Master of Arts in Christian Studies
Program Overview
Online Master of Arts in Christian Studies
Strengthen your spiritual life by delving deeper into the Bible, the character of God, the history of the Church, and more.
Types
Master
Location
Online
Credits
30
Cost
$355/credit hour
Overview
Higher callings require deeper understanding. Your spiritual life is your core. Every other part of your life flows out of it; when your relationship with God is in a good place, the rest of your life benefits. Get a deeper understanding about God, study systematic and biblical theology, and learn how to lead small groups and other ministry initiatives, in addition to other useful skills. Not only will you become a stronger Believer, but you will also be a more well-rounded leader. By graduation, you will have the skills needed to boldly share the Gospel, lead groups, disciple younger believers, and help ministry programs fulfill their goals. No matter where God calls you, a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from Cumberlands is a helpful step to get you there.
By the Numbers
$55,550
Average Salary
5%
Industry Growth
5
National Distinctions
#1
in KY, Affordable Christian College
Programs & Requirements
Master of Arts in Christian Studies (MACS)
The online Master of Arts in Christian Studies degree program at University of the Cumberlands provides an overview of important Christian topics to prepare you for informed leadership, service, and discussion in any ministry position. Courses are offered in an asynchronous format, meaning there is no set login time; you can work on schoolwork as your life allows. Full-time students* can complete this master's of Christian studies program in as little as one year.
Though each Christian studies class is different, all courses include components of reading from textbooks and the Bible, writing papers, viewing recorded video lectures, and engaging in online discussion with fellow classmates. This master's in Christian studies program curriculum is based on the Bible and is Christ-centered, Gospel-driven, and action-oriented.
*Full-time means taking a minimum of two classes per bi-term (6 hours), which equals four classes per semester (12 hours).
Course Requirements
- Core Courses (18 Hours)
- MMOL 531 - Old Testament Survey I
- MMOL 532 - Old Testament Survey II
- MMOL 533 - New Testament Survey I
- MMOL 534 - New Testament Survey II
- MMOL 535 - Christian Theology I
- MMOL 536 - Christian Theology II
*Core courses do not have to be taken in the above sequence. As an example, Old Testament Survey II can be taken before Old Testament Survey I. Students can also take advanced courses before completing all core courses.
- Biblical Studies Concentration (6 Hours)
- Choose two classes from the following:
- MMOL 631 - Focused Study of the Old Testament
- MMOL 632 - Focused Study of the New Testament
- BHOL 531 - Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
- BGOL 531 - Introduction to Biblical Greek
- Choose two classes from the following:
- Christian Education Concentration (6 hours)
- Required Course:
- MMOL 537 - Christian Education
- Plus one from the following:
- MMOL 538 - The Church and Contemporary Culture
- MMOL 634 - Christian Leadership Development
- MMOL 635 - Church Administration
- MMOL 539 - Interpreting and Teaching the Bible
- MMOL 636 - Christian Missions and Evangelism
- MMOL 638 - Youth and Family Ministry
- Required Course:
- Church Planting Concentration (6 Hours)
- Required Course:
- MMOL 637 - Planting High Impact Churches
- Plus one of the following:
- MMOL 537 - Christian Education
- MMOL 538 - The Church and Contemporary Culture
- MMOL 539 - Interpreting and Teaching the Bible
- MMOL 633 - Pastoral Ministries
- MMOL 634 - Christian Leadership Development
- MMOL 635 - Church Administration
- MMOL 636 - Christian Missions and Evangelism
- MMOL 638 - Youth and Family Ministry
- Required Course:
- Youth Ministry Concentration (6 Hours)
- Required Course:
- MMOL 638 - Youth and Family Ministry
- Plus one of the following:
- MMOL 537 - Christian Education
- MMOL 538 - The Church and Contemporary Culture
- MMOL 539 - Interpreting and Teaching the Bible
- MMOL 634 - Christian Leadership Development
- MMOL 635 - Church Administration
- MMOL 636 - Christian Missions and Evangelism
- Required Course:
- Pastoral Ministries Concentration (6 Hours)
- Required Course:
- MMOL 633 - Pastoral Ministries
- Plus one of the following:
- MMOL 537 - Christian Education
- MMOL 538 - The Church and Contemporary Culture
- MMOL 539 - Interpreting and Teaching the Bible
- MMOL 634 - Christian Leadership Development
- MMOL 635 - Church Administration
- MMOL 636 - Christian Missions and Evangelism
- MMOL 637 - Planting High Impact Churches
- MMOL 638 - Youth and Family Ministry
- Required Course:
- Missions and Evangelism Concentration (12 Hours)
- MMOL 636 - Christian Missions and Evangelism
- MMOL 640 - The Minister’s Spiritual Life
- MMOL 642 - Evangelistic Preaching
- MMOL 644 - Developing an Evangelistic Church
- Electives (12 Hours)
- Four additional courses must be taken to complete the required 30 semester hours. Those courses may be from any of the other courses in the program the student has not taken but wants to take because the courses will help in his or her ministry and ministry plans.
Mission & Goals
The mission of our Masters of Arts in Christian Studies online program is to equip Christian servant-leaders living in various cultural and geographic settings to consistently, humbly, and effectively share the Gospel through words and actions.
- Gain knowledge through relevant case studies to deal with real-life challenges.
- Receive mentorship from pastors and Christian leaders.
- Dive into biblical, theological, and historical studies of the Christian faith.
- Analyze and apply the Christian worldview within everyday life and ministry.
- Evaluate and create practical strategies in Christian missions and ministry.
Career Outcomes
Pastor: $60,180
A pastor “shepherds his flock” by studying and teaching scripture, casting vision for the church, cooperating with church leadership, praying for and serving the congregation, and assisting with tasks as they arise.
