Master of Arts in Practical Ministry

What Will You Study in Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Practical Ministry?

• Foundations of Christian theology
• Practical tools for Scripture study and ministry training
• Topics related to the life of Christ or the New Testament Church

In this program, you’ll have the freedom to select practical ministry electives that align with your interests, calling, and ministry goals. In addition to completing online coursework, you’ll engage in a sequence of mentored ministry residency courses that allow you to integrate your existing residency into your degree – so you can earn academic credit for your service. The program concludes with a practical ministry capstone that will draw on your residency experience, providing an opportunity to reflect on essential strategies and skills for ministry leadership.

Potential Careers for M.A. in Practical Ministry Degree Program Graduates

• Christian ministry staff member
• Church administrator
• Community chaplain
• Missionary
• Pastor

Benefits of Pursuing Your Master’s Degree in Practical Ministry with Liberty University

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026 – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors. As a nonprofit university, Liberty continues to strive to keep costs low for our students!
• Your ministry matters – so when you take 9-15 credit hours per semester in your divinity program, you’ll pay a discounted block rate of $2,850.* It’s our way of supporting all you do to serve others.
• To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses** all for one convenient fee.
• Liberty Theological Seminary, as part of Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Your seminary degree has been approved by ATS and has met rigorous accreditation standards, so you can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.

*Credits taken below 9 and above 15 credit hours for the online Master of Arts in Practical Ministry are charged at the part-time rate.

**Electronic textbooks are not provided for courses that fall under departments outside the School of Divinity.

Military Benefits

Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:

• Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/retirees
• Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
• Current Department of Defense employees

We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $290 per credit hour for part-time graduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
• Discounted divinity block rate: $2,575 per semester – only $172/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 below 9 and above 15 credit hours for the online Master of Arts in Practical Ministry are charged at the part-time rate.