Change the World Through Ministry

Advance your ministry career and become a leader in the church.

Follow your calling with Bethel University’s online Master of Arts in Ministry degree (MAR degree). Designed for individuals who want to build a strong foundation for professional ministry, our online MA of Ministry degree program increases your biblical and theological understanding to help you provide Christ-centered leadership in the contemporary world.

Bethel’s ministry curriculum covers relevant topics such as spiritual formation, Christian Apologetics, multicultural ministry, and more. Our program is unique in its emphasis on biblical literacy. We require a wide range of Bible courses, allowing you to become proficient in biblical texts. In addition, our extensive elective requirements allow you the opportunity to tailor your course of study to meet your personal career goals. If you wish to pursue further study, our Master of Arts in Ministry online degree (MAR degree) is structured to easily allow you to transition into our Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) program. Those who wish to directly begin work are well prepared for positions of religious management, such as a Senior Pastor.

Our fully online ministry program offers the ultimate flexibility for working adults. With six start dates per year, you’ll have the opportunity to complete your degree at your own pace. The program can be completed in as little as a year and a half.

Accreditation & Memberships

Bethel University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to grant bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole. Bethel is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

*Transfer graduate-level credit must be petitioned with department for approval.

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Program Details

Next Start Date: 05/08/2022
Credit Hours: 36
Cost/Credit: 340
Transfer Credits: Up to 18*
Est. Completion Time: 1-2 Years
Accreditation: HLC

Course Requirements

Bethel’s online MA in Ministry degree (MAR degree) combines a rigorous curriculum with opportunities towards deep spiritual growth. The program consists of 36 credit hours, including 18 hours in required courses and 18 hours in electives of your choice.

  • ▸ Required Courses (18 Credits)

    • BBST 531: Interpreting the New Testament (3)
    • BBST 532: Interpreting the Old Testament (3)
    • CHMN 516: Spiritual Formation (3)
    • CHMN 522: Dynamics of Multicultural Ministry (3)
    • THES 531: Systematic Theology (3)
    • THES 535/536: Christian Apologetics/ Philosophy of Religion (3)

  • ▸ Related Course Electives (18 Credits)

    • CHMN XXX: Select a minimum of 3 credit hours (3-15)
    • BBST XXX: Select a minimum of 3 credit hours (3-15)
    • THES XXX (1-15)
Program consists of:

12

Total Courses
Earn your degree faster by transferring credits.
View Transfer Policy

Admission Requirements

Candidates for Bethel’s online MA in Ministry will need to submit the following:
  • Online graduate application
  • Official transcripts for any undergraduate or graduate work. Students must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher**
  • Biographical sketch of 300 words covering your history, personal religious faith, why you are taking graduate studies, and why you selected Bethel University
  • Three Graduate Reference Forms. These must be from your pastor or qualified spiritual mentor, a former professor or teacher, and another person who is not your relative.

** Students with less than a 2.5 GPA may be granted conditional admissions with the program director’s approval.

Tuition and Fees

Bethel has long been touted for its value. We were ranked No. 2 on Washington Monthly’s Best Bang for the Buck-Midwest list, listed as one of the 50 Best Value Christian Colleges, and have made it to the top tier of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Regional Universities-Midwest” list for fifteen consecutive years.

*Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. Depending on transfer credits, the number of semesters required for completion will affect total cost.

*Transferring any graduate-level credits must be petitioned with the department for approval.

Payment Plan

Bethel University has a monthly installment plan available through Nelnet Campus Commerce. Enrollment can be completed online by accessing the student billing link through MyBethel or by calling 800.609.8056. Students will be charged an enrollment fee of $40.

Total cost with max. transfer credits:

$6,500

View Tuition & Aid

Financial Aid

Bethel University is committed to ensuring that all our students receive an affordable education.
We offer financial aid based on need, and military benefits and are proud to offer extraordinarily competitive tuition rates.
FAFSA Information
To learn more about your financial aid options or submit a FAFSA, please see our Financial Aid page.
View Financial Aid

Transfer Credits

Bethel is committed to helping you make the most of your previous educational experiences. Visit our Transfer Credits page to learn more.
Transfer Your Credits
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Career Outcomes

When you earn your online MA in Ministry (MAR degree), you open up doors to a wide range of religious careers. Here are just a few. Career information taken from Payscale.com.

  • ▸ Chaplain

    Chaplains provide religious counseling to members of the public, usually for hospitals, healthcare facilities, or the military. Their responsibilities may include offering spiritual and emotional support, coordinating spiritual and bereavement services, catering their services to a wide range of religious backgrounds, and other related duties. These individuals make a median annual salary of $48,485.

  • ▸ Senior Paster

    Senior pastors work as the leaders of their churches. Their responsibilities may include overseeing administrative functions, preaching to their congregations, building relationships between the church and their community, conducting ceremonies such as weddings or funerals, and other related duties. These individuals make a median annual salary of $57,321.

  • ▸ Religious Non-Profit Program Manager

    Program managers at religious non-profits oversee specific projects related to the organization’s mission. Responsibilities may include handling budgets, organizing activities, managing staff, ensuring a high standard of quality for their programs, and related tasks. These individuals make a median annual salary of $49,296.

Benefits of Learning Online

An online degree can open doors to your career while allowing you to study in a convenient, affordable format.
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Request Information

Learn more about this program and other online academic opportunities at Bethel. Once you complete this form, here’s what you can expect from us:
  • A friendly phone call. We’ll contact you within 24 hours, ready to answer all of your questions.
  • Personalized treatment. You’ll get immediate access to your own dedicated and knowledgeable enrollment counselor. They’ll ask you more about your goals at Bethel, and walk you through everything you need to know to apply.

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