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Master of Arts in Christian Studies

Graduate School of Ministry

Leading the Body of Christ

Whether your goal is pastoral ministry, intercultural service, theological education, or service within other faith-based organizations, Crown’s online Masters in Christian Studies online degree is designed to equip you with the theological understanding and practical skills that will help you in ministry.

Why study Christian Studies at Crown College?

Convenient

Our program is primarily online, perfect for busy working adults. Most courses last eight weeks, creating an optimized and efficient learning environment. Students are assigned an academic advisor who walks alongside them to help every student succeed.

Experienced Faculty

Our program is led by individuals with excellent scholarship and experience in the ministry field. Built within each course are discussion posts designed to bolster the online community and expand every student’s network.

Affordable

Graduates of Crown’s Masters in Christian Studies program can be confident they are receiving a degree at an affordable price compared to other programs. For more information, visit our financial aid page.

The professors were really great. They were very responsive. They were very helpful if I ever had any questions, they were ready to help. It was a huge blessing. There is just a huge opportunity to see God work in not only what we’re learning, but in the communities that we’re serving.

Christina Vasquez

Careers

Pastor
Youth Minister
Church Administration
International Worker

Advanced Degrees

Doctor of Ministry
Doctor of Theology
Ph.D. in Theology

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Amy Roedding

Core Faculty Member

Dr. Bill Kuhn

Dean, School of Theology + Ministry

Dr. Hector Belen

Core Faculty Member of Graduate School of Ministry

Dr. Nick Fox

Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Ministry | Chair of Biblical, Theological, + Ministry Studies

Crown College’s Graduate School of Ministry programs are accredited with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). This prestigious accreditation provides students with the assurance of Crown’s academically excellent and robust theological education.

The Graduate School of Ministry programs are designed to meet the needs of students regardless of their life context, with courses held primarily online and optimized for an effective online learning environment. ATS accreditation provides Crown’s graduate theological programs a structure for continuous improvement and expands opportunities for students to launch into ministry and further education.

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Preview of Courses

CST 5222 - Alliance Distinctives

The course examines the historical, theological, and spiritual distinctives of The Christian and Missionary Alliance movement. Ordination/Consecration work is embedded in this course for the C&MA with a special emphasis on sanctification and healing.

CST 6218 - Biblical Theology

A study of major themes and doctrines contained in the Old and New Testaments. This course emphasizes the contributions of the various biblical books to the unity of the Old and New Testaments and examines the historical and theological milieu influencing Old and New Testament writings.

MIN 6211 - Spiritual Formation for Leaders

A study of biblical principles and methods of spiritual growth, character formation, discipleship, and equipping Christian believers for leadership in business and non-profit organizations. The goal of this course is to equip students in spiritual formation practices to prepare others for care-giving and leadership.

FAQs

What can you do with a Master's in Christian Studies?

Graduates are prepared for a range of ministry and service roles, including pastor, youth minister, church administration, and international worker. The degree is built to be flexible, equipping students for pastoral ministry, intercultural service, theological education, or leadership within faith-based organizations, and serves as a foundation for further study like the Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Theology, or Ph.D. in Theology.

How is the M.A. in Christian Studies different from Crown's other graduate ministry degrees?

The M.A. in Christian Studies is Crown’s broad, foundational theological degree, designed for students who want flexibility across several ministry paths rather than a single specialization. It emphasizes biblical and theological depth alongside practical skills, making it a strong fit for those whose calling spans pastoral, intercultural, or organizational service. Students drawn to a specific track may also consider the M.A. in Ministry Leadership, M.A. in Pastoral Counseling, or Master of Divinity.

Does the program prepare students for ordination in the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA)?

The curriculum is closely tied to the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and the Alliance Distinctives course embeds ordination and consecration work for the C&MA, with emphasis on the movement’s theological distinctives. Students study the major doctrines and emphases of the C&MA as part of the program. Prospective students pursuing ordination should confirm specific requirements with their district and Crown’s Graduate School of Ministry.

Can I complete the M.A. in Christian Studies online while working?

Yes. The program is offered primarily online and built for busy working adults, with most courses running in focused eight-week terms. Each student is paired with an academic advisor for support, and coursework includes discussion-based interaction to build community with faculty and peers.

Is Crown's M.A. in Christian Studies accredited?

Yes. Crown College’s Graduate School of Ministry programs, including the M.A. in Christian Studies, are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), a leading accreditor of graduate theological education in the U.S. and Canada. This accreditation assures students the degree meets recognized standards for academic and theological quality and supports further graduate study.

What courses are included in the M.A. in Christian Studies?

The curriculum combines theological foundations with practical ministry preparation. Sample courses include Alliance Distinctives, Biblical Theology, and Spiritual Formation for Leaders, covering C&MA theology, the major doctrines of the Old and New Testaments, and methods of spiritual growth and discipleship for leadership.

Related Programs

Master of Divinity
M.A. in Pastoral Counseling
M.A. in Ministry Leadership

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