36 credits
required for program
- Available Online
Cost
$595 + $25 tech fee per credit
Timeframe
18–22 months
Expand your understanding of Christian leadership with a flexible Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAML). You will be equipped with the tools needed to lead organizations, communicate effectively, and impact the world for Christ. Graduate prepared for leadership and Christian ministry in churches, nonprofits, and other faith-based organizations.
Our Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership may be the right fit if you…
- Are passionate about Christian leadership in churches, nonprofits, and other faith-based organizations
- Desire to deepen your understanding of Scripture
- Value faith-infused curriculum that interlocks faith and purpose
Why pursue a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership at Northwestern?
Our M.A. in Ministry Leadership degree is intentionally designed to be both realistically attainable and undeniably valuable. Discover an accelerated online MAML program designed to equip local church, non-profit, and lay leaders with tools for spiritual formation, biblical interpretation, and organizational leadership. And experience it all within a supportive Christian community to encourage you as you live out your calling.
Flexible Learning Paths
A flexible degree designed to expand your understanding of Christian leadership, this program is led by expert faculty who are actively engaged in Christian ministry. The customizable MAML program offers six unique concentrations, allowing you to tailor your studies to your goals. Its faith-infused curriculum is complemented by courses optimized for both quality and an excellent user experience.
UNW offers an accelerated pathway from its four-year undergraduate B.A. and B.S. ministry degrees to ear the two-year MAML degree with only one more year of study.
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Program Highlights
- Format: Online
- Total Credits: 36
- Cost Per Credit: $595 + $25 tech fee
- Timeframe: 18-22 months
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools
- Concentrations: Biblical Studies, Clinical Pastoral Education, Cultural Engagement, Organizational Leadership, Pastoral Leadership, Theological Studies
a deeper understanding of ministry
job outlook growth
in your leadership skills.
According to purdue.edu. Retrieved February 2026.
Concentrations
Optimize your Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership degree for your unique ministry goals. Customize your program by selecting one of six concentrations:
Students complete 12 credits specific to Biblical Studies.
- Bible in Its World
- Old Testament Survey
- New Testament Survey
- Electives: BIA, BIB, HIS, or PHI Courses
Students complete 12 credits specific to Clinical Pastoral Education. Students interested in chaplaincy may pursue this option through a partnership with a regional hospital.
- Clinical Pastoral Education
Students complete 12 credits specific to Cultural Engagement.
- Science and Christianity
- Theology of Gender and Sexuality
- Apologetics or Ethics (select the course that was not taken in the Core)
- Electives: BIA, BIB, or MIN Courses
Applications for the 2026–27 academic year for this concentration are not being accepted at this time.
Students complete 12 credits specific to Organizational Leadership.
- Managerial Leadership
- Leading Organizational Change
- Electives: BIB, BUA*, HCM, LDR, MIN Courses
*BUA5420 is a recommended elective.
Students complete 12 credits specific to Pastoral Leadership.
- Pastoral Care
- Ministries of Preaching and Worship
- Electives: BIB, BUA, HCM, LDR, MIN Courses
Students complete 12 credits specific to Theological Studies.
- Systematic Theology I
- Systematic Theology II
- Electives: BIA, BIB, HIS, or PHI Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about earning a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership? Check out a few of our most frequently asked questions!
We recognize that faith is central to Christian ministry. Experience an online MAML program that will carefully prepare you to ignite your unique calling while maintaining a strong commitment to the authority of God’s Word.
Grow in your spiritual walk and develop strategies for effective ministry work locally or around the world. Wherever you feel led in ministry, graduate with a deepened level of confidence as a faithful servant leader in the Kingdom of God.
Yes. If you have completed previous graduate work, you may be able to apply up to nine credits of previous coursework toward this transfer-friendly degree. In addition, students may continue on from this master’s degree to pursue the Master of Divinity or other graduate program offerings.
Yes, UNW’s MAML program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In addition, University of Northwestern – St. Paul is an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools.
Absolutely. We believe students of all ages thrive in a learning environment where they feel known, supported, and encouraged. Our online MAML program, firmly rooted in biblical principles, offers access to free tutoring and coaching resources, personal academic advising, optional live-learning sessions, and—of course—our highly interactive virtual community.
Yes! It is a top priority to make quality education affordable so that you can ignite your calling right here at UNW. You can expect affordable tuition, with financial aid options.
More than our commitment to an affordable education, though, is our commitment to a valuable one. Invest in an education at UNW that offers faith-infused learning, a highly interactive online community, courses taught by actively practicing faculty, and student-friendly course design
Definitely. We know it can be nerve-wracking to take the next step toward your goals, especially as you consider how pursuing a degree will fit into your busy life.
That’s why we’ve created a value-packed MAML program that provides a manageable workload for a busy adult. Experience flexible education and student-friendly courses all within a convenient online format — so you can complete coursework when it’s convenient for you.
I loved the professors in the Christian Ministries Department! Hearing stories from their experiences in ministry and learning from their successes and mistakes formed me into the pastor that I am today.
Career Opportunities
What types of work are related to this degree?
What types of work are related to a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership?
- Chaplain
- Christian Educator
- Church Administration Specialist
- Church Planter
- Crisis Relief Director
- Executive Leader
- Missionary
- Missions Organization Executive
- Nonprofit Leader
- Pastor
- School Principal
What will I learn?
As you pursue a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership at UNW, you will be challenged, grow in your own spiritual life, and develop strategies for reproducing leaders in a diverse world. Plus, engage in real Christian ministry experience through internships with the option to apply to an outside Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program to be trained for chaplaincy work. Ultimately, you will be prepared to lead and serve in various ministry contexts.
MIN5210U
Leading and Organizing Ministry
This course considers the leadership development of the whole person: knowledge, character, and skill. Practice of leadership and management for the church and for Christian nonprofit organizations will be studied. Students will examine God’s vision for their lives, leading and organizing a ministry to accomplish a mission, and how to develop leaders who equip other leaders.
MIN5610U
Ministering Culturally and Globally
This course prepares students to investigate social and cultural contexts in order to communicate and minister effectively in a diverse and globalized society. This course also applies theological and philosophical principles related to the global and local mission of the church.
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 faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
