Abilene Christian University

What you'll study

Core and elective coursework focuses on biblical, historical and theological foundations alongside practical ministry formation. Example coursework listed by the program includes:

• Biblical Exegesis
• History of Christianity
• Systematic Theology
• Foundations of the Theology of Ministry

The program emphasizes integrating theological concepts with concrete ministry situations and offers many elective hours to personalize study for concentrations such as youth and family, children’s ministry, worship, preaching, spiritual formation and church leadership.

Entry requirements

• Completed program application and non-refundable processing fee
• Official transcripts from all prior colleges showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent
• Cumulative undergraduate approximate B average or above in the focus or a related area and evidence of an overall productive GPA
• Two letters of recommendation
• Reflective essay, 3–5 pages, typed and double-spaced
• Academic writing assessment

Career prospects

Graduates should be prepared for leadership in ministry contexts such as youth and family ministry, children’s ministry and education ministry. The degree is also positioned for those who want theological depth for careers outside traditional congregational ministry, including roles in education and social service. Program outcomes emphasize understanding the history of the Christian faith, proficiency in a chosen aspect of ministerial practice, and the ability to connect theological/theoretical concepts to real ministry settings.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program lists a per-credit cost and a per-term resource fee; prospective students should combine those figures with available institutional scholarships, assistantships or external funding when planning. Because the program is stackable with the Graduate Certificate in Practical Ministry, starting with the certificate can be a cost- and time-efficient pathway toward the full M.A. Applicants should contact the university’s graduate admissions or financial aid offices for current scholarship and funding opportunities.