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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Ministry Program?
In an online master’s in ministry program, you can expect to find coursework that will prepare you to go into full-time ministry work upon graduation. You can take courses to gain a strong foundation in Biblical and doctrinal topics. An online master’s in ministry program enables students to enter into studies that may not be available locally or that their work or other obligations prevent. For prospective students who already work in ministry, online classes provide tools and knowledge to incorporate current objectives while defining a path toward future roles. Many master’s in ministry programs allow students to specialize in a topic area relevant to their future career goals.
Available concentrations
You may have the option in your online program to focus on an area of particular interest to you. Some standard concentrations that you may find in your chosen program include the following:
Leadership in ministry: Enables students to become well-versed in Biblical and Christian topics and prepares them for leadership roles after graduation. Graduates with this training may become ministers, senior pastors, or Christian organization directors.
Pastoral ministry: Equips students for a career focused on supporting the spiritual needs of others. This concentration may be a good choice for those who wish to become pastoral counselors, Christian counselors, or chaplains.
Church development: Strategic planning classes within this specialization enable future graduates to assess church effectiveness and then build plans for development opportunities. This concentration equips students to become senior pastors, church program directors, or missionaries.
Intercultural studies: Students learn about their religious and cultural background and study diverse cultures, including other religions. Graduates may undertake roles as instructors, outreach ministers, or missionaries.
Common degree curriculum
The path to obtaining a master’s in ministry can differ depending on the institution conferring the degree. Divergent curriculum emphases are due to varied doctrinal practices among Christian denominations. Many universities that grant master’s in ministry degrees are affiliated with a specific church. Additionally, nondenominational schools design curricula to educate students with diverse religious backgrounds. Before selecting the program you wish to pursue, research its background to determine whether it meets your needs and the needs of the faith tradition in which you want to minister. Also, even though these organizations offer an online master’s in ministry, they may still require some in-person attendance, like intensive classes, before graduation.
Some courses you may encounter for this degree include:
Strategic Ministry: Students develop a comprehensive view of ministry and strategies to ensure positive outcomes.
Pastoral Counseling: An exploration of parishioner counseling to guide Christ-centered outcomes.
Theological Research: Instructs students in the methodologies of scholarly inquiry specific to theology.
Spiritual Formation: Explores the theoretical and practical aspects of personal and communal spiritual growth.
Evangelism: Discusses how to bring the word of God to life through sermons and outreach.
New Testament Studies: In-depth examination of the New Testament’s Gospels and other works and letters.
Old Testament Studies: Immersion in the Hebrew Bible and its many lessons.
Certification and license preparation
The licenses and certifications offered to students who complete a master’s in ministry typically depend on the denomination in which they will serve. Before beginning a master’s program, students can work with church, district, regional, or national leadership within that denomination to understand their requirements to be certified or licensed. Sometimes, the path toward certification and licensing can parallel the master’s education. An exception to church-based credentials is for students interested in pastoral counseling. Students can also pursue additional counseling or psychology studies to become state-licensed counselors.
Program accreditation
When searching for an online master’s in ministry program, consider the school’s accreditation status. Accreditation can affect financial aid eligibility, future educational opportunities, and job prospects. You can verify a school’s accreditation status via the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database.
Program completion timeframe
Most master’s in ministry programs range between 36 and 48 credit hours. Universities offering these degrees typically allow up to five years to finish all studies. Students can earn their degree in as little as 1.5 years when enrolled full-time. Some universities offer the online master’s in ministry as a lock-step program that dictates what students study each semester. Other schools allow students to schedule classes in an order they find most beneficial. Some colleges offer asynchronous courses for students who want to control their pace.
Employment Outlook for Master’s in Ministry Graduates
Most denominations require certified clergy to complete a master’s level program. Although the master’s in divinity is considered the standard for pastors, some denominations will grant ordination for other master’s programs, like those centered on ministry. Other leading roles within a church or Christian organization may also require advanced learning. Those roles include chaplains, directors of Christian education, pastoral counselors, and senior administrators.
Students who have earned a bachelor’s in ministry are best prepared to take on less responsibility, such as leading youth programs, performing outreach functions, and teaching classes through churches or church-run schools. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lumps church-related roles into three categories: clergy, program directors, and “all others.” Overall growth estimates for those three categories mimic the country’s average growth rate. The BLS doesn’t break out different roles by education level. Still, the distinction between the three job types correlates to educational achievements.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ three defined categories of religious work do not specifically define jobs that require a master’s versus a bachelor’s. However, the difference in median salary levels can determine which roles require advanced education. An online master’s in ministry opens vastly different doors for ministerial work than can be reached with a bachelor’s degree.
A master’s in ministry best correlates to jobs under the clergy umbrella, as well as director roles within churches or religious organizations. Salary levels for clergy members can also depend on the organization they work in.
Members of the clergy serve at the will of either individual churches or within a structured denominational assignment system. Ministers of smaller organizations can take on all the typical ministry duties, including preaching, teaching, and counseling. Larger churches or organizations may split those duties between multiple clergy members.
$51,940 per year
3%
Hospital Chaplain
Hospitals, military agencies, and schools may hire chaplains to care for the spiritual needs of others. That assignment can partner chaplains with individuals experiencing difficult and trying times or with those who are facing death or psychologically challenging outcomes.
$55,507 per year
8%
Pastoral Counselor
A pastoral counselor integrates spiritual guidance and counseling techniques to support individuals and communities in addressing emotional, relational, and psychological challenges, drawing upon faith-based principles and psychological theories.
$50,800 per year
8%
Professional organizations
Graduates with a master’s in ministry can choose from various professional organizations. Many denominations have their organizations for clergy to join. Additionally, many groups for ministry professionals are available to join and take advantage of networking and continuing education opportunities. Here are just a few organizations you can join, which range from being open to all clergy to concentrating on specializations in religious work.
Association of Professional Chaplains: The APC has been serving the needs of professional chaplains since 1942 with a mission to serve those who serve others.
Online master’s degrees may be more affordable than in-person ones, but advanced degrees still come with a hefty price tag. As you review your options, fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn about federal grants and scholarships you may be eligible for. In addition, your church or denomination may have additional financial resources you can tap into. Finally, check out public and private organizations offering scholarships and grants. Students must repay loans, while scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid.
Student Finance Resources and Guides
Many resources available online can answer your questions and help you better understand what you need to do to have the best possible financial aid package for your education. The following sites are good places to start.
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
