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Graduate Religion Programs

Building Strong Foundations for Lifelong Ministry

The School of Religion at Southern Adventist University equips students for meaningful service in a culturally diverse church and society through academically rich and spiritually transformative graduate studies. Rooted in a biblical worldview and the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, our programs foster a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ while strengthening theological understanding, pastoral effectiveness, and practical ministry skills. Each degree is intentionally designed to provide high-quality preparation that supports and nurtures each student’s calling.

Programs

M.Min — Master of Ministry

M.Min — Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree helps prepare current pastors, Bible teachers and lay church leaders in an emphasis of their choice: church ministry and evangelism, leadership and management, biblical counseling, or Pastoral Studies. Courses are offered through short summer intensives that will accommodate the busy schedule of working professionals.

Details

Our degrees are hybrid, meaning that students will take a combination of online work and in-person intensives. The intensives are offered over one to two weeks on campus during the summer, with prior reading, followed by a significant writing assignment. Online classes are offered during the regular fall and winter semesters. The recommended load is two to three courses per year for those in full-time ministry and up to six classes every year for those in part-time work. Degrees can be completed in two to six years, depending on the course load.  

Tuition & Fees

Pastors may received a tuition waiver or tuition assistance as follows:
  • Southern Union pastors:  Pastors may be eligible to receive a tuition waiver by submitting a signed Conference Authorization Form each academic year (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes. SOUTHERN UNION AUTHORIZATION FORM
  • North American Division pastors & denominational employees:  Pastors in the North American Division Conferences and denominational employees may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate of $175 per credit hour by submitting a signed Tuition Assistance Form each academic year (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes. NAD PASTOR TUITION ASSISTANCE FORM
  • Non-pastors or regular students: Tuition for non-pastors or any other student that is not a denominational employee: $400 per credit/hour. 
  • International Students:  Since these courses are designed to be part-time, the schedule of the classes does not meet student-visa requirements.
Hybrid, Summer Intensives
MA — Master of Arts Religion

MA — Master of Arts Religion

The Master of Arts in Religion program is designed to accommodate the schedule of a full-time pastor and involves a combination of both online classes and summer intensives.  However, this program is also available to students with a bachelor's degree in any field.
  • Online classes are primarily offered during the fall and winter semesters. The summer intensives are offered over one to two-weeks on campus during the summer, with prior reading, followed by a significant writing assignment.  
  • Online classes are offered during the regular fall and winter semesters. The recommended load is two to three courses per year for those in full-time ministry and up to six classes every year for those in part-time work. Degrees can be completed in two to six years, depending on the course load. The MA degree requires either a thesis or a project as well as comprehensive exams.
Tuition & Fees*

Pastors may received a tuition waiver or tuition assistance as follows:
  • Southern Union pastors:  Pastors may be eligible to receive a tuition waiver by submitting a signed Conference Authorization Form each academic year (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes. SOUTHERN UNION AUTHORIZATION FORM
  • North American Division pastors & denominational employees:  Pastors in the North American Division Conferences and denominational employees may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate of $175 per credit hour by submitting a signed Tuition Assistance Form each academic year (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes. NAD PASTOR TUITION ASSISTANCE FORM
  • Non-pastors or regular students: Tuition for non-pastors or any other student that is not a denominational employee: $400 per credit/hour. 
  • International Students:  Since these courses are designed to be part-time, the schedule of the classes does not meet student-visa requirements.
*Fees: A $65 general fee per semester is charged to all degree-seeking graduate students. This fee covers computer software & technology, counseling services, and library services.
Hybrid, Summer Intensives
Certificate in Religion — Biblical Counseling

Certificate in Religion — Biblical Counseling

Biblical counseling is a practice of the local church whereby each member is empowered to speak the truth in love, so that the whole congregation grows together toward spiritual maturity. Biblical counseling applies the gospel to everyday life situations, allowing the practical wisdom of Scripture to guide decisions, resolve conflict, heal emotional wounds, build relationships, and empower change.

Biblical counseling is not professional counseling. A student who takes classes in biblical counseling at Southern is not preparing for state licensure or to receive church credentials. This fully online, 12-credit program is designed for those who work in a church setting, who wish to enhance their coaching and counseling skills while gaining a broad-based ministry and theological background. It teaches the counselor how to do “triage” when hurting people come to the church for help and how to effectively refer. The program also prepares students for further studies in biblical counseling.

Tuition & Fees

A special tuition rate is provided for those in the certificate program that is only 40% of the regular tuition costs! In addition, pastors get special waivers or discounts as follows:

  • Southern Union pastors:  Pastors may receive a tuition waiver by submitting a signed Conference Authorization form each semester (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes. Submit immediately after registration.  SOUTHERN UNION AUTHORIZATION FORM
  • North American Division pastors:  Pastors in Division Conferences outside of the Southern Union may receive tuition assistance by submitting a signed Tuition Assistance form each semester (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes. Submit immediately after registration. NAD PASTOR TUITION ASSISTANCE FORM
  • International Students:  Since these courses are designed to be part-time, the schedule of the classes does not meet student-visa requirements.
Online
Certificate in Religion — Church Leadership & Management

Certificate in Religion — Church Leadership & Management

Graduate Certificate in Church Leadership and Management is specifically designed to prepare church leaders and administrators with training in the principles of business management, as well as to equip them with leadership-ministry training skills.

