Our Master of Arts in Religion – Pastoral Ministries Degree Trains You to Provide Pastoral Care to Your Congregation
Leading God’s people is a tremendous responsibility. Through our Master of Arts in Religion with a specialization in pastoral ministry, you will gain a better understanding of the Christian faith, the Bible, and issues specific to leading the church, such as how to prevent ministry burnout or failure.
Our pastoral ministry area of study provides pastors and church leaders additional training in providing pastoral care to meet the spiritual needs of their congregation and community. Students who are called to a hands-on ministry role and feel unequipped to meet people’s spiritual and relational needs will find the tools for effective, personal ministry leadership in the pastoral ministries area of study.
What Will You Learn in Our Master’s Degree in Religion?
Our M.A.R. in Pastoral Ministry is designed to enhance your ministry knowledge and training by in-depth studies of the Old and New Testaments, history of Christianity, systematic theology, pastoral care, and biblical counseling. Our professors have real-world experience as pastors, enabling them to provide practical skills you can use to further your ministry. They also facilitate engaging learning communities so that you feel supported and receive the training you need.
Our M.A.R. in Pastoral Ministry provides extensive training in pastoral counseling so that you are prepared to meet the needs of your congregation. You will further your ministry and add value to work accomplished through your gained knowledge in:
- Pastoral counseling
- Preventing ministry failure
- Spiritual factors of growing churches
- Strategic prayer and spiritual warfare
Career Options for Master’s Degree in Religion Graduates
Your career goals vary, and that is why our M.A.R. in Pastoral Ministry is such a great fit. Liberty University will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to be confident in any industry you choose. By joining the Liberty family, you will learn the proper tools and skills needed to become an effective:
- Associate or senior pastor
- Church education administrator
- Lay leader
- Missionary
- Youth pastor
Study Online
We understand the dilemma of wanting to further your education while also staying connected to your family, career, church, and community. This degree program is offered 100% online, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing time with the people most important to you while you pursue your degree.
As an innovator in distance learning since 1985, Liberty will provide the following benefits:
- Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your online M.A.R. degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
- You can complete our online master’s degree in religion in about 2 years.
Military Benefits
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students from across the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.
As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, Liberty is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
- Discounted Divinity Block Rate: $2,475 per semester – only $165/credit at 15 credit hours*
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*Credits taken above 15 credit hours for the online School of Divinity master’s programs are charged at the part-time rate.
Residential Benefits
- With students from all 50 states and over 70 countries around the world, you can immerse yourself in different cultures and experience the diversity of on-campus life.
- As a residential student, your scholarship opportunities could include the Heroes Fund Scholarship, Keesee Scholarship, or the Virginia: Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship.
- Learn from professors who have doctoral degrees in their fields, as well as years of real-life experience.
- As a graduate student, you will have multiple research opportunities led by students and faculty to bolster your education and résumé.
- Outside of classes and studying, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of on-campus activities, such as our NCAA sports, over 200 student-led clubs, and recreation centers like Snowflex, the LaHaye Ice Center, and Camp Hydaway.
- Enjoy our Reber-Thomas Dining Hall with over 20 available food stations, including gluten-free and vegan options. Work with a nutritionist to develop a dietary plan that is right for you!
Credit Hours
Available Online or On Campus
Class Type
Online, 8-week or residential
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Varies
Accreditation
ATS Commission on Accrediting
