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Graduates at the library: Pursue a Christian ministry degree online at Regent University, Virginia Beach.

M.A. in Christian Ministry

Pursue Your Calling Through Regent’s Christian Ministry Degree Program

You’ve answered the call. Now is the time to prepare for the mission. At Regent, our online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry can equip you to lead in a specialized ministry setting. You can be armed with a firm foundation in hermeneutics, Old and New Testament, Christian theology, spiritual formation, and more. Choose from our concentration options, which underscore the importance of biblical application in everyday life and ministry. Earn your Master’s online in Christian Ministry on its own or as part of a dual degree program with another Regent University graduate program.

Online
48
January 13, 2025

Build a Foundation for Leadership & Service

Develop competence in biblical literacy, the history of the Church, and basic knowledge of Christian doctrines, with an emphasis on the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.

Lead Confidently

Apply balanced reasoning informed by Scripture and develop solutions to ministry challenges.

Learn from Top Scholars & Practitioners

Faculty include pioneers in Church history, biblical studies, and Renewal theology.

Experience Regent, ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report, 2022. Presented from a Christian perspective, this Christian ministry degree program is supported by our respected faculty in Virginia Beach.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

The M.A. in Christian Ministry at Regent University is accredited by The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).

On completing the M.A. in Christian Ministry degree, you can:

  • Develop a solid biblical-theological foundation for global ministry and evangelism.
  • Apply balanced reasoning informed by Scripture.
  • Develop solutions to ministry challenges.

Career Opportunities

  • Ministry Specialist
  • Church Leadership
  • Christian Educator
  • Evangelist
  • Missionary
16%
Higher earnings with a master's degree. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The M.A. in Christian Ministry – Church & Ministry gives you a solid foundation in Hermeneutics, Old and New Testaments, Christian theology and spiritual formation as you learn to incorporate them into everyday life and ministry.

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The M.A. in Christian Ministry – Interdisciplinary Studies degree equips you with advanced knowledge in key areas to address your academic and ministry interests. Choose courses from across disciplines in the School of Divinity to gain knowledge and skills to live out your calling.

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The M.A. in Christian Ministry – Marketplace Ministry degree can equip you with a cross-disciplined foundation to develop practical solutions to ministry challenges. It blends courses from divinity, business, leadership and government to give you a solid footing in organizational behavior, nonprofit management, Christian theology and more.

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The M.A. in Christian Ministry – Missiology will help prepare you for a career in practical ministry within the church or a nonprofit organization. Grounded in Scripture, this program focuses on God's redemptive plan for the Church and covers the importance of mission-focused biblical teaching and leadership development.

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The M.A. in Christian Ministry – Worship & Media degree program can equip you to cultivate a Spirit-led worship experience by combining music, media and biblical theology of worship. You can develop creative approaches to worship and learn how to access relevant tools and technology.

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Featured Courses
BIBL 504Biblical Hermeneutics3
Distinctives of various types of biblical literature, with an emphasis on interpretation and contemporary application. Topics: historical narrative, psalm, wisdom, parable, epistle, prophecy and apocalypse. Emphasis on unity and inspiration of Scripture.
BIBL 508New Testament3
Contents, themes, and genres of the New Testament canon; methodologies for interpreting the texts in light of their historical contexts.
BIBL 509Old Testament3
Contents, themes, and genres of the Old Testament canon; methodologies for interpreting the texts in light of their historical contexts.
COSM 500Cosmogony & Anthropology3
Biblical apologetic for the nature of God, humankind, and creation. Focuses on God’s revelation of Himself through creation with practical application to Christian witness.
HCHT 505Church History 13
An overview of Church history from the time of Christ to the Pre-Reformation. Special attention is given to the growth and development of the church in historical context, major Christian thought leaders, the advancement of the Gospel, and renewing work of the Holy Spirit.
HCHT 506Church History 23
An overview of Church history from the Reformation to the modern era. Special attention is given to the historical context for the Reformation, leading thought leaders of pre- and post-Reformation times, the historical development of major Christian doctrine and spirituality, and the modern Renewal Movement.
MISS 500Foundation for Biblical Mission3
Biblical and theological foundations to understand the mission of God (missio dei) with focus on reaching the unreached, discipling new believers, establishing the Kingdom of God, and building his Church.
PMIN 501Leadership in Church & Ministry3
Foundational biblical principles of church leadership and life with an emphasis on team ministry. Examines key ministry practices as foundations for church renewal and revitalization. Recommended as a prerequisite to other ministry courses.
PMIN 606Pastoral Theology3
An integrated perspective of the pastoral functions, practices and offices in the local church, with special applied emphasis on the sacraments, ordinances, funerals and weddings. Critical issues in pastoral leadership are examined with an emphasis on avoiding pastoral pitfalls and fulfilling one’s calling with integrity.
SFRM 501Spiritual Formation Foundations3
Examines the biblical, historical, and theological aspects of Christian formation, including the holistic and other models, with emphasis on both personal life and ministry contexts. Taken in the first semester of degree and begins the Spiritual Formation Portfolio.
THEO 500Christian Theology3
Key tenets and central doctrines of the Christian faith. Special focus on biblical foundations, historical developments, theological method, and major controversies and confessions.

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 9Monday, August 19
Session MFriday, September 6Monday, September 16
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session TFriday, January 31Monday, February 10
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, June 23

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5306$3,180
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5306$3,180
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5306$3,180
Master of Theology (ThM)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6703$2,010

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5309$4,770
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5309$4,770
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5309$4,770
Master of Theology (ThM)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6706$4,020

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5306$3,180
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5306$3,180
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5306$3,180
Master of Theology (ThM)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6703$2,010

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5309$4,770
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5309$4,770
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5309$4,770
Master of Theology (ThM)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6706$4,020

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

The School of Divinity offers students the opportunity to pursue a joint degree between the M.A. in Christian Ministry and another graduate program at Regent University. Students seeking online joint degree programs must apply and be accepted to both programs as a joint degree student.  Under the joint-degree agreement, students complete 30 (instead of 39) credit hours in the M.A. without a concentration. The first 9 credits of the 12-credit concentration are waived for the joint degree; the remaining 3 credits are fulfilled as Divinity elective courses.  Courses applied to one degree are not eligible to be applied to the second degree in a joint degree program. Joint degree students subsequently earn a separate degree from each school and must complete both degree programs before being approved for graduation

“The online and on-campus experiences were different, but both very rewarding. The way they designed online learning really felt like a live classroom environment — still very informative and relational, even with people from around the world there.”

Jesse Eisenhart, Joint M.A., 2009 M.A. in Practical Theology & Human Service Counseling

“Regent has maintained a high standard of scholarship and the practical aspects of leadership, and they have outstanding professors. I was blessed when I was there.”

Daniel Backens, M.A. in Practical Theology, 1999 Senior Pastor, New Life Church

“Regent University puts care into creating ministers with longevity.”

Timothy Berry, M.Div., 2015 Biblical Theology

“Regent was the final yes to answering my call to ministry. My Regent M.Div. degree was exactly what I needed to equip people in ministry.”

Nina Anderson, M.Div., 2014 Pastor, The Well; Kingdom Strategist, Nina Anderson Ministries; Motivational Speaker; Family & Service Pastor, New Life Church

“I graduated from Regent University with a M.A. in Practical Theology. As I stand at the doorstep of my calling, I can see now how every lesson and interaction has prepared me.”

Son-Djerry Cameus, M.A. in Practical Theology, 2020 Community Navigator/Family Coach, La Esperanza