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Our online degree programs are designed for busy working adults just like you – intentionally structured to allow you to balance work, life and other commitments. As a student of ACU Online, you are part of a vibrant, virtual, Christ-centered community.
About the Program
ACU’s Master of Arts in Christian Ministry is a flexible degree program designed to equip you for competent leadership in ministry fields such as youth and family ministry, children’s ministry and education ministry. This M.A. degree is also ideal if you’re looking to deepen your theological knowledge for a career outside ministry, such as in education or social service.
Program Structure
All the Details on Your Degree
With many elective hours, you are able to personalize your online ministry degree to match your particular ministry passions and interests. The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry is also available as a residential program in Abilene.
Required Hours
48 hours
30 months
Example Coursework
Biblical Exegesis
History of Christianity
Systematic Theology
Foundations of the Theology of Ministry
Department
Upcoming Start Dates
May 6, 2024
August 26, 2024
Meet the Program Director
Dr. Tera Harmon, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
Dr. Tera Harmon is an assistant professor in Abilene Christian University’s Graduate School of Theology. After receiving a BA in Biblical Text and an MDiv from ACU, she went to the Catholic University of America to study patristics, completing a Ph.D. in Church History in 2016. Her major field of study is Greek patristics and has done work on Gregory of Nyssa. She teaches courses on the history of Christianity and is the Director of Distance Learning for the Graduate School of Theology. She has lived in Washington D.C.; Charlotte, North Carolina; Los Alamos, New Mexico; and now lives in Abilene, Texas with her husband, David Todd, and their three children.
Spotlight
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Christopher Cobbler
As the new executive director for the Center for Vocational Formation and dean of vocational formation, Dr. Christopher Cobbler is already making moves across the ACU Online community by showcasing what it means to love and receive love earnestly. Hoping to make ACU a more accepting and formative place, Dr. Cobbler is eager to see where his role can touch the lives of students and employees alike.
Why Study Theology?
There are four benefits to studying in ACU’s Graduate School of Theology. Learn what they are now, in our latest blog post!
Student Spotlight: Andrew Ritchie
Get to know Andrew Ritchie, ACU alum (BA Biblical Texts) who’s nearly halfway through his online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) program.
Four Benefits of Getting a Theology Degree at ACU
When it comes to theology master’s programs, what makes ACU’s stand out? Hear directly from Dr. Myles Werntz, Director of ACU’s Baptist Studies Center, in a recent blog post.
Upon completion, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the history of the Christian faith.
- Exhibit knowledge and skills related to a particular aspect of ministerial practice.
- Integrate theological and theoretical concepts with concrete ministry situations.
To be considered for admission, students must:
- Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
- Submit an official transcript of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate approximate B average or above in the area of focus or related area and evidence of an overall productive GPA.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- A reflective essay 3-5 pages typed, double spaced
- Complete an academic writing assessment
The Graduate School of Theology is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools, an organization of more than 250 graduate schools that conduct post-baccalaureate professional and academic degree programs to educate persons for the practice of ministry and for teaching and research in theological disciplines.