 3 (3)
    • CM611 Contextual Ministry 4 (3)

    Cross-Cultural Immersion - 3 credit hours

    • CM620 Methods of Interreligious and Intercultural Encounter (3)
    • CM621 Immersion Trip (0)

    ELECTIVES - 9 CREDIT HOURS

    Students may use elective courses to fulfill denominational requirements. United Methodists are required to have (6) credits in UM History, Doctrine, and Polity.

    Note: 21 credits of electives are typically required for United’s MDiv. The remaining electives will be fulfilled through DWU’s MBA program.

    NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

    • SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
    • SS601 MDiv Mid-Program Review (0)
    • SS701 MDiv Final Review (0)

    COURSES COMPLETED AT DAKOTA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY - 30 CREDIT HOURS

    Students must fulfill 30 hours in Dakota Wesleyan University’s MBA core curriculum. After 15 hours at Dakota Wesleyan University, students will receive their MDIV degree from United Theological Seminary.

    View MBA course offerings at dwu.edu

  3. Degree Requirements

    To earn both degrees, students must fulfill the degree requirements for both the MDiv and MBA. Requirements for United’s MDiv are described below. Please visit DWU.edu for details about MBA requirements.

    MDiv Requirements

    1. 1. Complete the entire degree plan requirements listed for the MDiv.

    2. 2. Complete all course credits applied toward the MDiv degree within ten years.

    3. 3. Participate in United’s Contextual Ministry Program, which includes:

      • Travel to two Contextual Ministry retreats in early September.
      • Completion of four Contextual Ministry courses over two years.
      • Participation in a professionally facilitated ministry group.
      • Ministry in a church or community site in your area.

    4. 4. Participation in a Contextual Theology Immersion Trip.

    To fulfill residency requirements for The United Methodist Church, United Methodist students must complete 1/3 of the degree (24 credits) on campus. Dayton, Intensive, and hybrid courses count toward this requirement. For ordination requirements, please check with your own judicatory.

    Admission Requirements

    To earn both degrees, students must apply to and meet the admission requirements of each school. Requirements for master’s admission at United are described below. Please visit DWU.edu for details about MBA admission criteria.

    • Bachelor’s degree
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA

    Learn more about the application process.

  4. At a Glance

    Tuition information is applicable only for United's MDiv program. Visit DWU.edu for information regarding DWU's tuition and fees.

    • $790/Credit Hour
    • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $16,555
    • Average United Aid: $4,025
    • Average External Aid: $2,678

    Average Annual Cost After Aid: $9,852

    *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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