The Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM) program is designed to provide professional ministry development, primarily in church and church-related ministries. Students receive foundational preparation for a broad range of careers. The career marketplace for graduates from the MAM includes pastors, church and church-related staff members, Christian education specialists, student ministry professionals, and specialists in children's ministry.
This degree program provides individuals with contemporary biblical and theological scholarship that is transferable to ministry and brings vitality and commitment to service. This degree program endeavors to produce individuals who are marked by character qualities consistent with biblical servant leadership, competent in service to God and humanity through the use of essential skills in communication, leadership and management, and committed to a set of core values and beliefs that align with the historic Christian faith.
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Ministry degree is to prepare students to effectively minister in both local church and church-related contexts. Students develop a solution orientation to the challenges of ministry and learn to integrate both biblical precepts and the Christian faith with their professional practices.
The Master of Arts in Ministry program equips students for ministry in the church and society by developing:
The Master of Arts in Ministry is founded on six basic educational commitments. These commitments represent the educational philosophy on which the program is structured. The student entering this program can expect that course design and faculty selection will reflect this perspective on teaching and learning. These are:
Each student is assigned a Student Experience Specialist who will help them through the admissions process, orientation, scheduling, registration, graduation, and other academic matters relating to the student’s progress through their program. Furthermore, a Faculty Advisor will be assigned to each student for assistance with Field-Based Experience and to provide a guide through the program. Final responsibility for the fulfillment of all program and graduation requirements rests with the student; therefore students are encouraged to be proactive in relating to their Student Experience Specialist and Faculty Advisor during academic studies.
Continuous enrollment is encouraged and expected in all Capital programs. It is understood that extenuating circumstances occur which may prevent a student from enrolling in a given semester. However, this should be viewed as an exception so the program can be completed within the five-year limit. Should a student not enroll for a 180 day period, he/she will be placed on non-student status and will need to reapply. A readmission application is available from Adult Learner Services (717-560-8282). Student records will be reviewed once a year during the summer months. See Planned Return Policy for further details.
The Master of Arts in Ministry Program is offered in two formats. Consult with a faculty advisor to determine which program format is best suited for your life situation.
Students should be able to complete the program within one or two years, according to the chosen cohort schedule. The maximum length for program completion is five years from the date of admission. An application for an extension may be obtained from Adult Learner Services (717-560-8282). Students not completing their degree or certificate within five years and not receiving an extension will be placed on non-student status. A Readmission Application may be obtained from Adult Learner Services. Student records will be reviewed once a year during the summer months.
The following requirements must be successfully completed in order to receive a Seminary degree or certificate:
The Graduate Certificate in any of the MAM concentrations is a 24-credit program for individuals who do not need the MAM degree. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Certificates section of this catalog.
Concentrations
Church Planting, MAM
Curricular Structure
The Master of Arts in Ministry program consists of 48 credits and a non-credit Orientation Seminar. The curriculum is designed as follows:
| Orientation Seminar |
0 Credit |
| Biblical and Theological Studies |
12 Credits |
| Ministry Praxis |
9 Credits |
| Advanced Ministry Praxis - Church Planting |
21 Credits |
| Field-Based Experience |
6 Credits |
| Program Total |
48 Credits |
Location Offered
Boca Raton, FL
Biblical and Theological Studies (12 Credits)
The following online Biblical and Theological Studies courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with less than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Student’s official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process and the student will be informed of their Advanced Standing status during their admissions interview.
| BTC 523 | Biblical Narrative - Old Testament | 3 |
| BTC 533 | Biblical Narrative - New Testament | 3 |
| BTC 563 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BTC 573 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
Ministry Praxis (9 Credits)
| MIN 504 | Communicating Biblical Truth | 3 |
| MIN 509 | Spiritual Formation & Discipleship | 3 |
| MIN 510 | The Leader's Life & Work | 3 |
Advanced Ministry Praxis - Church Planting (21 Credits)
| MIN 505 | Theological Foundations for Ministry | 3 |
| MIN 507 | Leadership Development & Team Building | 3 |
| MIN 508 | Organizational Change & Conflict | 3 |
| CPL 501 | Theology, History & Models of Church Planting Movements | 3 |
| CPL 502 | Exegeting Culture for Church Planting | 3 |
| CPL 504 | Church Planting I | 3 |
| CPL 505 | Church Planting II | 3 |
Field-based Experience (6 Credits)
The field-based study experience is an integral part of the total degree that is designed to develop greater competence in ministry. In consultation with their faculty mentor, students will select among the first two options below to fulfill the 6 credits of program requirements.
