125 credits
required for program
- Available Online
- Minor Available
Cost
$480 + $25 tech fee per credit
Timeframe
22–26 months
Prepare for a transformative career in Christian ministry with an online ministry degree. Engage with critical leadership training and graduate prepared for work in the church, mission field, and around the world.
Our online ministry degree may be the right fit if you…
- Seek to serve and disciple others in a professional setting
- Are a good communicator
- Desire to learn more about Scripture
- Value faith-infused curriculum that interlocks faith and purpose
- Appreciate an accelerated, online ministry degree format that fits your busy life and allows you to finish your degree in less time
- Crave an interactive and supportive virtual community
Why study Ministry at Northwestern?
If you’re looking for an online ministry degree, our ministry degree is intentionally designed to be both realistically attainable and undeniably valuable. In other words, we’ve created an online program that fits your busy life and equips you to join the next generation of church leaders, missionaries, nonprofit leaders, and other ministers—something we’ve been doing for over 100 years!
Through this major, you will develop skills in teaching, counseling, and leadership so that you can make an impact in the world. Our ministry curriculum was developed by faculty with years of practical ministry experience. With the embedded Christian Studies concentration, you will establish a foundational understanding of the Bible, theology, and apologetics.
Experience it all within a supportive Christian community to encourage you as you live out your calling.
Program Features
- Practical ministry coursework immediately applicable to your current work or ministry
- Embedded concentration in Christian Studies
- Expert faculty who are active in ministry
- Optional virtual meetings to connect with your professor and classmates
- Faith-infused curriculum
- Courses optimized for quality and user experience
Students must complete 4 or 10 credits for a Christian Studies Concetration depending their transfer status. Course options include Survey of the Old Testament, Survey of the New Testament, Biblical Theology, or Systematic Theology.
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Accelerated Masters of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAML)
An accelerated program, sometimes referred to as 3+2 or 4+1, allows students to complete their bachelors and masters in 5 years, saving students time and tuition.
The department of Christian Ministries offers an accelerated pathway from an online degree in Ministry to the to a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAML). While completing their undergraduate degree, students will complete 12-16 credits of graduate coursework, and an additional 20-24 graduate credits online after graduating.
Program Highlights
View highlights, career paths and courses related to the Ministries degree.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Camp administrator
- Campus ministry professional
- Christian education professional
- Curriculum writer (church/para-church)
- Disaster/aid relief worker
- Life skills coach
- Ministry support or coordination specialist
- Missionary
- Para-church ministry worker
- Pastoral roles
- Program administration or development specialist
- Social/human services worker or case manager
Note: Roles in some settings may require additional education or training.
What will I learn?
As you pursue a online ministry degree at UNW, you will learn how to engage non-believers and develop effective communication skills. You will also explore specific knowledge, skills, and personal values that prepare leaders biblically, relationally, and practically for wise service in church, nonprofit, or cross-cultural roles.
MIN 3231A
Care and Counseling in Ministry
This course provides a foundation and overview of counseling techniques, practices, and typical counseling situations which are faced in both church and parachurch ministry settings. Emphasis is placed on methods and techniques for effectively counseling people in crisis from all age groups. Guidance is given in the counseling of lay leadership, families in crisis, and the handling of abuse cases. Consideration is given to the legal, ethical, and practical implications of Christian counseling.
MIN1007
Ministry Foundations
This course addresses theological, philosophical, and historic foundations for Christian ministry. Students will be introduced to various fields of ministry, explore giftedness and call, discover the purpose of the church, and wrestle with cultural implications for ministry practice. The student will connect with a local ministry and begin to formulate a personal theology and philosophy of ministry during the context of this course.
MIN3206
Relationships
This course will examine biblical and theological foundations, social science research and relationship models for healthy relationships. Focus will be given to the process of relationships: identity formation, friendship, dating, courtship, engagement and marriage. Additional issues including singleness, intimacy, forgiveness, gender issues, communication skills, conflict resolution, relational integrity, cultural awareness and financial planning will be addressed. Research projects and other assignments will include exegetical work in relevant scriptural passages.
MIN3218
Teaching Methods in Ministry
A theoretical and practical approach to giving students experience in the development and practice of teaching of biblical lessons. The course will address contemporary methods, scope and sequence and curriculum analysis and evaluation, with special attention to the effect of gender and culture on the teaching/learning process.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
Our team is ready with answers!
Discover the School of Theology and Ministry
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our online ministry program faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your knowledge, skills, and faith while you earn your degree.
