Lee University’s School of Religion, in partnership with the Division of Adult Learning, will make the Master of Arts in Ministry Studies available as a fully-online program. Starting in May, participants will be able to earn a degree in just a 15-month period. 

The new program has been designed by qualified faculty members that are experienced ministers, all with the goal of equipping graduates to become leaders in ministry.

“We are delighted to partner with DAL and make the MA in Ministry Studies available to students,” said Dr. Lisa Long, director of Lee’s graduate programs in Christian Ministries. “It will further the students’ knowledge and expertise, equipping them to be the leaders in ministry that God has called them to be.” 

The program is designed to help its users on their way to a degree. This effort includes the Lee Graduate Ministry Discount, which reduces the tuition rate to $400 per credit hour.  The program also uses a cohort model of learning that encourages interaction and working relationships between classmates, and multiple program start dates with new sessions beginning in May, August, and January.

Multiple emphases are offered as well, allowing a focus in Leadership Studies, Worship Studies, or Youth and Family Ministries.

As Lee’s first fully-online graduate program, the DAL and SOR are committed to making it a success for those who choose to enroll. Students will participate in two weekend-long on-campus experiences.  These intensives are designed to provide the students with an opportunity to personally meet and interact with each other and with the School of Religion faculty.  

“We’re trying to find ways to best serve the community,” said Dr. Joshua Black, executive director of the DAL. “This is an opportunity to enrich the spiritual knowledge and talents of those called to minister.”

“Rather than being just ‘one more thing to do’ in the life of a busy minister, this program engages the student in the practice of ministry itself (whatever and wherever that may be) and encourages practical and theological ways to think about doing this,” said Dr. Terry Cross, dean of the School of Religion. “This program will invigorate and refresh any ministry as well as develop innovative ideas for presenting the ‘Good News.’” 

Applications for the online Master of Arts in Ministry Studies are being accepted now. For submission guidelines, go to http://www.leeuniversity.edu/adult-learning/. For more information, contact 614-8370 or dal@leeuniversity.edu.