Master of Arts (MA) in Ministry
Establish a Firm Spiritual Foundation with a Master’s in Ministry
The Master of Arts (MA) in Ministry program at Liberty University is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of biblical principles while developing practical ministry skills. Whether you’re already serving in a church or just beginning to explore vocational ministry, this program can help provide the training to grow spiritually and lead others with purpose. Through classroom discussions, community life, and hands-on ministry opportunities, you can prepare to serve in a variety of ministry settings.
This degree is ideal for students who feel called to work in local churches, nonprofit organizations, or mission fields. Whether you’re interested in pastoral ministry, community outreach, or church leadership, the MA in Ministry can help you pursue your calling with confidence. This program emphasizes both academic knowledge and personal spiritual growth, so you can explore how to integrate faith and practice in everyday ministry.
By engaging with faculty mentors and peers on campus, you can learn how to apply biblical truth to real-life situations. With a focus on character development and theological training, this degree can help you build a strong foundation for servant leadership. As you grow in your understanding of Scripture and ministry, you can gain the tools needed to serve others well.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
ATS Accredited
Highlights
Highlights of Our MA in Ministry
Lead with a Biblical Foundation
Grow as a ministry leader through a graduate program grounded in Scripture. You’ll explore leadership, evangelism, and spiritual formation in a community that’s committed to the truth and authority of God’s Word.
Learn in a Christ-Centered Environment
Experience academic and spiritual growth on Liberty’s campus, where your faith is encouraged in every classroom. Surrounded by like-minded peers and mentors, you’ll be equipped to serve others with confidence and humility.
Shape Your Degree Around Your Calling
Whether you feel led toward pastoral care, teaching, or outreach, this degree offers the flexibility to match your goals. Choose elective courses that align with your interests or pursue a thesis to dive deeper into a specific area of ministry.
Grow Under Seasoned Ministry Leaders
Our faculty bring years of real-world ministry experience to the classroom. They’re not just instructors – they’re mentors who can help connect biblical theory to practical ministry situations.
Focus on What Matters Most
This program emphasizes the core of Christian ministry – shepherding people well. You’ll examine spiritual formation, discipleship, and leadership with an emphasis on caring for others and guiding them in their walk with Christ.
Be Part of a Ministry-Minded Community
Liberty’s School of Divinity isn’t just about academic study – it’s a place to build lasting relationships and find support. Your classmates, professors, and campus life all contribute to a culture that encourages service, prayer, and spiritual growth.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with Liberty’s Master’s in Ministry?
Liberty University’s Master’s in Ministry can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Christian ministry staff member
- Church administrator
- Community chaplain
- Missionary
- Pastoral ministry worker
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our Master’s in Ministry?
The curriculum of our MA in Ministry program is designed to help you explore the central themes of the Christian faith while encouraging spiritual formation and leadership readiness. Through in-depth classroom discussions and assignments, you can reflect on how theological principles relate to your own ministry experiences. The program can also help you explore different ways to serve in church and community settings.
Throughout this program, you can take courses covering topics such as hermeneutics, biblical interpretation, biblical foundations for spiritual formation, the Great Commission, evangelism, and biblical multiplication. You’ll also study leadership character and readiness, team leadership methods that maximize growth and impact, pastoral care and counseling, and theological foundations. These courses can give you a balanced approach to both the academic and relational aspects of ministry.
Our master’s in ministry program offers additional flexibility in selecting elective courses and an optional thesis. With this opportunity, you can tailor your studies to fit your interests and even conduct original research.
In addition to coursework, you may have opportunities to participate in ministry activities both on campus and in the surrounding community. These experiences can help reinforce what you learn in the classroom while allowing you to serve others meaningfully. Whether you’re interested in preaching, teaching, or discipleship, this degree can support your ministry journey.
Featured Christian Ministry Master’s Courses
BIBL 500 – Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation
DSMN 515 – Biblical Foundations for Spiritual Formation
LEAD 500 – Developing Leadership Character and Readiness
PACO 505 – Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling
Degree Information
- This program falls under the Liberty Theological Seminary
- View the Degree Completion Plan (coming soon)
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Accreditation
Your seminary degree is approved by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and has met rigorous accreditation standards. You can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Ministry Graduate Degree?
Grow Spiritually While You Learn
At Liberty, your spiritual formation is woven into every part of the academic experience. You’ll study Scripture and ministry principles in a Christ-centered environment that prioritizes your relationship with God. Through worship gatherings, prayer groups, and local church partnerships, your learning can extend beyond the classroom. This intentional focus on spiritual growth can help you develop both personally and pastorally.
Build Meaningful Mentorships
You won’t walk this journey alone – Liberty’s faculty are committed to your development in and out of the classroom. With years of practical ministry experience, your professors offer insights that connect theology with the real world. They’re available not only to teach but also to mentor, encourage, and challenge you. These relationships can shape your understanding of ministry and provide lasting support as you pursue your calling.
Join a Ministry-Focused Community
Liberty’s campus is more than a place to study – it’s a place to belong. Surrounded by students who share your heart for serving others, you’ll engage in discussions that deepen your faith and sharpen your thinking. From classroom conversations to campus events and service projects, you’ll find a community that shares your vision for making a difference. That shared passion can make your graduate experience rich and rewarding.
Learn in a Vibrant Campus Environment
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty offers a campus designed to inspire both academic excellence and spiritual vitality. You’ll find opportunities to serve, grow, and connect through campus ministries, student life events, and nearby churches. The setting provides a supportive backdrop for your educational and personal development. It’s a space where you can explore your calling and prepare for future opportunities in ministry.
Admissions
How Do You Become a Graduate Ministry Student?
Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:
- Admission application
- Official transcripts showing a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.0 GPA for admission in good standing
- John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Questionnaire
- Pastoral recommender contact information
- Self-certification form (for students who are in the final term of their bachelor’s degree)
- Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their ASIST account
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.