Equip Yourself for Ministry with an MA in Ministry Studies
Gain a broad range of biblical-theological knowledge and practical skills essential for effective ministry leadership with CIU’s Master of Arts in Ministry Studies. You will be well-equipped for leadership in a local church, para-church organization or mission agency. The objectives of the program are designed to ensure that you receive the highest quality education possible, with a focus on biblical principles, cultural analysis and practical ministry application.
Through this program you will develop a deeper understanding of the Bible and its practical application in ministry contexts. You will learn how to effectively engage with diverse cultures and worldviews and gain the skills necessary to become an effective leader and minister.
Specifically, as a student in the Master of Arts program, you will learn to:
- Synthesize the basic content, context and themes of the Old and New Testaments from a historical-redemptive perspective, with a special emphasis on God's mission and the Great Commission.
- Analyze cultures and worldviews from a biblical perspective to equip you to engage in effective, biblically contextualized ministry, making disciples in the church, mission field and marketplace.
- Apply biblical principles, techniques and paradigms to the practice of leadership, pastoring, preaching, teaching and counseling.
- Gain practical ministry and organizational knowledge, skills and attitudes through focused internship experiences supervised by an on-site mentor and a faculty advisor.
Why Choose Columbia International University
At Columbia International University, we provide an environment where you can thrive both academically and spiritually. Our evangelical context means that we approach education from a biblical perspective, integrating faith and learning in every aspect of our programs. You will have the opportunity to engage with professors who are not only experts in their fields, but also passionate about equipping you for success. Our faculty come from a diverse range of evangelical denominations, providing you with a well-rounded perspective on theology and ministry. They prioritize your success and are committed to supporting and encouraging you throughout your academic journey.
CIU also offers practical, hands-on learning opportunities. You will have the chance to apply what you learn in the classroom through internships, service projects and other experiential learning opportunities. This will not only help you develop practical skills for ministry and leadership, but also give you a chance to make a difference in the world around you.
We believe that a CIU education will prepare you for a lifetime of effective service in your chosen field. With our emphasis on biblical integration, hands-on learning and dedicated faculty, we are confident that you will find the support and resources you need to achieve your academic and spiritual goals.
Overall Benefits of the Degree
If you are considering pursuing ministry roles within the local church or para-church context, our MA in Ministry Studies program at Columbia International University will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need. Our well-trained faculty members are passionate about helping you grow in your understanding of biblical principles and practical ministry skills. We understand that each student comes with unique interests and goals, which is why we offer a personalized approach to your education.
Through our program you will be exposed to a wide range of knowledge and skills, such as pastoral ministry, counseling, evangelism and global missions. Whether you are called to pastoral ministry, missionary work or any other area of ministry, we have a specialized program designed just for you. We recognize that life happens, and if you have started a master’s program at another institution, we offer course credit transfers so you can continue your education with us and complete your degree at CIU. With a Master of Arts in Ministry degree from our program, you will be well-prepared to serve in a variety of ministry roles and make a lasting impact in the lives of those around you.
Featured Faculty
What Will I Study?
- CBS 5000 Succeeding in Seminary
This course prepares you for your studies at Columbia Biblical Seminary. You will be introduced to five core values that reflect the institution's mission and ethos. Services and resources available to students will be addressed, as will expectations and guidelines for being successful in seminary. You must complete this course during your first term as a seminary student.
0.00 credit hours
- BIB 5112 Introduction to the Old Testament 1
In this course, you will trace the structure, content, and purpose of the Old Testament Pentateuch and Historical books. You will identify key theological themes and relate the content of these books to contemporary Christian faith and practice.
3.00 credit hours
- BIB 5113 Introduction to the Old Testament 2
In this course, you will trace the structure, content, and purpose of the Old Testament Poetic and Prophetic books. You will identify key theological themes and relate the content of these books to contemporary Christian faith and practice.
3.00 credit hours
- BIB 5132 Gospels: God's Means of Providing Redemption
This course will guide you through a chronological, synthetic study of the four gospel records, emphasizing the time, place, circumstances, and persons involved in the events of Jesus' ministry. The gospel writers narrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God's appointed Redeemer of the world, who fulfills the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament.
3.00 credit hours
- BIB 5133 Acts to Revelation: God's People Proclaiming Redemption Globally
In this course, you will study the introductory background, structure, and content of the New Testament books, Acts to Revelation, understood within their first-century life setting. The authors of Acts, the letters, and Revelation not only relate the advance of the Early Church in proclaiming redemption globally, but they also provide the contemporary church with normative missionary documents to guide it in fulfilling Christ's commission.
3.00 credit hours
- BIB 5410 Hermeneutics
In this course, you will explore and defend hermeneutical principles and processes based on evangelical presuppositions of Scripture and authorial intended meaning. You will apply an exegetical method to interpret Old and New Testament passages from a variety of biblical genres and apply them to contemporary settings.
3.00 credit hours
- ICS 6024 Understanding Cultures & Worldviews
This course will enable you to understand the worldview assumptions that are foundational to a person's belief systems and behavior patterns. You will analyze the culture and worldview of an ethno-linguistic or socio-economic grouping of people from a biblical worldview perspective. You will also consider elements of biblical contextualization.