1. Ministry Internships or Mentorships
Students are provided an opportunity to gain practical ministry knowledge by serving in an approved church, church organization, non-profit organization, governmental organization, school, or under the mentorship of a Christian leader. Students invest a total of 120 documented hours, per 3-credit internship course, in observation and activities under the mentoring of a qualified organizational leader. Internship sites and supervisors must be approved in advance by the student’s faculty mentor. Mentorships are offered to students already serving in a paid ministry position. Details of the mentorship will be developed with the assistance of the student’s faculty mentor. Ministry Internships or Mentorships are charged tuition at the same rate as other 3 credit courses.
2. Ministry Research
The Ministry Research Project, experienced through two 3-credit courses, is intended to give the student an opportunity to demonstrate the acquisition of improved research and writing skills, greater insight, and growth in competence for ministry through a major written ministry project. The project’s design is to evaluate an existing ministry by assessing effectiveness for mission/vision. Students learn an effective assessment tool applicable for any ministry setting.
3. Academic Option
With the permission of both the Faculty Mentor and a Chair of the appropriate Seminary Department, students may be allowed to take elective courses in their program or an independent study appropriate to their ministry goals. Students must make a formal written proposal in order to exercise this option.
Formational Children & Family Ministry, MAM
Curricular Structure
The Master of Arts in Ministry program consists of 48 credits and a non-credit Orientation Seminar. The curriculum is designed as follows:
| Orientation Seminar |
0 Credit |
| Biblical and Theological Studies |
12 Credits |
| Ministry Praxis |
9 Credits |
| Advanced Ministry Praxis - Children & Family Ministry |
21 Credits |
| Field-Based Experience |
6 Credits |
| Program Total |
48 Credits |
Location Offered
Lancaster, PA
Biblical and Theological Studies (12 Credits)
The following online Biblical and Theological Studies courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with less than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Student’s official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process and the student will be informed of their Advanced Standing status during their admissions interview.
| BTC 523 | Biblical Narrative - Old Testament | 3 |
| BTC 533 | Biblical Narrative - New Testament | 3 |
| BTC 563 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BTC 573 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
Ministry Praxis (9 Credits)
| MIN 504 | Communicating Biblical Truth | 3 |
| MIN 509 | Spiritual Formation & Discipleship | 3 |
| MIN 510 | The Leader's Life & Work | 3 |
Advanced Ministry Praxis - Children & Family Ministry (21 Credits)
| MIN 505 | Theological Foundations for Ministry | 3 |
| MIN 507 | Leadership Development & Team Building | 3 |
| MIN 508 | Organizational Change & Conflict | 3 |
| CFM 501 | Foundations of Children and Family Ministry | 3 |
| CFM 502 | Spiritual Formation of Children and Families | 3 |
| CFM 503 | Missional Families in a Global World | 3 |
| CFM 504 | Global Children’s Ministry | 3 |
Field-based Experience (6 Credits)
The field-based study experience is an integral part of the total degree that is designed to develop greater competence in ministry. In consultation with their faculty mentor, students will select among the first two options below to fulfill the 6 credits of program requirements.
1. Ministry Internships or Mentorships
Students are provided an opportunity to gain practical ministry knowledge by serving in an approved church, church organization, non-profit organization, governmental organization, school, or under the mentorship of a Christian leader. Students invest a total of 120 documented hours, per 3-credit internship course, in observation and activities under the mentoring of a qualified organizational leader. Internship sites and supervisors must be approved in advance by the student’s faculty mentor. Mentorships are offered to students already serving in a paid ministry position. Details of the mentorship will be developed with the assistance of the student’s faculty mentor. Ministry Internships or Mentorships are charged tuition at the same rate as other 3 credit courses.