Worship Minister: $42,950
Truly, our lives are meant to be continuous worship. But a talented, God-honoring musician is crucial to develop and lead worship during church services and events.
International Missionary: $60,050
Ministers and evangelizes in different countries around the world in a variety of ways – whatever God calls you to do, wherever He tells you to do it.
Church Planter: $42,950
Helps build and organize churches. A compassionate heart, bold evangelism, and a firm foundation of Scripture, especially as it relates to creating a healthy church culture, is vital for church planters.
Director of Religious Activities and Education: $46,980
Creates ministry programs, provides counseling and guidance, and teaches Bible studies and classes, among other tasks.
Religious Studies Professor: $87,100
To inform others, you must first be informed. A religious studies professor teaches students about various foundational topics related to religion.
Common Questions
What is a master of arts in Christian studies?
A master of arts in Christian studies is an advanced academic program designed to deepen students' understanding of the Bible, the character of God, church history, and theological concepts. This program prepares students for leadership roles in various ministry settings and helps them develop skills in teaching, discipleship, and pastoral care.
How long does a master of arts in Christian studies take?
A master of arts in Christian studies typically takes about one to two years to complete, depending on whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time. The University of the Cumberlands offers a program that can be completed in as little as one year for full-time students.
Can I get a master of arts in Christian studies online?
Yes, you can obtain a master of arts in Christian studies online. Many institutions, including the University of the Cumberlands, offer flexible online programs that allow students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments.
Is a master of arts in Christian studies worth it?
A master of arts in Christian studies can be highly valuable for those seeking to deepen their theological knowledge and enhance their ministry skills. This degree can lead to various career opportunities in ministry, education, and non-profit organizations, making it a worthwhile investment for individuals committed to serving in religious capacities.
What can I do with a master of arts in Christian studies?
With a master of arts in Christian studies, you can pursue careers such as pastor, worship minister, international missionary, church planter, director of religious activities and education, and religious studies professor. These roles involve teaching, leading, and serving in various ministry and educational settings.
How to get master of arts in Christian studies?
To obtain a master of arts in Christian studies, you need to apply to a university that offers this program, meet the admission requirements, complete the required coursework, and pass any necessary exams. The program at the University of the Cumberlands includes 30 credit hours, with core courses and electives in various concentrations such as Biblical Studies, Christian Education, Church Planting, Youth Ministry, Pastoral Ministries, and Missions and Evangelism.
Faculty Experts
Get to know more about your future professors.
Dr. Joshua Hutchens
Adjunct Professor
Missions & Ministries
Dr. Kirby Clark
Adjunct Professor
Missions & Ministries
Dr. Ray Umphrey
Adjunct Professor
Missions & Ministries
Christian Studies
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The online Master of Arts in Christian Studies (MACS) degree program equips Christian servant-leaders in diverse cultural and geographic settings to consistently, humbly, and effectively share the Gospel through words and actions.
Objectives:
- Gain knowledge through relevant case studies to deal with real-life challenges.
- Receive mentorship from pastors and Christian leaders.
- Dive into biblical, theological, and historical studies of the Christian faith.
- Analyze and apply the Christian worldview within everyday life and ministry.
- Evaluate and create practical strategies in Christian missions and ministry.
Program Description:
The MACS program provides a comprehensive overview of important Christian topics to prepare students for informed leadership, service, and discussion in any ministry position. Courses are offered asynchronously, allowing students to work on their coursework at their convenience. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as one year.
Outline:
Core Courses (18 Hours)
- Old Testament Survey I
- Old Testament Survey II
- New Testament Survey I
- New Testament Survey II
- Christian Theology I
- Christian Theology II
Concentration Courses (12 Hours)
Students choose one of the following concentrations:
- Biblical Studies Concentration:
- Focused Study of the Old Testament
- Focused Study of the New Testament
- Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
- Introduction to Biblical Greek
- Christian Education Concentration:
- Christian Education
- The Church and Contemporary Culture
- Christian Leadership Development
- Church Administration
- Interpreting and Teaching the Bible
- Christian Missions and Evangelism
- Youth and Family Ministry
- Church Planting Concentration:
- Planting High Impact Churches
- Christian Education
- The Church and Contemporary Culture
- Interpreting and Teaching the Bible
- Christian Leadership Development
- Church Administration
- Christian Missions and Evangelism
- Youth and Family Ministry
- Youth Ministry Concentration:
- Youth and Family Ministry
- Christian Education
- The Church and Contemporary Culture
- Interpreting and Teaching the Bible
- Christian Leadership Development
- Church Administration
- Christian Missions and Evangelism
- Pastoral Ministries Concentration:
- Pastoral Ministries
- Christian Education
- The Church and Contemporary Culture
- Interpreting and Teaching the Bible
- Christian Leadership Development
- Church Administration
- Christian Missions and Evangelism
- Planting High Impact Churches
- Youth and Family Ministry
- Missions and Evangelism Concentration:
- Christian Missions and Evangelism
- The Minister's Spiritual Life
- Evangelistic Preaching
- Developing an Evangelistic Church
Electives (12 Hours)
Students can choose additional courses from the available options to supplement their concentration and ministry goals.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
Courses are offered in an asynchronous format, allowing students to work on their coursework at their own pace. Recorded video lectures, textbooks, discussion forums, and writing assignments are utilized.
Faculty:
- Dr. Ray Umphrey (Adjunct Professor, Missions & Ministries, Christian Studies)
- Dr. Joshua Hutchens (Adjunct Professor, Missions & Ministries)
- Dr. David R. Miller (Adjunct Professor, Missions & Ministries)
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the MACS program may pursue various career opportunities, including:
- Pastor
- Worship Minister
- International Missionary
- Church Planter
- Director of Religious Activities and Education
- Religious Studies Professor
