M.A. in Religion – Discipleship and Church Ministry

What Will You Study in Our M.A.R. in Discipleship and Church Ministry?

• Examine different strategies for managing a church that is expanding in a tasteful manner
• Explore the different approaches to leading small groups effectively
• Study the organizational details of running a church and the different aspects involved with administration

The Master of Arts in Religion – Discipleship and Church Ministry degree uses cutting-edge technology and up-to-date lesson plans so that you can learn in-demand skills while you study on your schedule. These distance learning classes are designed to accommodate you. The flexible 8-week format makes it easy to complete your courses without disrupting your current lifestyle.

Potential Career Opportunities for Discipleship and Church Ministry Graduates

• Associate pastor
• Church education administrator
• Lay ministry leader
• Missionary
• Religion adjunct teaching
• Youth pastor

Benefits of Earning Your M.A.R. from 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 online Master of Arts in Religion – Discipleship and Church Ministry 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.
• The Liberty Theological Seminary has been accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). This divinity 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 or above 15 credit hours will be charged at the part-time tuition rate.
**Electronic textbooks are not provided for PACO courses or 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 graduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
• Discounted Divinity Block Rate: $2,575 per semester when taking 9-15 credits – 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 above 15 credit hours for the religion master’s degree are charged at the part-time rate.