2. Ministry Research
The Ministry Research Project, experienced through two 3-credit courses, is intended to give the student an opportunity to demonstrate the acquisition of improved research and writing skills, greater insight, and growth in competence for ministry through a major written ministry project. The project’s design is to evaluate an existing ministry by assessing effectiveness for mission/vision. Students learn an effective assessment tool applicable for any ministry setting.
3. Academic Option
With permission of both the Faculty Mentor and a Chair of the appropriate Seminary Department, students may be allowed to take elective Courses in their program or an independent study appropriate to their ministry goals. Students must make a formal written proposal in order to exercise this option.
Leadership Studies, MAM
Curricular Structure
The Master of Arts in Ministry program consists of 48 credits and a non-credit Orientation Seminar. The curriculum is designed as follows:
| Orientation Seminar |
0 Credit |
| Biblical and Theological Studies |
12 Credits |
| Ministry Praxis |
9 Credits |
| Advanced Ministry Praxis - Leadership Studies |
21 Credits |
| Field-Based Experience |
6 Credits |
| Program Total |
48 Credits |
Locations Offered
Greenbelt. MD
Lancaster, PA
Biblical and Theological Studies (12 Credits)
The following online Biblical and Theological Studies courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with less than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Student’s official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process and the student will be informed of their Advanced Standing status during their admissions interview.
| BTC 523 | Biblical Narrative - Old Testament | 3 |
| BTC 533 | Biblical Narrative - New Testament | 3 |
| BTC 563 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BTC 573 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
Ministry Praxis (9 Credits)
| MIN 504 | Communicating Biblical Truth | 3 |
| MIN 509 | Spiritual Formation & Discipleship | 3 |
| MIN 510 | The Leader's Life & Work | 3 |
Advanced Ministry Praxis - Leadership Studies (21 Credits)
| MIN 505 | Theological Foundations for Ministry | 3 |
| MIN 507 | Leadership Development & Team Building | 3 |
| MIN 508 | Organizational Change & Conflict | 3 |
| LSP 501 | Leadership Theory & Practice | 3 |
| LSP 502 | Development of Organizational Leadership | 3 |
| LSP 503 | Psychology of Leadership | 3 |
| LSP 509 | Leadership Style Analysis | 3 |
Field-based Experience (6 Credits)
The field-based study experience is an integral part of the total degree that is designed to develop greater competence in ministry. In consultation with their faculty mentor, students will select among the first two options below to fulfill the 6 credits of program requirements.
1. Ministry Internships or Mentorships
Students are provided an opportunity to gain practical ministry knowledge by serving in an approved church, church organization, non-profit organization, governmental organization, school, or under the mentorship of a Christian leader. Students invest a total of 120 documented hours, per 3-credit internship course, in observation and activities under the mentoring of a qualified organizational leader. Internship sites and supervisors must be approved in advance by the student’s faculty mentor. Mentorships are offered to students already serving in a paid ministry position. Details of the mentorship will be developed with the assistance of the student’s faculty mentor. Ministry Internships or Mentorships are charged tuition at the same rate as other 3 credit courses.
2. Ministry Research
The Ministry Research Project, experienced through two 3-credit courses, is intended to give the student an opportunity to demonstrate the acquisition of improved research and writing skills, greater insight, and growth in competence for ministry through a major written ministry project. The project’s design is to evaluate an existing ministry by assessing effectiveness for mission/vision. Students learn an effective assessment tool applicable for any ministry setting.
3. Academic Option
With the permission of both the Faculty Mentor and a Chair of the appropriate Seminary Department, students may be allowed to take elective courses in their program or an independent study appropriate to their ministry goals. Students must make a formal written proposal in order to exercise this option.
