At Mid-America Christian University, we believe those who influence through Christ can amplify kindness and uplift communities, and our ministry degree programs prepare students to follow purpose-driven paths to ministry roles in the church and beyond. Rooted in the holiness movement and the Church of God, MACU’s ministry degree programs provide students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they’ll need to embrace servant leadership in their communities.
Ministers and community leaders from all backgrounds choose MACU for its many benefits, including the following:
- Versatility: When you earn a Christian studies degree, the knowledge and skills you gain can transfer to a wide range of career opportunities. You may choose to serve in a church or religious institution, or use your faith-based education in a secular leadership role.
- Diverse Perspectives: With students from a variety of denominations, MACU’s ministry degree programs provide a rich and multicultural learning environment that fosters a broad understanding of different Christian viewpoints.
- Pathway to Answering God’s Call to Serve: As we know from Matthew 22:14, “many are called, but few are chosen.” Earning a ministry degree can put you on the path to fulfilling your God-given potential. By blending theological foundations with contemporary leadership skills, our programs can prepare you to help others grow their faith.
Explore MACU’s Ministry Degree Programs
MACU’s ministry programs are designed and taught by dedicated professors who incorporate real-life ministerial experiences into their courses and teach with a working knowledge of and passion for ministry. The programs provide students with applicable knowledge to prepare them to meet the needs of local and global communities, encouraging a service-oriented approach to Christian ministry.
Undergraduate Ministry Degree Programs
At MACU, we offer two ministry degree programs at the undergraduate level, with online and in-person learning options. Both programs cultivate critical thinking and religious discourse skills to empower your personal growth and prepare you for leadership opportunities in faith-based and nonreligious organizations alike.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Christian Ministries
Concentrations: Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Digital Marketing, Psychology
- Take courses at a manageable pace, with your choice of 100% online learning or one night on campus a week.
- Earn credits for prior learning outside of school, including work experience and military service.
- Increase your knowledge of Scripture and theology to successfully lead and serve in churches, workplaces, and communities.
- Gain broad exposure to Christian literature, homiletics, and practical ministry courses.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Ministry Leadership
Concentrations: Children’s Ministry, Christian Worship, Pastoral Care, Youth Ministry
- Take courses on campus in a welcoming Christian environment of professors and peers.
- Increase your knowledge of the Bible, biblical history, and the Christian church.
- Gain the skills needed to qualify for roles within church, nonprofit, and parachurch organizations.
- Combine the degree with other subjects as part of a multidisciplinary program.
Graduate Ministry Programs
Advance your career and ministry service capabilities with an online graduate degree from MACU. Coursework in either of our convenient, affordable, and flexible programs will help you develop biblical and theoretical perspectives on Christian leadership that will prepare you to successfully guide others to grow their faith.
With either of these degree programs, you’ll take just one course at a time for a five- or six-week term, with your choice of 100% online learning or one night on campus a week.
Master of Ministry
Emphasis: Leadership or Pastoral and Crisis Care
- Take courses at a manageable pace through flexible online or hybrid learning.
- Increase your knowledge of biblical exegesis, spiritual formation, and church history.
- Develop your skills in contemporary leadership, strategic planning, and evangelism techniques.
- Apply your newfound knowledge within a church setting through required practicums.
Master of Arts (MA) in Leadership
Emphasis: Ministry Leadership
- Take courses at a manageable pace through flexible online or hybrid learning.
- Increase your knowledge of biblical exegesis, spiritual formation, and church history.
- Prepare to lead in any workplace by developing your skills in organizational culture, training, leadership theory, and decision-making.
- Gain real experience through hands-on assignments as well as a capstone project
Certificate Programs in Ministry
MACU offers several certificate programs that further develop students’ leadership skills in vocational ministry. Each of these certificate programs consists of 24 to 33 hours of coursework, with online and hybrid learning options. Some of the coursework in these certificate programs can also be used to satisfy prerequisites for a full degree. Learn more about our resources and education centers for pastors and church leaders.
Christian Leadership Certificate
- Gain basic knowledge of the Bible necessary to pursue Christian leadership roles, as well as information on church tax and law standards.
- Develop professional skills, including management of the self and others, effective communication, conflict management, and decision-making skills.
- No prior degree required to enroll.
Women in Ministry Leadership Certificate
- Learn about the unique roles of people in the Bible, and investigate historical and contemporary leaders.
- Develop talents and skills needed for leadership and service roles in the church and other ministry settings.
- No prior degree required to enroll.
Care and Support Ministry Certificate
- Develop skills to provide Christ-centered care and support to those experiencing mental and behavioral health issues.
- Learn ways to support licensed mental health practitioners in the care of those in need.
- Does not lead to licensure or meet PEER qualification requirements.
Deacon Alternative Pathway Certificate
- Learn to perform core ministry practices, including Bible study, preaching, leading, and caring.
- Develop key skills, including written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and research skills.
- Meets the ordination requirements to become a deacon in the Global Methodist Church (GMC).
Elder Alternative Pathway Certificate
- Designed and delivered from a Wesleyan perspective to meet the ordination requirements for individuals seeking to be an Elder in the Global Methodist Church (GMC)
- Consists of Bible theology and pastoral ministry course
- Aligns with the criteria set out by the Global Methodist Church Book of Discipline to meet the ordination requirements to become an Elder.
Why Enroll in an Online Christian Studies Program?
As an online ministry school student at MACU, you’ll be able to choose from program options that are designed to help you fit your schoolwork into your busy schedule. Students choose MACU’s online ministry degree programs for reasons that include the following:
- Our online and hybrid programs are designed for concentrated study, allowing you to focus on just one course at a time to fully grasp each topic.
- We honor your academic journey through our generous transfer credit policy, and we award credits for life experience and prior learning outside of school.
- Our flexible learning format allows you to progress on your terms while maintaining a manageable work-school-life balance.
- We aim to make every online student feel connected to our faculty, staff, and university community through numerous engagement opportunities.
What Can You Do With a Ministry Degree?
If you’re seeking to gain entry-level skills that will prepare you for your first role in church ministry, looking for a Christ-based approach to organizational leadership, or ready to serve in a greater capacity as a pastor or lay leader, there’s a MACU ministry degree program to help you advance.
The knowledge you gain through one of MACU’s Christian studies programs is widely applicable, preparing you for roles in faith-based and nonreligious organizations. Take a look at some entry-level and leadership opportunities available to individuals with undergraduate and graduate degrees in ministry, with salary estimates according to 2024 data from Payscale.
| Youth Pastor Median Annual Salary: $42,000 Crisis Intervention Specialist Median Annual Salary: $48,000 Chaplain Median Annual Salary: $57,000 | Program Manager, Nonprofit Organization Median Annual Salary: $60,000 Senior Pastor Median Annual Salary: $69,000 Executive Director, Nonprofit Organization Median Annual Salary: $75,000 |
Why Choose MACU for Your Ministry Degree Program?
MACU and its School of Ministry are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). MACU is also approved as a recommended educational institution to satisfy requirements for ordination as a deacon or elder in the Global Methodist Church.
As a ministry student, you’re eligible to apply for a Ministry Advancement Program (MAP) Scholarship, which provides financial aid as well as opportunities to serve in an Oklahoma City-area church or hospital, participate in a summer internship at one of a number of nationwide organizations, and engage in impactful community service projects.