MA IN Christian Studies For
Young Life Staff
Complete your Seminary Degree at WTS
The Master of Arts in Christian Studies (M.A.) is our most flexible degree program. Half of the 42 credits needed to earn this degree are electives. That means YOU decide what interests you and where you want to focus your learning.
42
Credit Hours
2-5
Years to Finish
In person or Online
Bentifits of an MA through Young life and WTS
Young Life staff may earn academic credit for up to nine courses that originate from Young Life, for a total of 27 academic credits.
This completes more than 60% of the Master of Arts degree.
This degree is affordable. All Young Life staff will qualify for a 25% tuition reduction.
Staff may also use academic credits for Young Life courses in any of Western’s degree programs (not just the Master of Arts in Christian Studies).
Academic credits ten years old may still be counted for those earning the MA at WTS.
“I have not encountered a seminary staff that has been more willing and engaged to bend their process to be able to more fully welcome Young Life staff. I have been able to directly apply most of what I am learning in my coursework at Western to my ministry. That is truly a blessing. “
Pablo Otaola, Metro Developer
Denver Young Life, Young Life Horizons Coordinator
Course Sequence
Young Life staff may earn academic credit for up to nine courses that originate from Young Life, for a total of 27 academic credits. This completes more than 60% of the Master of Arts degree.
Coursework from Young Life
- Introduction to Youth Ministry
- Introduction to New Testament
- Introduction to Old Testament
- Systematic Theology
- The Minister as a Person
- Leadership I
- Leadership II
- Christology, Soteriology, Pneumatology
- Supervision and Organizational Leadership
9 courses- 27 credits total
Courses from WTS
- Foundations of the Christian Life
- Church History 1 or 2
- Christian Life and Mission
- Two (2) Electives of your choice
5 courses- 15 credits total
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 primarly 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
Wants 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 admissions@westernsem.edu.
1.
Create an Account
2.
Fill out an application
3.
Upload written Materials
4.
Request letters
5.
Submit Your Application
6.
Watch your email
Only the MA in Christian Studies and Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies are available in Spanish.
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 2024 - 2025
Fall Semester (starts late August)
Apply by:
January
Application fee waived for Fall semester MDiv and MA 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I complete an YL MA?
• To begin, select Western Theological Seminary to transcript and bank your academic credits.
• In year two of your ministry, complete a formal admissions application to begin coursework originating from Western Theological Seminary.
• All required courses originating from WTS for the MA degree are delivered purely online. Students may complete this MA without traveling to our campus. (Some electives may require a 3-5 day residency on campus.)
• To qualify for tuition reduction, married student discounts and/or other financial aid awards, students must apply for financial aid annually.
• We have trained Young Life staff for five decades. Dr. Timothy Brown, president emeritus, teaches at YL Area Director School annually. Dr. Suzanne McDonald, professor of historical and systematic theology, teaches at both New Staff and Winter trainings. Dr. Ben Conner, Professor of Practical Theology, served as a YL Area Director and is a member of the mission-wide Capernaum Committee. Become part of this legacy. Earn a Master of Arts degree at Western Theological Seminary.
What are the full degree requirements?
Coursework originating from Young Life:
Required Courses:
- Introduction to Youth Ministry
- Introduction to New Testament
- Introduction to Old Testament
- Systematic Theology
- The Minister as a Person
- Leadership I
- Leadership II
- Christology, Soteriology, Pneumatology
- Supervision and Organizational Leadership
9 courses- 27 credits total
Coursework originating from Western Theological Seminary:
Courses:
- MN335 Foundations of the Christian Life
- TH300/301 Church History I or II
- MN412 Christian Life and Mission
- Two (2) Electives of your choice
5 courses- 15 credits total
