Master of Arts in Religion – Leadership

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350+ degrees on-campus

600+ degrees online

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Overview
What You’ll Learn
Careers
Why Online?
Why On-Campus?

Have a Meaningful Impact on Your Ministry with the Master of Arts in Religion – Leadership

Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) degree is uniquely designed for individuals interested in leadership opportunities within the church or parachurch organizations. You will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of church administration and ministry through a variety of courses that will challenge you to lead in the most effective way you can.

Throughout this degree program, you will learn from seasoned professors with years of experience in a variety of ministry settings. Our M.A.R. seeks to provide you with a holistic educational experience, one that meets your academic and spiritual needs to enter ministry as a church leader and administrator.

What Will You Learn in Our Master’s Degree in Religion?

Our M.A.R. in Leadership is designed to enhance your ministry knowledge and training for serving the church by providing you with a foundation in ministry and leadership techniques, as well as an intensive study of Scripture. You will be able to further your ministry and add value to work accomplished through your gained knowledge in:

  • Biblical foundations of leadership
  • Mission, vision, and strategic planning
  • Team leadership and conflict resolution

Each of our M.A.R. Leadership courses will equip you to address and handle challenges within the church. Training in the administration of Christian organizations, theology studies, and Biblical studies will help cultivate your knowledge base for leadership within the church.

Career Options for Master’s Degree in Religion Graduates

Your career goals vary, and that is why our M.A.R. in Leadership is such a great fit. Liberty University will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to be confident in any industry you choose. By joining the Liberty family, you will learn the proper tools and skills needed to become an effective:

  • Church administrator
  • Organizational/ministry leader
  • Pastor
  • Youth pastor

Study Online

We understand the dilemma of wanting to further your education while also staying connected to your family, career, church, and community. This degree program is offered 100% online, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing time with the people most important to you while you pursue your degree.

As an innovator in distance learning since 1985, Liberty will provide the following benefits:

  • We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your online M.A.R. degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
  • The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university. 
  • You can complete our online master’s degree in religion in about 2 years.

Military Benefits

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students from across the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.

As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, Liberty is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits:

  • Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
  • Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
  • Discounted Divinity Block Rate: $2,475 per semester – only $165/credit at 15 credit hours*
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Credits taken above 15 credit hours for the online School of Divinity master’s programs are charged at the part-time rate.

Residential Benefits

  • With students from all 50 states and over 70 countries around the world, you can immerse yourself in different cultures and experience the diversity of on-campus life.
  • As a residential student, your scholarship opportunities could include the Heroes Fund Scholarship, Keesee Scholarship, or the Virginia: Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship.
  • Learn from professors who have doctoral degrees in their fields, as well as years of real-life experience.
  • As a graduate student, you will have multiple research opportunities led by students and faculty to bolster your education and résumé.
  • Outside of classes and studying, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of on-campus activities, such as our NCAA sports, over 200 student-led clubs, and recreation centers like Snowflex, the LaHaye Ice Center, and Camp Hydaway.
  • Enjoy our Reber-Thomas Dining Hall with over 20 available food stations, including gluten-free and vegan options. Work with a nutritionist to develop a dietary plan that is right for you!  
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
60

Credit Hours

Available Online or On Campus

Class Type

Online, 8-week or residential

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Varies

Accreditation

ATS Commission on Accrediting

Areas of Interest

Choose your area of Interest:

Please select a Program of Interest. View Area of Interest

Training Champions for Christ

Liberty’s promise to you is an education that expertly brings knowledge and faith together. Here, education is designed around you. It connects you to people and opportunities that help you develop the skills and confidence you’re looking for. At Liberty, you’ll find the knowledge, experience, and mentorship you want to make your career — and life — a fulfilling one.

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Why Liberty

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Online Discounts

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Academic Excellence

Liberty University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and certain programs have earned additional field-specific accreditation as well.

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