Should I pursue a Ministry or Theology Master’s Degree in Dallas?
Choosing the right master’s degree can feel daunting, especially in the field of ministry where callings can vary greatly, and you want to be as prepared as possible for the potential areas of ministry that lay ahead of you.
Thankfully, the M.A. in Christian Ministry and the M.A. in Theological Studies offered by DBU are both solid degrees which will prepare you very well for future ministry. Both degrees are 36 credit hours, meaning you won’t have to decide between which one gets you on the ministry field sooner. However, they are each intended for different purposes. Let’s explore each degree’s strengths to help you do the ministry you were called to.
The M.A. in Christian Ministry: The Best All-Around Ministry Degree
If your calling to ministry is broader than the pulpit, the M.A. in Christian Ministry may be the perfect degree for you. This degree was designed to be as versatile as your calling, so you can be prepared to be the hands of Jesus in a variety of settings, from the church to the street corner. At Dallas Baptist University, this degree requires 18 credit hours of core studies, then 3 credit hours specific to the M.A. in Christian Ministry, and lastly 15 credit hours of a concentration from one of the following areas:
- General Studies
- Next Gen Ministry
- Pastoral Ministry
- Church Administration and Education
- Christian Counseling
The goals of this master's degree program are primarily to focus on flexibility and provide clarity to ensure you are prepared to carry out your calling. Students will get practice with hands-on practical ministry and will understand biblical, hermeneutical, theological, and historical concepts to prepare them to carry out the great commission with churches, para-church ministries, the marketplace, and beyond.
View the M.A. in Christian Ministry page >> | View the complete degree plan >>
The M.A. in Theological Studies: The Best Degree for Pastors and Professors
If God has called you to the pulpit as a pastor or the podium as a professor, this degree is designed to equip you with skills relevant to preaching and teaching. The M.A. in Theological Studies requires 24 hours of core credits, then allows students to take 12 credit hours in one of 3 concentrations: Biblical Studies, Pastoral Leadership, or General Studies.
The goals of the M.A. in Theological Studies are to grow students in several areas, including:
- Core doctrines of Christianity
- Christian history + Baptist origins
- Spiritual disciplines
- Exegetical and communication skills
- Scholarly research + writing skills
The M.A. in Theological Studies will sharpen your skills as an expositor of the Word and ensure you are fully prepared to preach or teach students accurately and passionately. Specific requirements for pastoral or academic roles can vary, so check the qualifications for the position you have in mind.
View the M.A. in Theological Studies page >> | View the complete degree plan >>
The Similarities and Differences of the M.A. in Christian Ministry and the M.A. in Theological Studies
It’s clear that the M.A. in Christian Ministry and the M.A. in Theological Studies have different end goals in mind, but either degree would be a solid choice for one pursuing the ministry, whether inside or outside of church walls. Both degrees offer courses online, in the evenings, and as hybrids (on and off-campus instruction) to make sure classes can adapt to your busy schedule.
| Feature | M.A. in Christian Ministry | M.A. in Theological Studies |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Flexible preparation for a range of church and church-related ministry roles | Theological, biblical, and historical study, along with exegetical, communication, research, and writing skills |
| Total credits | 36 credit hours | 36 credit hours |
| Program structure | 18 core hours, 3 program-specific hours, and 15 hours in a concentration | 24 core hours and 12 hours in a concentration |
| Elective or concentration options | General Studies, Next Gen Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, Church Administration and Education, or Christian Counseling | Biblical Studies, Pastoral Leadership, or General Studies |
| May be a good fit if you want to… | Prepare for varied ministry roles in churches or church-related organizations | Deepen your theological study or develop skills relevant to preaching, teaching, and ministry |
If you are still torn, reach out to both program directors to talk to them personally; they would love to help you find the best fit for your future ministry. Remember to check degree requirements for certain roles you may be seeking and prayerfully consider how God would have you study for His glory and your good. In all things, especially our studies, we can glorify God and enjoy Him too.
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