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M.A. in Ministry
Leadership

PROGRAM START DATES

Spring 2025

Classes start on Jan. 21 and Mar. 19, 2025

Format

  • Online

Credit Hours

  • 36 with up to 75% of total degree hours in transfer credits possible

 

Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

 

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Expand Your Ministry Impact With an M.A. in Ministry Leadership Online Degree

Leading churches and ministries to boldly serve God from a faithful Biblical perspective requires character, compassion and skill. A Master of Arts in ministry leadership degree offered online and on campus provides advanced training to help cultivate an effective, growing, mature ministry that can influence families and communities with the love of Christ through practical ministry applications.

Taught by experienced ministry faculty and theologians, Cornerstone Theological Seminary’s 36-credit hour online M.A. in ministry leadership degree is designed for pastors, ministry and nonprofit leaders who need effective, doctrinally sound leadership training that is relevant and allows you to study while remaining in your ministry. Additionally, the program is designed as an affordable pathway for churches and their leadership teams of pastors, elders, deacons and others to obtain practical ministry skills to create a unified vision and ministry plan. You will.

  • Expand core theological foundations in Old and New Testament Biblical interpretation and Christian theology alongside practical applications for today.
  • Cultivate compassionate leadership skills including communication, decision-making and motivational capabilities to create a Christ-centered, loving culture.
  • Explore real-world ministry leadership principles that are grounded in Scripture and taught by theologians who are current pastors and ministry leaders.
  • Acquire a respected theology degree on your time, available 100% online or on campus for a more immersive experience. No GRE is required.
  • Complete your degree in two years if you prefer to accelerate your program. Course credits are buildable toward a future Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at Cornerstone Theological Seminary.



Why Choose An Affordable, ATS Accredited Online Theology Degree from Cornerstone Theological Seminary?

Character, Competency, Compassion. For over 80 years, Cornerstone Theological Seminary has built an outstanding reputation for equipping pastors, scholars, teachers, theologians, military chaplains and ministry leaders as servants of Christ’s church to lead Christian communities with character, competency and compassion. The seminary unwaveringly embraces Biblical scripture which is central to Cornerstone University and the seminary’s foundational statements and doctrinal confession, honoring God’s vision of the world. 

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). Cornerstone offers over 75 in-demand degrees that can enhance your theological training by preparing you for bold, influential ministry effectiveness, a future Master of Divinity or doctoral degree, or offer specializations that meet your specific ministry training needs.

Admission Requirements

  • Application
  • A completed bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited institution
  • Ministry reference

Apply Now!

100%

Of M.A. in ministry leadership graduates have obtained professional employment.

80%

Of M.A. in ministry leadership and M.A. in biblical studies graduates are vocationally placed in ministry-related positions.

60%

Of M.A. in ministry leadership and M.A. in biblical studies graduates have obtained licensure and/or ordination as a minister.

What Degree Courses Will You Study?

Biblical Hermeneutics

An introduction to the process of determining the original meaning and contemporary significance of biblical texts.

Program Introduction Seminar

This course prepares students for the rigors of graduate scholarship by honing the skills of graduate research, reading and writing.

Old Testament Foundations

An introduction to the historical and cultural contexts of the events and authors of the Old Testament, as well as an examination of the literary features and theological emphases of each book.

New Testament Foundations

An introduction to the historical and cultural contexts of the events and authors of the New Testament, as well as an examination of the literary features and theological emphases of each book.

Spiritual Formation

An investigation into the meaning of biblical Christianity and its relationship to faith and practice within contemporary cultural contexts. Special attention is given to the corporate dimensions of spirituality and spiritual formation.

Systematic Theology I

This course introduces and practices a metanarrative for doing theology. The biblical narratives and propositions are heard in the context of the story that begins with creation, is centered in Jesus’ first coming and reaches its culmination in the new heavens and earth.

Systematic Theology II

This course continues our metanarrative theology by examining the Christian story of creation, fall, redemption and consummation, with special attention
Added: given to the nature and task of humanity, the distortion of the world through sin and the redemptive work and person of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Systematic Theology III

This course will examine in detail the doctrine of salvation (soteriology), the church (ecclesiology), the basic elements of pastoral theology (internal and external call to the ministry, ordination, ministry of the word and sacraments, church discipline and pastoral spiritual formation) and the four last things (death, judgment, heaven and hell).

Join the Cornerstone community and start your M.A. in ministry leadership online today!

Knowledgeable, passionate enrollment counselors are ready to guide you from application to graduation! A high-quality professional ministry degree is steps away:

  • Courses are offered 100% online to fit your busy ministry life, and no GRE is required.
  • Transfer up to 66% of an eligible degree’s credit hours.
  • Scholarships and aid programs are generous, and the number of credit hours needed are designed to help ministry students start and successfully complete their degree.
  • Tuition is priced for affordability compared to other private nonprofit universities and seminaries, ensuring a degree that can fit your budget.
  • Experience one-on-one faculty support from current theologians, pastors and real-world ministry leaders offering relevant skills you can apply immediately.
  • Free student support resources are available, including writing, pastoral counseling services, and more to provide comprehensive support!

*The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada accredits Cornerstone Theological Seminary.

Cornerstone Will Help You at Every Step!

An enrollment counselor is ready to help you start your degree journey now. Cornerstone offers:

  • Accelerated admissions to get you started sooner.
  • No GRE required.
  • Competitive tuition rates—some of the most affordable in the region.
  • Generous credit transfers—up to 66% of total degree hours in transfer credits possible.
  • Financial aid advisers available to explore funding opportunities for this valuable life investment.

Start your application for a bold, influential ministry with your M.A. in ministry leadership degree from Cornerstone Theological Seminary!

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Possible career paths with a M.A. in Ministry Leadership:

Opportunities

  • Pastor
  • Christian camp director
  • Ministry director
  • Missions director
  • Nonprofit director
  • Worship director

Related Programs

Cornerstone University offers several options for earning a graduate degree online. Take a look at some of the other programs related to ministry leadership.

Admissions Office

Hours

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

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