Academic Program

Title

Master of Arts

Title (short)

MA

Headline

Master of Arts in Ministry

Degree Type

Master's Degrees

Dual Degrees

Location/Availability/Method

Hybrid

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Areas of Interest

Ministry Formation

Intro Text

Are you passionate about helping others and furthering your own spiritual journey? A Master of Arts in Ministry from Creighton University can help you answer your calling.

Description

After earning this seminary degree, you’ll be prepared to serve in various professional capacities within the Catholic church and other Christian denominations, or in a faith-based role outside of the church. As you complete your biblical studies, you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of Christian Spirituality and tradition.

A religious education that can shape you in heart, mind and soul

At Creighton, you’ll learn about serving in a Christian role from leaders in the field—faculty members in the MA in Ministry program are widely published and recognized for excellence nationally and internationally. They’re also engaging teachers who model Jesuit values in the classroom and beyond. Professors give all of their students personal attention, serving as mentors who genuinely want to educate you as an individual and give you the tools to drive positive change.

There are also plenty of opportunities for self-reflection. One of the highlights of this program is an eight-day spiritual retreat that gives you the time to take a step back from your busy, everyday life and work on your personal formation. During this time, you’ll explore your life, your sense of who God is, your identity in Christ and how God is inviting you to serve.

Take a path that fits your schedule

Courses in Creighton University’s Master of Arts in Ministry program are offered online, in eight-week terms, year-round. On-campus residency are held in the summer, when students come together for week-long seminars that offer personal, spiritual and professional development.

Students typically take one course at a time and complete the ministry degree program in about three years while continuing to work full-time. Taking Creighton’s online master in ministry courses can be a great way to further your biblical studies on your schedule.

Admissions Representative

Eric Nordmeyer

Featured Information

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Statblock - Creighton University awards all Ministry master’s students a 50 percent tuition remission

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Jeff Peak Quote

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My graduate degree in ministry helped form and prepare me spiritually and pastorally for my current ministry—working at a university helping to awaken hearts and lives of solidarity to build a more just world.

Name

Jeff Peak

Honorific / Title

MA | Assistant Director, Schlegel Center for Service and Justice

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Details

PROGRAM DETAILS

Program Goals and Curriculum

The MA in Ministry is dedicated to the formation of lay men and women for professional ministry, or to deepen the formation of ordained deacons or deacon candidates, in the Catholic Church. Candidates for professional ministry within other Christian denominations are also welcome.

To earn this master’s degree, you must complete 46 credits:

36 credits of accelerated, online theology courses
These courses are offered throughout the year in eight-week, online units.
- Introduction to the Old Testament
- Introduction to the New Testament
- Christology
- Ecclesiology: Theology of Church and Ministry
- Moral Theology and Decision Making
- Worship, Liturgy, and Sacrament
- Theology and Catechesis
- Ministerial Ethics and Leadership Skills
- Historical Development of Fundamental Doctrine
- Canon Law, Catholic Identity, and Ecumenism
- Christian Prayer and Spirituality
- Historical Spiritualties in the Christian Tradition (hybrid course – includes a short residency each fall through the course of the program)

4 credits of professional and personal development
- Orientation to Study and Ministry
- Personal Human and Spiritual Development of the Minister
- Introduction to Psychological Issues in Ministry
- Lay Spiritual Movements
4 credits from internship experience
Each internship can be worth 1-4 credits.
2 remaining credits
- Synthesis in Lay Ecclesial Ministry

View all courses for this program

Creighton University's Theology Department faculty has a number of scholars and teachers who are nationally and internationally recognized for their excellence in teaching and research. The MA in Ministry draws on this body of faculty to develop spiritual leaders in the Jesuit tradition.

Meet the program faculty

Specific Application Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MA in Ministry program, applicants must:

Complete an application and submit a $50 application fee
Possess a bachelor’s degree, regardless of field, with 3.0 GPA or higher
Provide official transcripts from all educational institutions attended. Read more about sending transcripts here
Have taken recent coursework in theology (at least nine credits within 10 years)
Submit a personal statement: A letter of introduction addressed to Dr. Eileen Burke-Sullivan, Director. It should include why you feel you are called to ministry and why you chose the Creighton program.
Submit three recommendation letters, one from a person who can attest to the academic ability of the candidate, one from a person who can attest to the pastoral/ministerial aptitude of the candidate, and one from a person who has been a spiritual companion and can attest to their spiritual life of the candidate.

A personal interview may be requested in addition to the above requirements. The interview may be conducted in-person or virtually.

International students are welcomed into this program and F-1 visas will be supported upon admission.

International applicants must:

Meet English language proficiency requirements
Complete and submit a Certification of Available Finances Form through the Global Engagement Office if admitted

Tuition and Financial Aid

Creighton University awards all Master of Arts in Ministry students 50% remissions from standard graduate school tuition. Tuition rates change in the fall of each year. Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more details.

Summer Housing and Meals
Housing is available for students attending on-campus residencies in the summer. This housing consists of a shared suite that includes two private bedrooms, a shared bathroom, a small common living space with some furniture, a microwave and a small refrigerator.

Financial Aid
To help make your graduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. We also encourage you to apply for available graduate student scholarships and fellowships.

Learn more about funding your education

Still have questions? Email or call a friendly financial specialist at 402.280.2731 for any additional questions you may have.

Dates and Deadlines

The table below details the enrollment deadlines and starting dates of courses for the current academic year. If you have any questions about dates, deadlines, or application materials, please contact an enrollment specialist for personalized assistance.

Not accepting applications at this time.

Related Degrees

Christian Spirituality (Master of Arts)

Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats (Graduate Certificate)

Catholic School Leadership (Graduate Certificate)

School/College/Department Link

Learn more about the College of Arts and Sciences

School/College/Department

Theology

Arts & Sciences

Next Steps

Next Steps Band – Program Detail A