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Master of Arts in
Ministry Leadership
On-Campus & Online

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Transfer up to 65% of your program credits

Expand Your Ministry with an M.A. in Ministry Leadership Degree

Lead churches and ministries to boldly serve God with a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership. Taught by experienced Cornerstone University ministry faculty and theologians, this affordable program helps you cultivate an effective, growing, and Christ-centered ministry. This program serves as a pathway for churches and their leadership teams to gain practical ministry skills while continuing their ministry work. Course credits may also be applied toward a future Master of Divinity through Cornerstone Theological Seminary. Our generous scholarships and aid help you earn a respected ministry degree to expand the Gospel of Jesus Christ in your church and community!

Develop Ministry Capabilities with a Master’s in Ministry Leadership

Led by Biblically faithful faculty scholars and theologians who are currently active in Christian ministry, our 36-credit-hour online Ministry Leadership master’s degree is designed to equip you for leadership and growth.

Cornerstone University and Cornerstone Theological Seminary unwaveringly embrace Biblical scripture, which is central to our foundational statements and doctrinal confession, honoring God’s vision of the world and ministry.

A decades-long partner and resource to churches and pastors, Cornerstone Theological Seminary is accredited by the respected Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and Cornerstone University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Develop Ministry-Ready Skills with an M.A. in Ministry Leadership

You will cultivate Biblically grounded ministry skills to help you lead effectively through our practical ministry curriculum.

Theological Expertise – Expand core theological foundations in Old and New Testament Biblical interpretation, Christian theology, and practical applications for today’s ministry needs.

Compassionate Leadership – Cultivate effective communication, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills to create a Christ-centered, loving church and community culture.

Ministry Application – Explore effective ministry leadership principles grounded in Scripture relevant to individuals, families, and congregations aimed at spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Strategic Planning – Create a unified vision and long-term strategy for church growth and community impact.

Spiritual Formation – Strengthen spiritual growth and apply biblical principles, ensuring moral integrity, accountability, and faith-driven leadership.

Cornerstone Theological Seminary Core Courses

Cornerstone Theological Seminary’s (CTS) core curriculum provides a solid footing to complete any of our four theological master’s degree programs including M.A. in Ministry Leadership (36 credits), M.A. in Biblical Studies (36 credits), M.A. in Biblical Exegesis (45 credits) or the Master of Divinity (75 credits).

The CTS core curriculum includes essential elements of graduate theological education and ministry equipping, such as hermeneutics, Old Testament studies, New Testament studies, and Biblical and systematic theological studies. You will strengthen your understanding of Scripture, expand your teaching capabilities, and cultivate compassionate leadership skills.

Your master’s course credits or master’s degree can build toward an M.Div. if you complete the required courses or a full degree program.

Courses

Cornerstone is ready to help you advance your current or future workplace goals. The courses below reflect the focused courses in our 36-credit-hour program that apply to a broad range of industries.

Program Courses

MIN-500: Christian Spiritual Formation

Examine biblical Christianity and its connection to faith and practice, with a focus on spiritual growth within contemporary, cultural, and community contexts.

BBL-501: Biblical Hermeneutics

Learn the process of determining the original meaning and contemporary significance of biblical texts.

CTS-502: Program Introduction

Develop essential skills for rigorous graduate theological study as you engage in research, academic reading, writing, and citation practices.

BBL-514: Old Testament Foundations

Discover the historical and cultural context, literary features, and theological themes of each Old Testament book.

BBL-515: New Testament Foundations

Explore the historical and cultural context, literary features, and theological themes of each New Testament book.

THE-540: Systematic Theology I

Understand the biblical metanarrative to theology, focusing on creation to new creation, and explore the doctrines of Scripture and God.

THE-640: Systematic Theology II

Explore the theological themes of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, with a focus on humanity, sin, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

THE-641: Systematic Theology III

Examine the doctrines of salvation, the church, pastoral theology, and the four last things — death, judgment, heaven, and hell — focusing on key elements of ministry and spiritual formation.

THE-670: Christian Social Ethics*

Explore contemporary social issues from a biblical and theological perspective.

THE-676: Apologetics/Moral Issues/Christian Ministry*

Evaluate the philosophical foundations of the Christian faith and address ethical challenges in pastoral care, spiritual direction, and Christian counseling.

*Elective courses, choose one.

View the academic catalog.

Academic Catalog

Ministry Careers with a Master’s in Ministry Leadership Degree

  • Pastor
  • Ministry Leader
  • Nonprofit Director
  • Church Director
  • Christian Educator
  • Missionary
  • Chaplain
  • Church Planting Leader
  • Worship Leader
  • Youth Pastor/Leader

Seminary Student Scholarships

Through the gifts of generous donors, students have access to multiple Cornerstone Theological Seminary scholarships, with many scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition.
All seminary students who are interested in receiving scholarship consideration should complete the Seminary Scholarship Application.

Apply Now

Tuition

On-Campus

$3,090 per semester for full-time students

Through the gifts of generous donors, students have access to multiple Cornerstone Theological Seminary scholarships, with many scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition. To apply for a variety of seminary scholarships, click on the link below. Monthly payment options are also available.

ScholarshipsFile the FAFSA

Online

$3,090 per semester for full-time students

Through the gifts of generous donors, students have access to multiple Cornerstone Theological Seminary scholarships, with many scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition. To apply for a variety of seminary scholarships, click on the link below. Monthly payment options are also available.

ScholarshipsFile the FAFSA

Your Next Steps

Review application requirements and take the first step to apply to Cornerstone Theological Seminary today.

  1. Submit your program application.
    Choose the Speciality Master’s degree application.
    No GRE is required.
  2. Submit your transcripts.
    Request your undergraduate transcripts directly from the institution. A minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited undergraduate college or university is required.
  3. Submit a Letter of Recommendation.
    Submit one letter of recommendation from a ministry leader or mentor.

Cornerstone University

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

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