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Discover Your Calling. Deepen Your Impact.
Whether you want to deepen your theological and biblical understanding, grow as a leader, or embrace your vocational calling in ministry, the Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership & Theology (MAMLT) is designed to help you flourish in every dimension of your calling. No previous ministry experience is required, and you can attend on campus or live online.
This 36-credit program develops a biblical, theological, and pastoral framework for leadership that is both academically rigorous and practically relevant. You’ll learn to lead with wisdom, communicate with conviction, and serve with spiritual depth in today’s complex ministry and cultural contexts.
Program Quick Facts
- 3 annual starts: January, May, and August
- $660 per credit
- 36 credits
- $11,880 annual full-time tuition (2025–26)
- Fully accredited university
- No Prior Ministry Experience Required
- On campus or live online
Program Highlights
Spirit-Empowered Leadership
Experience leadership training shaped by the mission of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The program integrates graduate-level theological education with a vision for Spirit-led ministry in the 21st century.
Distinguished Faculty
You’ll study under committed followers of Christ who are both scholars and ministry practitioners — leaders passionate about the work of God’s Kingdom and committed to mentoring the next generation of Spirit-empowered leaders.
Grounded in Scripture and Theology
Strengthen your ability to think biblically, lead faithfully, and apply theological principles to real-world ministry challenges. You’ll become a leader who is both anchored in God’s Word and adaptable to today’s ministry landscape.
A Diverse Learning Community
Join a vibrant, supportive community of students from diverse backgrounds and ministry contexts. Together, you’ll explore your callings, share experiences, and sharpen one another as Spirit-led leaders in formation.
Flexible HyFlex Format
Northwest’s HyFlex learning model allows you to attend courses on campus or live online, giving you the flexibility to participate fully in lectures and discussions with faculty and peers — no matter your location.
Affordable Graduate Education
Graduate study at Northwest University offers exceptional value at $11,880 annual full-time tuition (before financial aid). Our enrollment team will help you design a plan that fits your goals and budget.
Why Experienced Pastors Still Pursue a Graduate Degree
You’ve preached, led teams, and walked with people through every season of life. But ministry today brings new challenges—cultural shifts, complex leadership demands, and a need for deeper biblical and theological grounding. A graduate degree in Ministry Leadership and Theology helps you sharpen your preaching, strengthen your leadership, and renew your spiritual formation for what’s next. It’s not about starting over—it’s about growing deeper for the next chapter of your calling.
Offered as a Hyflex option so you can continue your ministry while you study. Attend class remotely while fully participating in lectures and courses taught by leading Scholars and Ministers in their field. Applications for our next cohort are open now. Reach out to your enrollment counselor to take your next step today!
Curriculum Overview (36 Credits)
The curriculum blends theology, leadership, and personal formation for holistic preparation in ministry.
Biblical & Theological Core
- Biblical Hermeneutics
- God & Covenant in the Old Testament
- Systematic Theology
Leadership & Ministry Practice
- Pastoral Care & Discipleship
- Preaching & Communication
- Multicultural Ministry
Formation & Contextual Learning
- Spiritual Formation
- Christian Formation
- Theology & Culture
Specialized Electives
- Holy Lands Bible Trip
- Historic Theology
- Pentecostal Studies
Pursuing a MA in Ministry Leadership and Theology through Northwest’s Hyflex model has given me the formation I was seeking and the flexibility I needed. While continuing full-time pastoral ministry in California, I have been challenged by rigorous coursework and supported by my professors and peers. This program has given me more than information; it has provided a space for deep personal, theological, and pastoral formation that has strengthened my calling and equipped me to lead with greater clarity and compassion.
Ivette Valdez
Ministry Leadership and Theology Student
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the M.A. in Ministry Leadership and Theology go on to serve in a wide range of leadership roles, including:
- Associate Pastor
- Senior Pastor
- Youth or Family Pastor
- Church Planter
- Missionary
- Faith-Based Nonprofit Leader
- Chaplain (additional requirements apply)
- Christian Educator or Professor
- Ministry or Higher Education Administrator
- Marketplace or Business Leader guided by Christian principles
Frequently Asked Questions
Courses are offered in a HyFlex format, which allows you to attend on campus or remotely. You can choose the approach that best fits your schedule and location.
Most students complete the 36-credit program in about two years, depending on their pace and course load.
No. While ministry or leadership experience is beneficial, it is not required. A bachelor’s degree and a desire to grow in leadership and theology are all you need to begin.
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds — pastors, nonprofit leaders, missionaries, business professionals, and individuals seeking to deepen their faith and leadership skills.
Graduates serve as pastors, church planters, nonprofit leaders, educators, and ministry directors — or use their training to lead effectively in business and community settings.
Take the Next Step
Step into your calling with confidence, clarity, and Spirit-empowered leadership. The M.A. in Ministry Leadership & Theology at Northwest University will prepare you to serve faithfully and lead effectively in whatever context God calls you to.
Inside the MAMLT: Stories, Strategies & Success
View Course Descriptions
You can explore program details and course descriptions for this program in our academic catalog.
Go to the Catalog
Questions about this program?
I would love to answer any questions about the Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership and Theology program that you may have.
Jorine Johnson
Senior Director of Admissions
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
425-889-5368