3.00 credit hours
- MIN 5300 Foundations of Spiritual Formation
In this course, you will examine the foundational principles of spiritual formation for an effective life and ministry with emphasis on personal sanctification and growth with others in a mutually-edifying community.
3.00 credit hours
- THE 6310 Theology and Ethics 1
In this course, you will examine the doctrines of Scripture, God, Christ, and Eschatology, as well as ethical principles related to these doctrines.
3.00 credit hours
- THE 6320 Theology and Ethics 2
In this course, you will examine the doctrines of Anthropology, Soteriology, Pneumatology, and Ecclesiology, as well as ethical principles related to these doctrines.
3.00 credit hours
- INT 6110 Foundations of Internships
This course is intended as a prerequisite for other INT courses. You will prepare for an internship by establishing a clear plan for learning and understanding the expectations, responsibilities, and activities associated with your internship experience. You must complete this course before you begin your internship. You do not need to secure an internship before enrolling in this course.
0.00 credit hours
- INT 6217 Focused Internship I
In this course, you will enhane your proficiency in ministry and organizational knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained through your studies in a focused internship under the supervision of an on-site mentor and a faculty advisor. Each course involves at least 120 hours of direct ministry experience. (1.5)
1.50 credit hours
- INT 6218 Focused Internship II
In this course, you will enhane your proficiency in ministry and organizational knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained through your studies in a focused internship under the supervision of an on-site mentor and a faculty advisor. Each course involves at least 120 hours of direct ministry experience. (1.5)
1.50 credit hours
- HOM 6300 Foundations of Biblical Preaching
In this course, you will learn how to prepare and deliver sermons using a variety of homiletical methods that motivate listeners to apply the truth of Scripture to their lives and ministries.
3.00 credit hours
- MIN 6344 Transformational Bible Teaching
In this course, you will examine the teaching-learning process to help you understand how to adapt instructional methods to differing expectations, learning styles, cognitive processes, and social relations of learners in multicultural contexts in order to biblically transform lives.
3.00 credit hours
Admission Requirements
- Completed application
- Official transcripts for highest earned degree and any master’s degree work
- Church leader reference
- Application Essay (800 words total, typed)
- Minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
Accreditation and Accolades
Career Path Opportunities
- Pastoring a local congregation
- Serving as an assistant or associate pastor
- Leading a para-church or campus ministry team
- Leading an outreach or discipleship team
- Leading a marketplace ministry team
- Discipleship ministry director
- Next generation (or family) pastor
- An executive in a nonprofit organization
- Administrative leadership
- Pastoral staff
- Small group leader
- Teaching pastor
- Church planter
Top FAQs
- What career opportunities are available with a Master of Divinity in Ministry Studies?
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- Pastoring a local congregation
- Serving as an assistant or associate pastor
- Leading a para-church or campus ministry team
- Leading an outreach or discipleship team
- Leading a marketplace ministry team
- Discipleship ministry director
- Next generation (or family) pastor
- An executive in a nonprofit organization
- Administrative leadership
- Pastoral staff
- Small group leader
- Teaching pastor
- Church planter
- Can I take this program residentially, online or both?
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Our Master of Arts in Ministry Studies is fully available either residentially or online. All required courses are offered in both formats.
As a residential student, you will benefit from close interaction with professors and other students, building relationships that can support you for a lifetime of ministry. Classes are designed around block schedules, which gives you flexibility if you are working or serving in ministry while taking courses. Residential students have the option to take courses online if they wish.
As an online student, you will benefit from courses that foster your learning within the context of an intentional learning community. We recognize that not everyone can uproot themselves and move to seminary. For this reason, all of our courses are asynchronous. This allows you to continue working and serving where you are located while taking courses. At the same time, you will be provided with opportunities to have regular live online meetings with your professors and classmates, if you so desire.
This program is also offered in the Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE) format. Email cbte@ciu.edu for more information or visit CBTE.
- How long does it take?
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Residential courses follow a 16-week semester format, with two semesters per calendar year (Fall and Spring). Thus, residential students can complete this program in about two years (full time, taking three courses per semester) or in about five years (part time, taking two courses per semester).
Online courses follow an eight-week term format, with six terms per calendar year (Spring 1, Spring 2, Summer 1, Summer 2, Fall 1, Fall 2). Online students can complete this program in about two years (full time, taking two courses per online term) or in about two years (part time, taking one course per online term).
Hybrid students can complete this program in about two years.
Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE) students may take residential, online and CBTE courses, enroll six times per year and complete the program in as little at 16 months.
- When can I start this program?
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Residential courses follow a 16-week semester format and have two starts every year. The spring semester begins in January and the fall semester begins in August, with a break for summer in between semesters.
Online courses follow an eight-week term format and have six starts each year. Every eight weeks is a new start, meaning there are two online terms offered each spring, summer and fall.
Competency-Based Theological Education students follow an eight-week term format and have six starts every year. Every eight weeks is a new start, meaning there are two online terms offered each spring, summer and fall.
- How much does it cost?
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Please visit the Tuition and Fees page for detailed information on cost. Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE) students have a different scale.
- Am I provided with Bible software?
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Yes, upon enrolling in your first course, you will receive a professional-level copy of Accordance Bible Software, customized for your studies at Columbia International University. It is yours to keep upon graduation.