Master of Arts in Ministry
M.A. in Ministry Program Overview
Develop your ministry further and make a profound impact with the Master of Arts in Ministry program at Freed-Hardeman University. We invite you explore ministry further and grow spiritually and in knowledge of preaching, mission work, and church leadership.
Graduate Studies:
College of Biblical Studies
Director of Graduate Theology:
Dr. Richard A. Brumback
Ph.D.
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Josh Ketchum
Ph.D.
Learning at FHU
Why should you get an M.A. in Ministry at Freed-Hardeman University?
Enrolling in the M.A. in Ministry program at Freed-Hardeman University represents a significant stride towards become a better minister and spreading the gospel even further. This program will equip you with the tools to lead more effectively in your ministry and empower you with the resources to facilitate the spiritual growth of others.
Ready to Apply?
All current and new students applying for a Master’s or Doctorate program will use the online application process.
Futures for M.A. in Ministry
The future is promising for those pursuing an M.A. in Ministry. This program has been meticulously crafted to cater to individuals seeking a career in all types of ministry including pulpit, involvement, youth, children’s, and more! Graduate students in this program gain the privilege of learning from and being mentored by terminally degreed faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. This mentorship serves to equip students with the necessary tools to elevate their ministry and contribute to the expansion of God’s Kingdom.
M.A. Ministry Degree Degree Requirements
At Freed-Hardeman University, students enrolled in our M.A. in Ministry can expect a comprehensive journey through the world of ministry. Whether its preaching, mission work, or church leadership, you will gain the knowledge necessary to help others as they walk through their spiritual journey.
I. Required Courses: 33 hours
| BIB 500 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 3 |
| BIB | One Old Testament Text Course | 3 |
| BIB | Three New Testament Text Courses** | 9 |
| BIB 525 | Communication in Ministry OR | 3 |
| BIB 526 | Introduction to Homiletics | (3) |
| BIB 535 | Family Ministry OR | 3 |
| BIB 536 | Pastoral Counseling OR | (3) |
| BIB 575 | Suffering and the Human Condition | (3) |
| BIB 545 | Spiritual Leadership OR | 3 |
| BIB 546 | Education Program of the Church | (3) |
| BIB 547 | Missions & Church Growth, OR | 3 |
| BIB 555 | Contemporary Ethics | (3) |
| BIB 565 | Internship | 6 |
II. Electives (taken from other BIB Courses): 15 hours
Areas of Emphasis:
| A. Preaching: | 9 hours | |
| BIB 526 | Introduction to Homiletics | 3 |
| BIB 529/435 | Expository Preaching | 3 |
| BIB 530 | Inductive Preaching | 3 |
| B. Missions: | 9 hours | |
| BIB 547 | Missions and Church Growth | 3 |
| BIB 548 | Contextualization | 3 |
| BIB 550 | Missionary Anthropology | 3 |
| C. Leadership: | 9 hours | |
| BIB 525 | Communication in Ministry | 3 |
| BIB 545 | Spiritual Leadership | 3 |
| BIB 535 | Family Ministry OR | 3 |
| BIB 546 | Education Program of the Church OR | (3) |
| BIB 555 | Contemporary Ethics | (3) |
See the director for a pattern of course offerings for the year.
**If the student is granted 12 hours of advanced standing due to completion of a bachelor’s degree in Biblical studies, this requirement will be reduced to two courses.
Admission Requirements for the M.A. Ministry Degree
To be considered for admission into the M.A.-Ministry program at FHU, please submit the following:
- Free online application
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Personal essay specifying your goals and how the FHU program will help you meet those goals (300-500 words)
- Submit scholarship application (optional)
- Copy of Photo ID
Frequently Asked Questions About FHU’s M.A. in Ministry
Why should I get a M.A. in Ministry at Freed-Hardeman University?
Simply put, you will be better equipped to serve in your role as a minister. The advanced knowledge you will receive combined with the mentorship provided by the faculty will transform you in ways you never thought possible!
Additionally, you will be eligible to participate in our annual guided archeological dig in the Holy Lands at a subsidized cost. It’s great to study about the New Testament world, but it’s even better to see it with your own eyes!
Will an M.A. in Ministry help me advance my career?
A master’s degree in ministry can certainly make you more attractive to churches seeking to hire. However, the true impact is in the difference you can make with the knowledge you receive from the program. The M.A. in Ministry will make you a more effective minister, enabling you to lead others along their spiritual journeys.
How long will it take me to complete this degree?
The 48 credit hour master’s in ministry can be completed in as little as two years. However, you can pace yourself as you choose. You can finish quicker as a full-time student (9+ credit hours per semester) or you can slow it down and take 6 or less credit hours per semester.
Advanced standing of 12 credit hours can be given for those with an appropriate undergraduate degree in biblical studies.
Are there scholarships available?
We know pursuing a graduate degree can come with a significant cost investment. So, in an attempt to help you further your education without breaking the bank, we offer competitive scholarships to many of our students. If you’re interested, complete the online application as well as the scholarship application. Afterwards, the Director of the Graduate School of Theology will be in touch regarding your potential for a scholarship award.
Questions about the application process?
Have more questions about applying for a graduate or doctorate program? If you’d like to discuss anything further, submit an inquiry or schedule a visit and we’ll have someone from the Office of Graduate Studies contact you.