Pastoral Studies, MAM
Curricular Structure
The Master of Arts in Ministry program consists of 48 credits and a non-credit Orientation Seminar. The curriculum is designed as follows:
| Orientation Seminar |
0 Credit |
| Biblical and Theological Studies |
12 Credits |
| Ministry Praxis |
9 Credits |
| Advanced Ministry Praxis - Pastoral Studies |
1 Credits |
| Field-Based Experience |
6 Credits |
| Program Total |
48 Credits |
Locations Offered
Greenbelt. MD
Lancaster, PA
Biblical and Theological Studies (12 Credits)
The following online Biblical and Theological Studies courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with less than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Student’s official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process and the student will be informed of their Advanced Standing status during their admissions interview.
| BTC 523 | Biblical Narrative - Old Testament | 3 |
| BTC 533 | Biblical Narrative - New Testament | 3 |
| BTC 563 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BTC 573 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
Ministry Praxis (9 Credits)
| MIN 504 | Communicating Biblical Truth | 3 |
| MIN 509 | Spiritual Formation & Discipleship | 3 |
| MIN 510 | The Leader's Life & Work | 3 |
Advanced Ministry Praxis - Pastoral Studies (21 Credits)
| MIN 505 | Theological Foundations for Ministry | 3 |
| MIN 507 | Leadership Development & Team Building | 3 |
| MIN 508 | Organizational Change & Conflict | 3 |
| PAS 502 | Local Church Revitalization | 3 |
| PAS 503 | Theology, History, & Practice of Worship | 3 |
| PAS 513 | Advanced Homiletics | 3 |
| PAS 520 | Designing Strategic Models of Adult Discipleship | 3 |
Field-based Experience (6 Credits)
The field-based study experience is an integral part of the total degree that is designed to develop greater competence in ministry. In consultation with their faculty mentor, students will select among the first two options below to fulfill the 6 credits of program requirements.
1. Ministry Internships or Mentorships
Students are provided an opportunity to gain practical ministry knowledge by serving in an approved church, church organization, non-profit organization, governmental organization, school, or under the mentorship of a Christian leader. Students invest a total of 120 documented hours, per 3-credit internship course, in observation and activities under the mentoring of a qualified organizational leader. Internship sites and supervisors must be approved in advance by the student’s faculty mentor. Mentorships are offered to students already serving in a paid ministry position. Details of the mentorship will be developed with the assistance of the student’s faculty mentor. Ministry Internships or Mentorships are charged tuition at the same rate as other 3 credit courses.
2. Ministry Research
The Ministry Research Project, experienced through two 3-credit courses, is intended to give the student an opportunity to demonstrate the acquisition of improved research and writing skills, greater insight, and growth in competence for ministry through a major written ministry project. The project’s design is to evaluate an existing ministry by assessing effectiveness for mission/vision. Students learn an effective assessment tool applicable for any ministry setting.
3. Academic Option
With the permission of both the Faculty Mentor and a Chair of the appropriate Seminary Department, students may be allowed to take elective courses in their program or an independent study appropriate to their ministry goals. Students must make a formal written proposal in order to exercise this option.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry, MAM
Curricular Structure
The Master of Arts in Ministry program consists of 48 credits and a non-credit Orientation Seminar. The curriculum is designed as follows:
| Orientation Seminar |
0 Credit |
| Biblical and Theological Studies |
12 Credits |
| Ministry Praxis |
9 Credits |
| Advanced Ministry Praxis - Student Ministry |
21 Credits |
| Field-Based Experience |
6 Credits |
| Program Total |
48 Credits |
Location Offered
Lancaster, PA
Biblical and Theological Studies (12 Credits)
The following online Biblical and Theological Studies courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with less than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Student’s official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process and the student will be informed of their Advanced Standing status during their admissions interview.
