M.A. in Religion – Discipleship & Church Ministry

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15 colleges and schools

350+ degrees on-campus

600+ degrees online

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

The Master of Arts in Religion – Discipleship and Church Ministry Helps You Lead Effective Group and Church Ministry

Do you have a passion for sharing the Gospel? Are you interested in learning how to construct different types of ministry plans? Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Religion with a specialization in discipleship and church ministry offers a degree option that will lead you to careers where you can spread the Word of God and train a new generation of Champions for Christ.

Throughout our M.A.R. degree, you will be introduced to advanced training in ministry and discipleship roles within the church like the dynamics of family discipleship, building effective small group ministries, and the details of properly structured church administration.

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

  • Strategies for managing an expanding church
  • The different approaches to leading small groups effectively
  • The organizational details of running a church and the different aspects of administration

The core curriculum of our M.A.R. in Discipleship and Ministry provides an in-depth topic study of the Old and New Testaments, the history of Christianity, systematic theology, and the research, writing, and sermon preparation process. You will also receive training in the discipleship of families and small groups further enhanced by an overall strategic perspective of effective Christian ministry.

Career Options for Master’s Degree in Religion Graduates

Your career goals vary, and that is why our M.A.R. in Discipleship and Church Ministry 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.

  • Associate pastor
  • Church education administrator
  • Lay leader
  • 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!  
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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Scholarships

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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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