The Master in Ministry (MIM) is a totally online graduate degree offered by the College of Ministry at Northwest University. It is designed to prepare students—intellectually, spiritually, and functionally—for vocational or lay ministry in a variety of contexts. This program provides a foundational education to anyone seeking entry into ministry, and is specifically designed for students seeking their ministerial credentials.

Program Highlights

The MIM is designed with a delivery system enabling students to complete this degree in sixteen months or (four semesters). Thus, working professionals can remain fully engaged within their profession while furthering their education. Students participate in an online learning community providing a supportive, engaging environment that empowers and reinforces Christian leadership formation. The MIM degree program is specifically targeted for individuals who evidence a divine call on their life and wish to pursue lay or vocational ministry and who already possess an undergraduate degree in a field other than Bible, Theology, Christian Education, or Ministry.

The MIM program seeks to equip Christian leaders intellectually, spiritually, and functionally to successfully serve as leaders in a variety of Christian leadership contexts including local and para-church ministries. Participants engage in biblical and theological reflection especially as it relates to one’s ministry context. Significantly, the MIM provides individuals wishing to transition into ministry from a lay background by providing the academic foundation needed to obtain ministerial credentials. It also serves as an academic foundation for those wishing to pursue further graduate theological training.

Admissions

Admission into the Master in Ministry requires the completion of a Bachelor of Arts or Science (or an equivalent degree) from a regionally accredited college or university.

Allowances may be made for degrees accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). Students also complete the application and acceptance process.

Students whose academic histories reflect a GPA below 2.7 may be accepted to the program on a conditional basis for their first six credits of graduate study. These applicants will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account their personal and academic strengths and the specific academic program to which they are applying. Once the conditions have been met, they will be fully accepted to the program.

Students who are accepted conditionally will be subject to the following: (1) They must meet all other stated admissions qualifications (2) They must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in each of their courses during their first six credit hours in the program (3) If requested to do so, they may be required to interview during the admissions process and/or take additional or supplemental coursework. Students may also choose to take the GRE to supplement their application.

The Northwest University College of Ministry gives admissions preference to professing Christians whose doctrinal and lifestyle beliefs are in harmony with those of the University.

Credit Transfer

MIM students may transfer up to 15 credit hours of eligible graduate level coursework (subject to Program Director’s approval) from an accredited institution towards their degree requirements.

Program Outcomes

In addition to achieving the goals of the University and the College of Ministry, the Master in Ministry results in the following learning outcomes:

1. Understand significant content of the Old and New Testaments.
2. Analyze Scripture using appropriate hermeneutical principles.
3. Explain theologically the essential public tasks of the minister.
4. Develop effective administrative skills for the work of ministry.
5. Create effective preaching presentations suitable for ministry contexts.