Master of Arts

GROW IN YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND LOVE FOR GOD

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Program Snapshot

48-62 Credit Hours 16-21 Classes
2 Years to Complete
$310 Per Credit Hour Learn more
On Campus
or
Online Learn more
Next Start Date December 2
Explore M.A. Concentrations

For those called to ministry in today’s challenging and changing world, Southern Seminary offers the best preparation possible.

The Master of Arts degree offers education and training for to prepare you for more faithful church or ministry service. The world-class faculty at Southern Seminary will help equip you to be an effective teacher and leader in whatever context the Lord calls you to.

3 Reasons to Study the M.A. at Southern Seminary

1

Our Trusted Faculty

Southern’s world-renowned faculty are brilliant scholars, experienced pastors, and seasoned theologians with hundreds of years of experience teaching and preparing ministers of the gospel. Among all the considerations for selecting ministry training, one stands above the rest: choose a faculty.

2

Flexible and Practical Ministry Preparation

Our M.A. programs provide maximum flexibility for students to study online or on-campus. Plus, our wide variety of available concentrations allow you to choose the academic area that best fits your ministry goals.

3

Our Confessional Community

Southern Seminary is a community of faith and learning, and with over 13,000 graduates in the last 30 years, the Southern community is unlike any other. You will build relationships that will support and encourage you as a student and throughout your lifetime of faithful ministry.

Serve your church with excellence

Southern’s M.A. provides specific training to serve the church and advance the kingdom

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? Our dedicated team of admissions counselors is here to help every step of the way. Here are some answers to common questions.

Front of Norton Hall

M.A. programs at Southern Seminary are designed to help those who wish to grow in their knowledge and leadership to serve the church.

Students who are serving (or plan to serve) in full-time ministry are encouraged to consider the Master of Divinity program, as it contains a more robust core of Bible, theology, and ministry training.

Students with an accredited bachelor’s degree (in any field/major) are eligible to apply for this concentration. It is not required that applicants have an academic background in biblical or ministry studies.

Note that concentrations in Theological Studies are reserved for those in a lay-leadership capacity.

Click here to learn more or start your application.

Yes. Students with previous divinity credit may be able to transfer their credit into programs at Southern Seminary. See our Transfer Credit page for more information.

Only masters-level credit may transfer into the M.A.

Master of Divinity programs will contain a more robust offering of Bible, theology, and ministry courses as part of the core curriculum – ideal for students preparing for full-time ministry roles.

Faculty include:

Jonathan T. Pennington

Professor of New Testament Interpretation

Matthew D. Westerholm

Professor of Church Music and Worship

J. Keith McKinley

Associate Professor of Christian Missions

Terry J. Betts

Professor of Old Testament Interpretation

Research Interests

Old Testament Interpretation
Hebrew
Preaching the Old Testament

Ayman S. Ibrahim

Bill and Connie Jenkins Professor of Islamic Studies

Mitchell L. Chase

Associate Professor of Biblical Studies

Joseph C. Harrod

Associate Professor of Biblical Spirituality

Resources as a Southern Seminary student

Academic Support

Access academic advising, writing assistance, language tutoring and more as a Southern Seminary online or on-campus student.

Flexible Course Options

With multiple course delivery options you’ll find classes that fit around your schedule.

  • 100% online degrees
  • Main campus courses
  • Hybrid campus intensive options

Financial Aid

We are committed to making your education affordable. Our Financial Aid office can connect you with institutional & outside sources of aid.

A Faculty You Can Trust


Learn from renowned scholars and church leaders who are committed to faithfully teaching God’s Word.

Meet the Faculty

More than ever, the church needs leaders fully equipped to shepherd and serve.


Explore specific concentrations of the M.A. or M.Div. to find the right fit for your calling.

Explore Degrees

Are you ready to become a pastor, counselor, or church leader who is Trusted for Truth?

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