Our most flexible degree
Explore broadly with our most flexible degree! Half of these courses can be taken as electives, OR dive deep with a concentration in one of several areas as you pursue a particular passion or prepare for a specific calling.
42
Credit Hours
2-5
Years to Finish
In person or Online
Available in Spanish
What can I do with an MA in Christian Studies?
Work in non-profit or church ministry
Work in education either within a church or Christian school
Still undecided about your specific career pathway? This degree is a perfect place to start.
Course Sequence
Fourteen courses, or 42 academic credits, are required to earn this degree. Seven required courses provide a broad foundation in ministry and theology, and the other seven are electives that may continue broadly for Ministry & Theology or be used to pursue one of several concentrations.
Core Requirements
These are the 21 credits of core requirements which can be taken in any order.
- MN335: Foundations of Christian Life
- BL300: Old Testament Foundations
- BL301: New Testament Foundations
- Church History 1 or Church History 2 OR Systemic Theology 1 or 2
- MN: 1 course from core MN offerings
- PR411 AND PR412 Internships
- MA Capstone
*21 Additional Credits or Choose a Concentration
Concentrations
Disability & Ministry
MN361: Introduction to Disability & Ministry
ANY FOUR COURSES FROM THE FOLLOWING:
- Disability, Bible, & the Pastoral Imagination
- Healing Ministry of the Church
- Ministry & the Margins
- Ministry, Aging & Dementia
- We all Worship: Disability & Worship
- Disability & Community Supports
- Summer Institute on Theology & Disability (*travel*)
- Deaf Theology & Ministry
- Strategies for an Inclusive Church
- Intellectual Disability & the Church
- Disability Theology in the Christian Tradition
Ministerial Counseling
MN336: Christian Interior Life
MN415: Pastoral Care & Counseling
ANY THREE FROM THE FOLLOWING:
- Group Dynamics & Counseling
- Counseling Theories & Practice
- Counseling Throughout the Lifespan
- Lifestyle & Career Development
- Helping Relationships: Skills & Practice
- Diagnosis & Treatment 1
- Counseling Couples & Families
- Substance Abuse & Addiction
Bible
Biblical Capstone
ANY FOUR COURSES WITH THE BL PREFIX
Theology
ANY THREE OF THE FOLLOWING:
- TH300
- TH301
- TH310
- TH311
ANY ADDITIONAL THREE COURSES WITH A TH PREFIX
Restorative Justice
*THIS CONCENTRATION CAN NOT BE COMPLETED ONLINE*
MN366: Leading with Courage & Compassion
TH365: Restorative Justice
TH440: Christian Life & Ethics
Any Two Resotrative Arts Electives
WTS welcomes transfer students and transferred coursework. Up to 27 credits may be completed at another ATS accredited seminary.
YOU CHOOSE: ONLINE OR IN-PERSON LEARNING?
Are you an In-Person Learner?
Courses taken primarily in-person at our Holland, MI, campus. Students who take courses primarily in person tend to:
1
Prefer the physical environment of the classroom.
2
Enjoy regular face-to-face interaction with professors and peers.
3
Need a consistent class schedule and structured learning formats.
4
Be committed to completing the degree in 2 years.
5
Already live in West Michigan or are interested in moving to West Michigan.
6
Plan to work part-time or less.
Are you an Online Learner?
Online Learning is available to students in West Michigan and around the world. As an Online Learning student, you would typically:
1
Be a self-motivated, independent learner.
2
Want the flexibility of organizing your own learning schedule.
3
Need maximum flexibility to fit school around your other commitments.
4
Desire to stretch your degree out over many years.
5
Live more than 150 miles from Holland, MI.
6
Plan to work full time while in school.
Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS
Your application will be completed fully online. Once you complete your application be sure to watch your email. Some programs require additional interviews or follow up.
Have questions? Email us at [email protected].
1.
Create an Account
2.
Fill out an application
3.
Upload written Materials
4.
Request letters
5.
Submit Your Application
6.
Watch your email
Costs
AFFORDING sEMINARY
Tuition rates vary for different programs and degrees. At WTS, we understand that finances can be a major concern for prospective students. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and loan options.
Important Dates
For terms starting in 2026 - 2027
Fall Semester (starts late August)
Apply by:
January
Application fee waived for Fall semester MTS applications!
March
Deadline for international students
May
To ensure housing and best financial aid opportunities
August
Final application deadline for fall start
August
Call the admissions office for options!
Contact Admissions
spring Semester (starts Early January)
Apply By
December
For best financial aid opportunities
December
Call the admissions office for options!
Contact Admissions
Interested in Transferring to WTS?
At Western Theological Seminary, you can transfer your credits and join a community deeply committed to forming faithful Christian leaders. Let’s talk about how your journey can continue—and flourish—here.
