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A alumnus outside the chapel: Pursue your master's in spiritual formation degree online at Regent University.

M.A. in Spiritual Formation

Mentor, Equip & Lead Through Regent’s M.A. in Spiritual Formation

Regent’s Master of Arts (M.A.) in Spiritual Formation, offered fully online, can train you on how to lead people in spiritual formation and personal transformation through God’s redemptive power. Develop proven ministry methods that make room for the work of the Holy Spirit to profoundly change lives and usher in renewal. Taught from a Christian Renewal perspective, our School of Divinity programs are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

Online
36
January 13, 2025
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Advance Your Career

Join one of the fastest-growing seminaries in the nation to advance your career in full-time ministry or missions.

Deepen Your Knowledge

Learn the dynamics involved with spiritual formation and discipleship at both individual and corporate levels.

Be Equipped for Effectiveness

Explore how to evaluate the spiritual needs of a community, then design and apply a process for growth.

Access Faculty Expertise

Experience Regent, ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report, 2022. Be mentored by a renowned faculty of scholars and practitioners that also teaches on campus in Virginia Beach.

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

The M.A. in Spiritual Formation 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 Spiritual Formation degree, you can:

  • Apply your knowledge of church history, the development of major Christian doctrine and spirituality, and the modern Renewal Movement.
  • Provide guidance based on a deeper understanding of Christian spiritual formation, including life stages, discipleship in communities, and vocational integration.
  • Apply discipleship strategies for a range of settings.

Career Opportunities

  • Discipleship Training Leader
  • Spiritual Formation Specialist
  • Ministry Specialist
  • Church Leadership
  • Christian Educator
16%
Higher Earnings with a Master's Degree Bureau of Labor Statistics
Featured Courses
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.
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.
SFRM 602Christian Spirituality3
Explores the biblical meanings and theology of the various “streams” of spirituality, including historical development and contemporary practice of spirituality, encompassing Christian faith, life and ministry.
SFRM 603Early Christian Spirituality3
Covers the early Christian writers and their thoughts on human nature, sin, grace, salvation, the work of the Spirit, the sacraments, the development of virtue, and the moral life.
SFRM 604Elements of Spiritual Formation3
Examines the specific biblically-defined elements that comprise Christian spiritual formation, including: calling, conversion, empowerment, Scripture, sacraments, ordinances, community, disciplines, ministry, mission, joy, suffering and eternal life.
SFRM 605Classics in Spiritual Formation3
Explores historical and contemporary writings that serve to both inform and form needed changes and growth in character, behavior, relationships, vision, values, ministry, godly influence and servant leadership.
SFRM 606Spiritual Formation & Community3
Covers design and application of models, principles, processes and practical theology of both spiritual formation and discipleship in faith communities and other ministry contexts.
SFRM 607Life Stages in Spiritual Formation3
Explores various formative stages of growth and change, their characteristics and challenges, in Christian spiritual life, from childhood to advanced age.

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.

“My Spiritual Formation class acts as a daily guide for me...I was once away from God and wrestling with him...The book points out that the Kingdom of Heaven is wherever Jesus is. Because I am a believer, The Almighty is with me...Regardless of how and what we feel, God still blesses us by showing us how mighty He is. A God of His word.”

Chaplain Mario Samaniego, Master of Divinity

“It’s tough being a student when you’re older but [Regent] had so much flexibility and understanding that enabled me to pursue my degree.”

Ed Lee, M.A., 2017 Practical Theology

“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

“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