Undergraduate
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we're dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.
The Master of Arts in Christian Studies degree is designed to give you flexibility in adapting your program to your particular ministry calling. You’ll be equipped with essential skills for a variety of ministry vocations. At the same time, you’ll have the freedom to tailor nearly 25% of the degree to your particular ministry goals.
Of M.A. Christian Studies students achieved the highest outcome (i.e., fully affirmed/making good progress in vocation readiness) at the mid-point assessment and 100% at the exit assessment.
Of M.A. Christian Studies students take classes part-time.
Different Ministry Residency sites where GRTS students served between 2017-20.
The M.A. in Christian Studies program develops students’ competencies in Bible, theology and ministry leadership. The program requires 62 credits, 15 of which are electives. Students use these electives to hone in on a specific area of interest. Graduates of the M.A. in Christian Studies program are equipped with basic skills in biblical interpretation and application, with an understanding of the primary elements of Christian theology and with the knowledge required for effective ministerial leadership.
This program typically takes two to four years to complete. Most students work part or full-time. While working academically toward your degree, you’ll also be fed spiritually and challenged to grow your relationship with Jesus Christ inside and outside the classroom.
An M.A. in Chrisitan Studies will provide a wide range of opportunities for employment—whether you want to work in a church, para-church ministry, non-profit or other Christian organization.
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary is committed to serving Christ’s church by developing ministry leaders. Our Ministry Residency program is strategic and essential in this endeavor as it provides avenues for students to connect with ministry mentors and to serve in local churches and other ministry sites. Students put their classroom learning to practice, gain important ministry experience, and learn valuable lessons in this unique experience.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, our students joyfully pursue rigorous training for God’s calling on their life. For that reason, as a community, we strive to know our Lord more fully and to follow his example in all that we do.
The course list for M.A. Christian Studies is flexible, designed to allow students to tailor their education and get the most out of their graduate experience. The M.A. in Christian Studies program includes a core of basic biblical and theological studies classes, ministry leadership specialization content and 15 elective credits in a topic of your choosing.
Totaling 26 credit hours, the Bible and theology core of the M.A. Christian Studies program includes foundational courses and electives in Old Testament, New Testament, and Systematic Theology.
The Bible and Theology core of the M.A. in Christian Studies program consists of 26 credits. These courses will give you a foundational understanding of how to study the Bible and how to think theologically about life and ministry.
The ministry specialization courses in the M.A. Christian Studies degree consist of 21 credit hours, providing you with both theoretical leadership frameworks and practical ministry experience. A highlight includes a four-semester ministry residency in the ministry setting of your choosing.
You’ll take 15 credits in the area that most interests you. Choose courses in counseling, Bible, theology or ministry. Or, work one-on-one with faculty through an independent study.
Program learning outcomes are the foundation of a GRTS degree. Explore how our M.A. in Christian Studies program prepares you to learn, serve and lead for a lifetime of ministry.
Jennifer McCormick-Bridgewater (’20)At GRTS, I learned that true discipleship requires courageous curiosity.
Whether you are online or in the classroom, our faculty are dedicated to bringing you a rigorous education while mentoring you toward a closer relationship with Christ.
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary offers a variety of flexible programs that can be done online or in the classroom. Take a look at some of the other degree options we have available.
MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we’re dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.