10 Most Affordable Master’s in Ministry Online

Luther Rice College and Seminary provides students with a 100 percent online master's in ministry. This nationally accredited degree, which requires no residencies, offers two tracks: elective and languages. Students who take on the Elective Track will be able to choose from a variety of electives to build upon their own specializations and interests; those in the Languages track will be offered the opportunity to learn Greek and Hebrew for the purposes of translating ancient texts and for educational purposes. This is one of the most comprehensive degrees on this ranking, requiring a student complete 90 credit hours of coursework, but it is also the most versatile; students will be able to find careers in both religious and civilian workplaces. Along with the credit hour requirement, students can also expect to complete an original research project as well as a practicum. Sample courses include Marriage and Family Counseling, Personal and Church Evangelism, and Preparing an Expository Message.

Students interested in an online Master's in Ministry will be happy to hear that the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary confers a Master of Divinity that may be perfect for their needs. This degree offers four concentrations, all of which are available wholly online. They include Advanced MDIV, Christian Ministry, Missiology, and North American Church Planting. Some concentrations are even available as Spanish options, providing bilingual students with the chance to minister to Spanish-speaking populations. This is a comprehensive degree that can be completed in as little as three years with full-time study. Students will be required to take a practicum, which can be completed in their community; international placements are also available. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 82 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, and a comprehensive exam for graduation. Sample courses include Personal Discipleship and Disciple-Making, Pastoral Ministry and Leadership, and Christian Philosophy: Patristic, Medieval, Reformation, and Modern Eras.

The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary provides students with a cheap online Master's in Ministry that is both comprehensive and inspiring. This degree offers an astounding 24 specializations, all of which are available as 100 percent online concentrations or hybrid; students are encouraged to speak with an admissions advisor about residency requirements. Sample concentrations include Christian Education, Christian Apologetics, and Church Music. The Master of Divinity is built for those who are interested in working in religious organizations, for the Church, or as a layperson in leadership and ministry positions. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 84 credit hours of coursework, including Greek and Hebrew, field experiences, a research project, and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include History of Christianity: Early-Medieval, Encountering the Biblical World, and Introduction to Spiritual Formation.

Holy Apostles College and Seminary confer a Master's in Ministry that is delivered 100 percent online. This program is designed for students who wish to take layperson leadership or ecclesial ministry leadership positions within the Roman Catholic Church; as such, it is a degree that will attract Roman Catholic students. This program offers six concentrations, including, but not limited to, Catechetical Ministry, Spiritual Direction, and Catholic Women's Leadership Studies. All concentrations were created to provide the Roman Catholic Church, as well as civilian business and social services, with Christ-centered ethical leaders who understand how religion can positively affect a person's worldview. Regardless of which option a student chooses to earn, all must successfully complete 36 credit hours of coursework and a summative evaluation. Sample courses include Pastoral Counseling I: Spiritual Helping and Accompaniment, Catholic School Teaching, and Nurturing the Domestic Church: Fostering Authentic Marriage, Family Life, and Spirituality.

Students wishing to work within the Christian Church as ethical leaders will find a great Master's of Ministry program at Shasta Bible College and Graduate School. The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry comes with four concentrations: Bible Exposition, Biblical Studies, Biblical Interpretation, and Pastoral Ministry. All of these options were designed for students who have completed accredited undergraduate work in ministry; however, students who have no previous work in the field may still apply, but it is best to note that they may be required to complete up to 24 credit hours of coursework, including coursework on Greek and Hebrew languages, prior to attending the graduate program. Although this is a 100 percent online program, students will be expected to complete a practicum in their community. Other requirements include 36 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Church Planting, Growth and Development, Advanced Homiletics, and Pastoral Leadership and Church Management.

Faith International University confers an exceptional master's in ministry online program. This degree is designed for those students who wish to serve the Church in various careers and provides three concentrations, including Global Leadership, Life Coaching, and Christian Counseling. While the degree itself is 100 percent online, a field ministry or practicum is required for every option; this can be completed in a student's community with the approval of the department. Students will note that this degree is specifically created for vocational opportunities within the church, and as such, provides certifications as it pertains to the Christian Church. Students can expect to complete 72 credit hours of coursework, a field ministry or practicum, and a comprehensive exam prior to graduation. Sample courses include Missional Thought and Theology, Communication and Conflict Management, and Vision, Mission, and Organizational Effectiveness.

One of the most comprehensive ministry master's online degrees comes from The King's University, which confers the Master of Divinity. This is a comprehensive degree that focuses on biblical and theological knowledge; combined with experiential learning projects, it remains a pioneer in ministry education. This 100 percent online degree is focused on building students into missionaries, ministers, and pastors, spreading the word of God all over the world. The curriculum follows this mission, providing students with an in-depth historical, contextual, and conceptual view of both the bible and religion. Students can expect to complete a total of 78 credit hours, a research project, language courses, a practicum done in a student's community, and a capstone project. Sample courses include Life of Jesus in Historical Context, Old Testament Theology, and Current Issues in Biblical Interpretation.

Students who are aware of the Christian University GlobalNet, an online initiative to provide students with online ministry studies, will know that Grace College and Theological Seminary is the perfect place to earn a Master's in Ministry. This school confers a 100 percent online graduate degree in the field that comes with three concentrations, including Camp Administration, Women's Leadership Studies, and Counseling. Students will find asynchronous courses taught by respected religious leaders, all backed by the excellent academic reputation of Grace College. Depending on a student's choice of options, a fieldwork experience may be required; however, this can be completed in a student's community upon approval of the department head. Students can expect to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a fieldwork experience, and a comprehensive exam; this degree can be completed in two years. Sample courses include Ministry Philosophy for Church, Ministry and Cultural Diversity, and Historical Development of Doctrine.

Liberty University offers a 100 percent online program for students who are interested in becoming Christian ministry leaders. The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry is a relatively new addition to the university's offerings, but it is fast becoming a popular one; students often rank its biblical teaching courses and leadership strategies as some of the best in the country. Students will find it possible to take on this degree as part-time or full-time learners, enabling them to continue with their responsibilities while taking asynchronous courses. Courses remain small as well, allowing for an intimate forum in which to debate faith-based principles. Students can expect to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a fieldwork experience, and a comprehensive exam for graduation. Sample courses include Biblical Foundations of Leadership, Intercultural Communication and Engagement, and Foundations of Expository Teaching and Preaching.

Students interested in a Master's in Ministry online will find a great program for them at Northwest Nazarene University. This school confers a Master of Arts in Youth, Children and Family Ministry, a 100 percent online program that provides students with a pathway to become ministers, pastors, and leaders. It is possible to choose from earning either a Master of Arts or a Master of Divinity for this field, although the MDIVYCFM track is not only possible to complete in as little as 50 months, but is also validated as adhering to the requirements for minister ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. Both programs do require a fieldwork experience; however, this can be done in a student's community. Students can expect to complete an online orientation, 36 credit hours of coursework, and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Development and Spiritual Formation of Youth, Children and Families, Family Ministry in Practice, and Theological Foundations of Christian Education.