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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.

students discuss scripture inside church
students discuss scripture inside church

Types

Master

Location

Online

Credits

30

Cost

$355/credit hour

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. 

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$55,550

Average Salary

5%

Industry Growth

5

National Distinctions

#1

in KY, Affordable Christian College
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

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

In addition to core courses and electives, you will need to choose one area of concentration.

*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. 

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.

If a student wishes, he or she can take MMOL 639 Ministry Project. This course must be arranged through the Program Director at least one term before the student desires to take the course. The student must have a definite plan for a ministry project, and a professor must be available to direct the project. 

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Missions and 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.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Christian Studies Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Pastor: $60,180

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts

Get to know more about your future professors.

Dr. Joshua Hutchens

Dr. Joshua Hutchens

Adjunct Professor
Missions & Ministries

Dr. Joshua Hutchens

Contact Information

joshua.hutchens [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Kirby Clark

Dr. Kirby Clark

Adjunct Professor
Missions & Ministries

Dr. Kirby Clark

Contact Information

kirby.clark [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Ray Umphrey

Dr. Ray Umphrey

Adjunct Professor
Missions & Ministries
Christian Studies

Dr. Ray Umphrey

Contact Information

ray.umphrey [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
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