| BTC 523 | Biblical Narrative - Old Testament | 3 |
| BTC 533 | Biblical Narrative - New Testament | 3 |
| BTC 563 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BTC 573 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
Ministry Praxis (9 Credits)
| MIN 504 | Communicating Biblical Truth | 3 |
| MIN 509 | Spiritual Formation & Discipleship | 3 |
| MIN 510 | The Leader's Life & Work | 3 |
Advanced Ministry Praxis - Student Ministry (21 Credits)
| MIN 505 | Theological Foundations for Ministry | 3 |
| MIN 507 | Leadership Development & Team Building | 3 |
| MIN 508 | Organizational Change & Conflict | 3 |
| STM 501 | Student Development, Culture & Contextualization | 3 |
| STM 502 | Student & Family Systems Counseling | 3 |
| STM 503 | Thinking Theologically in Student Ministry | 3 |
| STM 504 | Spiritual Formation of Students | 3 |
Field-based Experience (6 Credits)
The field-based study experience is an integral part of the total degree that is designed to develop greater competence in ministry. In consultation with their faculty mentor, students will select among the first two options below to fulfill the 6 credits of program requirements.
1. Ministry Internships or Mentorships
Students are provided an opportunity to gain practical ministry knowledge by serving in an approved church, church organization, non-profit organization, governmental organization, school, or under the mentorship of a Christian leader. Students invest a total of 120 documented hours, per 3-credit internship course, in observation and activities under the mentoring of a qualified organizational leader. Internship sites and supervisors must be approved in advance by the student’s faculty mentor. Mentorships are offered to students already serving in a paid ministry position. Details of the mentorship will be developed with the assistance of the student’s faculty mentor. Ministry Internships or Mentorships are charged tuition at the same rate as other 3 credit courses.
2. Ministry Research
The Ministry Research Project, experienced through two 3-credit courses, is intended to give the student an opportunity to demonstrate the acquisition of improved research and writing skills, greater insight, and growth in competence for ministry through a major written ministry project. The project’s design is to evaluate an existing ministry by assessing effectiveness for mission/vision. Students learn an effective assessment tool applicable for any ministry setting.
3. Academic Option
With the permission of both the Faculty Mentor and a Chair of the appropriate Seminary Department, students may be allowed to take elective courses in their program or an independent study appropriate to their ministry goals. Students must make a formal written proposal in order to exercise this option.
Application and Admission
Admission Criteria and Application Process
Individuals seeking admission to Seminary programs must complete the following application steps. Decisions for admission to these programs are made using each application piece listed as criteria.
- Application Form: Complete the online application and submit the $40 application fee. Once your application has been received, you will be contacted by an Admissions Representative who will guide you through the application process.
- Autobiographical Essay: Write an autobiographical essay. Guidelines for the essay are found here or from Adult Learner Services (717-560-8282). This essay is designed to provide applicable life content as well as demonstrate the applicant's writing ability. Applicants will be evaluated on: confirmation of acceptance of Christ as personal Savior, developments in spiritual growth, statement of ministry goals, and rationale for desiring a master's degree. This autobiography has specific guidelines (please follow link above) and is designed for assessing the above content as well as writing ability.
- References: Ask two people who are qualified to evaluate your ministry/work experience and potential, to complete the reference form on your behalf. Reference forms are located online here.
- Request Official Transcripts: Contact all institutions through which degrees have been awarded to request official transcripts to be sent to Adult Learner Services (717-560-8282). These must be official transcripts sent directly from the degree granting institution(s). There must be a transcript from an accredited institution showing completion of a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
- Computer Proficiency Form: Please complete the online computer proficiency form.
- TOEFL Score: Non-native speakers of English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If the applicant has an undergraduate degree from an accredited American college or university, he/she is exempt from the TOEFL requirement. If required, the TOEFL test score must meet the following minimum for admission: paper score 550; computer score 213; or internet score 79. The applicant's skill score in writing will also be considered in the admissions decision.
- Personal Interview: Following receipt of the above items, a personal interview will be arranged with a faculty member.
Advanced Standing
For all seminary programs, the following online Biblical and Theological Studies courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with less than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Student's official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process and the student will be informed of their Advanced Standing status at the admissions interview.
| BTC 523 | Biblical Narrative - Old Testament | 3 |
| BTC 533 | Biblical Narrative - New Testament | 3 |
| BTC 563 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BTC 573 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
Application Response
Applicants will be notified within three weeks of the submission of all application materials with regards to their acceptance into a program. Five decisions are possible.