36 credits
required for program
- Available Online
Cost
$595 + $25 tech fee per credit
Timeframe
18–22 months
Explore a master’s degree in theology online at UNW, designed for busy adults seeking to grow in faith and academic knowledge for effective ministry.
Earning your master’s degree in theology online at Northwestern may be the right fit if you…
- Desire to gain a deep understanding of the rich theological truths found in Scripture
- Appreciate an online format that fits your busy life
- Value faith-infused curriculum that interlocks faith and purpose
Why study theological studies at Northwestern?
Our online master’s degree in theology is intentionally designed to be both realistically attainable and undeniably valuable. Discover a program designed to spark growth in your area of ministry. Experience it all within a supportive Christian community to encourage you as you live out your calling.
Flexible Learning Paths
Interested in a Master of Arts in Theological Studies? UNW offers an accelerated pathway from its B.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies (a four-year undergraduate degree) to earn the two-years MATS degree with only one more year of study. Start out with a graduate certificate in Christian Studies and transfer credits toward a MATS degree. A Master’s of Arts in Theological Studies can also be the first step towards earning your Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree with 36 credits ready for transfer.
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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, Cultural Engagement, Ministry Leadership
by the Higher Learning Commission
salary increase*
edge in the marketplace*
*according to purdue.edu. Retrieved February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about earning our online MATS degree? Check out a few of our most frequently asked questions!
Definitely. We know it can be nerve-wracking to take the next step toward your ministry goals, especially as you consider how pursuing a degree will fit into your busy life.
That’s why we’ve created a value-packed master’s degree in theology that provides a manageable workload for a busy adult. Experience flexible education and student-friendly courses all within a convenient online format.
Yes! It is a top priority to make quality education affordable so that you can fulfill your calling right here at UNW. You can expect competitive tuition that’s actually less than the cost of most state undergraduate programs.
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 community, courses taught by actively practicing faculty, and a student-friendly course design.
Absolutely. We believe students of all ages thrive in a learning environment where they feel known, supported, and encouraged. Our online MATS program, firmly rooted in biblical principles, offers access to free tutoring and coaching resources, personal academic advising, career development, optional live-learning sessions , and—of course—our highly interactive virtual community.
Our curriculum is designed to provide you with a foundation for success in the real world. A master’s degree in theology, like our MATS degree, can open doors to many careers in a variety of settings.
UNW alumni have taken on roles in pastoral work, chaplaincy, Christian education, church planting, higher education, mission work, research, writing, and more.
Yes, UNW’s MATS 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.
We recognize that faith plays an important role in one’s professional life. Experience a master’s in theology that combines biblical and theological training with Christian ministry to fully prepare you to step into your unique calling.
Grow in your spiritual walk and develop strategies for effective ministry or work in academic settings. Wherever you feel called, graduate with a deepened level of confidence as a faithful servant leader in the Kingdom of God.
The Christian Ministries Department faculty, adjunct instructors, and staff have a wide variety of practical ministry experiences that inform our teaching and mentoring. It is our privilege to come alongside the work of our Triune God in shaping the next generation of ministry leaders.
Professor of Christian Ministries
Career Opportunities
What types of work are related to this degree?
What types of work are related to a master’s degree in theology?
- Chaplaincy
- Christian education
- Church planting
- Executive Director
- Higher education
- Historian
- Lay leadership
- Lecturer/speaker
- Ministry leadership
- Mission work
- Research
- Pastoral Counselor
- Seminary
- Writer
Note: Roles in some settings may require additional education or training.
What will I learn?
As you pursue an online master’s degree in theology at UNW, you will think deeply about God and the Scriptures, broaden your understanding of Christianity, and strengthen your ability to communicate its teachings. Take a deeper dive into hermeneutics, biblical and systematic theology, church history, apologetics, and more.
BIA5021U
Apologetics
A study of apologetics, the defense of the Christian faith, with emphasis on critical thinking, theistic arguments, and the problem of evil. Students will also be introduced to Christian approaches to ethics and ethical issues.
BIA5015
Biblical Hermeneutics
An advanced course in hermeneutics in which students will learn about the formation of the Bible, the history of biblical interpretation, modern critical methods, and current challenges to biblical interpretation.
BIB6312
Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments
A study of current methods and issues in the field of Biblical Theology, with emphasis on application to Old and New Testament books. Students will develop theological categories from the text and identify the variety and unity of theological themes.
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.
