At the graduate level, the School of Theology and Christian Ministry currently offers nine master’s degrees, which fall into three areas: General Ministry, Specialized Ministry, and Scholarly programs. There is some overlap between programs in each area. The following briefly describes each program and the potential student for which it is intended.
General Ministry Programs
Specialized Ministry Programs
Scholarly Programs
Click here for general information that pertains to all graduate religion programs.
General Ministry Programs
- M.A. in Christian Ministry - An education for ministry in a wide variety of contexts, mixing biblical, theological, practical, and personal spiritual growth. A semi-residential "gateway" program. A mixture of intensive modular courses, half-term courses, and traditional courses. 36 hours.
- M.A. in Pastoral Leadership (online) - A completely online program designed for serving ministers who desire to integrate theory and praxis and develop a "practiced theology." Courses will be taught by leading pastors who are actively engaged in ministry or who have decades of ministerial experience. 36 hours.
- M.A. in Pastoral Ministry - An on-campus program that combines practical ministry preparation with academic study of theology and the Bible. Designed for students who have significant undergraduate preparation in theology and ministry. First year on campus, 30 hours. Second year in practlcal ministry and module courses, 18 hours. The program totals 48 hours.
- Master of Ministry - Designed for students who cannot come regularly to Olivet's campus, this program is offered entirely through intensive modular courses and is particularly useful to students already involved in ministry at some distance from Olivet's campus. The focus is practical ministry, and there are two tracks: a general ministry track and a youth ministry track.
Specialized Ministry Programs
- M.A. in Family Ministry - A two-year program to prepare students for specialized ministry to children and families, but also for other ministries as well. First year on campus, 30 hours. Second year in modular courses and practical ministry, 18 hours. The program totals 48 hours.
- M.A. in Youth Ministry - A two-year program to prepare students for specialized ministry to young people, but also for other ministries as well. First year on campus, 30 hours. Second year in modular courses and practical ministry, 18 hours. The program totals 48 hours.
- Maestría de Ministerio en Español (Master of Ministry in Spanish) - Un programa, totalmente en español, diseñado en cuatro áreas claves para la formación ministerial de posgrado: conocimiento bíblico, conocimiento teológico, análisis y diseño de prácticas ministeriales y desarrollo y formación espiritual personal. Revela un enfoque integral del ministerio. (Click here to view program information in English.)
Scholarly Programs
- M.A. in Biblical Literature - An on-campus program with an academic focus on the Bible, with options for further study, scholarship, and ministry. For students considering further graduate education, and for ministers and others with a strong commitment to a scholarly understanding of the Bible. 36 hours.
- M.A. in Religion - An on-campus program with an academic focus on Bible and/or theology, with options for further study, scholarship, and ministry. For students considering further graduate education, and for ministers and others who desire to broaden their knowledge of theology and biblical studies. 30 hours.
All of the master’s degrees offered by the School of Theology and Christian Ministry are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Learn more!If you have questions about any aspect of our programs, please contact the graduate religion office by phone at 815-928-5670 or by email at onugradreligion@olivet.edu.