Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

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MA in Ministry

The Master of Arts in Ministry (MA in Min) purposes to equip persons not seeking ordination for competent leadership in an area of specialized church-related ministry. Areas of ministry specialization are specific to the participant’s ministry context in a local church, parachurch, or another church-related ministry. The MA in Ministry is not designed for those anticipating future doctoral work.

Ministry specializations of present students include: spiritual formation in the local church; ministry to young adults; church administration; women's ministry; and worship ministry.

What will I study?

Prerequisites If Needed (9-10 hours minimum)

Biblical Studies

OT 5000 and NT 5000 recommended

Theological Studies

ST 5000, ST 5101, or ST 5102 recommended

Program Curricula

Biblical, Theological, and Historical Studies 12-15 hours

A minimum of one course (2 hours) each in Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, and History

Ministry Practice and Context 12-15 hours

A minimum of four courses in ministry application, two of which (6 hours total) must be in a particular area of ministry specialization that provides a foundation for the capstone integrative experience.

Required: PT 5000 Personal Assessment and Ministry Orientation

Capstone Integrative Experience 3-6 hours

A ministry-based experience that integrates the biblical/theological/historical with the ministry practice and context components of the program and provides the capacity for further specialized service in the church (ID 7465). This intensive experience may be a practicum or a project and (for 3 semester hours) will reflect a minimum of 168 hours (12 hr/wk for 14 wks) of experiential learning and be accompanied by a 7,500-to-10,000-word (25-30 page) critical analysis paper demonstrating integration of program components with the area of ministry specialization.

TOTAL hours required 32 hours

Prerequisite Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the MA in Ministry are those described under the Admissions section of the catalog and the following further requirements specific to the MA in Ministry program:

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree, or the educational equivalent, from a recognized accredited institution. In some cases, admission with deficiencies is possible with fulfillment of those deficiencies at Trinity.
The applicant’s undergraduate grade point average must be a minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; however, since GPA is not always an accurate indication of an applicant’s abilities for graduate work, those with a lower GPA are encouraged to consult with an admissions counselor.
Scores from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) (preferred) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) are required for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is less than 2.5 and for others upon request from the Admissions Office.
A minimum of one semester-length undergraduate or graduate course each in Old Testament, New Testament, and theology (generally totaling at least 9 or 10 semester hours). Applicants may be admitted without this course work but need to take it early in the program.
Applicants must include with their application a statement relative to their ministry intent and anticipated area of ministry specialization. The statement should be approximately 1,000 words in length and include a description of present and future ministry intent, as well as involvement and recognition by the church in the area of ministry specialization. This statement should be refined by the participant during the first half of the program in anticipation of the midprogram assessment.
A letter of endorsement on letterhead from the applicant’s local church, parachurch, or church-related ministry that demonstrates the applicant’s church-connectedness and affirms the following: (a) the applicant’s interest and giftedness for church-related ministry; (b) the applicant’s evident Christian life and character; and (c) the support and prayers of the ministry organization for the applicant’s course of study. As a church-related ministry degree program, this requirement is not optional.
A personal interview may also be required.

Interesting courses you might take

Introduction to the Old Testament • Capstone Integrative Experience