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Master of Arts in Christian Ministries

Master of Arts in Christian Ministries : MACM

Program Type

Masters Degree

Hours

54 Hours

Length

2-3 Years

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministries (MACM) degree incorporates practical ministry training in preaching, pastoral care and counseling, cross-cultural ministry, worship, missional church, and evangelism while deepening biblical and theological understanding.

Delivery: On Campus or Distance

The MACM is available either on campus or distance education through a combination of interactive live-streaming and mentored learning in context. The core and specialization classes are delivered to students around the world via our state-of-the-art, interactive live-streaming technology. With Northern’s smart classroom technology, you can interact with the professor and other students no matter where you live, earning a seminary degree without leaving your church and community.

Mentored Learning in Context

Northern believes the best way to learn ministry leadership is in a ministry context. In the MDiv program, students study and practice the skills of effective ministry leadership under the supervision of a faculty mentor and a ministry mentor. The program allows each student’s learning journey to be personalized to address the particular needs of the student and their ministry context. For the ministry portion of the MACM, students must have a ministry internship placement. Northern can support you in identifying a church and pastoral mentor.

Church-Based Training Programs

Northern Seminary partners with churches to train and equip their emerging leaders. We believe the best way to learn ministry leadership is in a ministry context. Northern’s MACM is customizable for different churches and ministry contexts.

The curriculum is adaptable in these ways:

  • Northern can customize a program for a group of students in your church or ministry context.
  • Northern can wrap around your existing church-based training program so that students can earn a Masters degree.
  • Through mentored guidance, each student’s learning journey can be personalized to address their particular ministry goals and context.

Click here to learn more about church-based training partnerships and how we can develop a program that meets your church’s particular needs.

Time

The program includes 10 courses + 8 ministry skills courses spread over three quarters per year and (for students with a specialization) an annual intensive course.

2-Year Schedule: 1-2 classes/quarter | 4 ministry skills courses/year
3-Year Schedule: 1 classes/quarter | 3 ministry skills courses/year

Tuition and Scholarships

Students may apply for scholarships awarded by need and merit. Learn more >

Requirements for Completion

Courses

FAQS

Student Stories

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Requirements for Completion

The MACM program requires 54 quarter hours (the equivalent of 36 semester hours).

Click here for an updated Progress Report to help you to stay on track.

Courses

Christian Heritage (8 courses/24 quarter hours)

Choose 2 out of 3 courses, OT 307, 308, WT 307):

  • OT 307 Pentateuch, Poetry, and Wisdom Books – 3
  • OT 308 Historical Books and the Prophets – 3
  • WT 307 Women in the OT – 3

Choose 2 out of 3 courses, NT 307, 308, WT 308:

  • NT 307 Gospels and Acts – 3
  • NT 308 New Testament Letters and Revelation – 3
  • WT 308 Women in the NT – 3

Choose 2 out of 3 courses, TH 301, 302, WT 309:

  • TH 301 Christian Theology I – 3
  • TH 302 Christian Theology II – 3
  • WT 309 Theology and Gender – 3

Choose 1 out of 3 courses, CH 301, 302, WT 311:

  • CH 301 Early/Medieval Christianity – 3
  • CH 302 Reformation/Modern Christianity – 3
  • WT 311 Women in the Early Church – 3

Choose 1 of 2 courses, WT 310 or CT 324:

  • WT 310 Women of Color in the Church – 3
  • CT 324 Introduction to the Black Church – 3

Formation and Ministry Skills (24 quarter hours)

 

  • Formation for Ministry: Disciplines – 3
  • Formation for Ministry: Character – 3
  • Leadership: People – 3

Choose 5 of the following courses:

  • Leadership: Projects – 3
  • Ministry Administration – 3
  • Preaching & Communication – 3
  • Mission: Evangelism – 3
  • Mission: Community Engagement – 3
  • Discipleship – 3
  • Generational Ministry – 3
  • Pastoral Care & Counseling – 3
  • Worship – 3

FAQS

Check out our most common questions:

When does the next academic term begin? 

Northern Seminary does not run on a traditional semester calendar. Classes begin every 10 weeks. Open enrollment allows you to register throughout the year.

Are the classes virtual or in-person?

Northern classes are primarily virtual but include several in-person sessions per year.  

What are the costs for the program?

You can find tuition information here. You can also contact Josh Carney at 630.620.2188 or at jcarney@seminary.edu.

How do I apply for financial aid?

You can apply for financial aid by filling out this application.

Are there scholarships available?

You can find scholarship information here.

Can I sit in on a class to get a feel for the program? 

Call and or email Greg Armstrong at 630-620-2175 or grarmstrong@seminary.edu for upcoming Taste of Northern events, which allow potential students to sit in on several of our current classes.

Who do I contact for more information?

Reach out to Greg Armstrong, Director of Enrollment, at admissions@seminary.edu.  

Student Stories

Read what our students have to say about their experiences here.

Request More Info