This 12-credit program is delivered through a combination of online courses in the Fall and Winter semester, and two-week on-campus Summer intensives.

Tuition & Fees

A special tuition rate is provided for those in the certificate program that is only 40% of the regular tuition costs! In addition, pastors get special waivers or discounts as follows:
  • Southern Union pastors:  Pastors may receive a tuition waiver by submitting a signed Conference Authorization form each semester (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes. Submit immediately after registration.  SOUTHERN UNION AUTHORIZATION FORM
  • North American Division pastors:  Pastors in Division Conferences outside of the Southern Union may receive tuition assistance by submitting a signed Tuition Assistance form each semester (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes. Submit immediately after registration. NAD PASTOR TUITION ASSISTANCE FORM
  • International Students:  Since these courses are designed to be part-time, the schedule of the classes does not meet student-visa requirements.
Hybrid, Summer Intensives
Certificate in Religion — Evangelism & Ministry

Certificate in Religion — Evangelism & Ministry

The Graduate Certificate in Evangelism and Ministry is specifically designed to equip workers for gospel outreach to the world. This 12-credit program is delivered through a combination of online courses in the Fall and Winter semester, and two-week on-campus Summer intensives.

Tuition & Fees

A special tuition rate is provided for those in the certificate program that is only 40% of the regular tuition costs! In addition, pastors get special waivers or discounts as follows:

  • Southern Union pastors:  Pastors may receive a tuition waiver by submitting a signed Conference Authorization form each semester (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes. Submit immediately after registration.  SOUTHERN UNION AUTHORIZATION FORM
  • North American Division pastors:  Pastors in Division Conferences outside of the Southern Union may receive tuition assistance by submitting a signed Tuition Assistance form each semester (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes. Submit immediately after registration. NAD PASTOR TUITION ASSISTANCE FORM
  • International Students:  Since these courses are designed to be part-time, the schedule of the classes does not meet student-visa requirements.
Hybrid, Summer Intensives
MDiv Preparation Track

MDiv Preparation Track

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is a comprehensive professional degree with substantial prerequisites. While Southern Adventist University does not confer the full MDiv, our MDiv Preparation Track equips you with a solid academic foundation for seminary studies. This track provides personalized guidance in selecting courses that fulfill MDiv prerequisites and allows you to complete up to 36 transferable credits at Southern toward an MDiv program at another institution.
Hybrid, Summer Intensives

Course Guides

Admissions Process

Important Dates
Our deadlines are flexible and we accept applications year-round. Please reach out to an enrollment adviser when in doubt.
Program Semester Starts USA Deadlines International Deadlines
Master of Ministry Fall: Jul 1
Winter: Nov 1
Summer: Apr 1		 Fall: Jul 1
Winter: Nov 1
Summer: Apr 1		 Fall: N/A
Winter: N/A
Summer: N/A
Master of Arts in Religion Summer: Apr 1 Summer: Apr 1 Summer: N/A
Admissions Requirements
For comprehensive information regarding the Religion programs, visit the Program's Catalog Page.

Program Admissions Requirements Admissions Process
Master of Ministry
  • Bachelor's degree: Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution.
  • Religion courses: Minimum of 12 semester hours in religion. Waivers may be requested for some or all of this requirement, based on the applicant's full-time ministry experience.
  • GPA requirements: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 OR for an undergraduate GPA of 2.50 to 2.99 applicants may request to be admitted on a provisional basis.
  • Evangelism and World Mission, and Biblical Counseling Emphases applicants must provide a written list of:
    1. church offices held such as elder, deaconess, Sabbath School leader
    2. church outreach activities such as conducting Bible studies
    3. work in Revelation seminars, and assisting with health-education seminars
  1. Graduate application: Submit a graduate application with non-refundable fee of $65.
  2. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts. Many institutions subscribe to the convenient transcript-request service at National Student Clearinghouse, or you may also contact your institution directly. Have your transcripts sent to the Graduate and Professional Studies office (gradtranscripts@southern.edu). If you earned your prerequisite degree at Southern, you do not need to complete this step.
  3. Recommendations: Submit two recommendation forms completed by work supervisors or professors. One of these recommendations is to be from your employing conference, if employed by the Seventh-day Adventist Denomination. This should be done as part of the online application process. If you are employed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, one recommendation must be from a superior in the organization.
  4. Service record: Submit a denominational service record (usually available from your SDA employer), if applicable, OR the Record of Service form.
  5. Statement of Purpose: Candidates are to submit a written “Statement of Purpose through the Application Status Page following the guidelines provided by the School of Religion.
Master of Arts Religion
  • Bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution.
  • Religion courses: A minimum of 12 semester hours in religion. Waivers may be requested for some or all of this requirement, based on the applicant's full-time ministry experience.
  • GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 OR for an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 to 3.24, applicants may request to be admitted on a provisional basis. A formal academic paper to demonstrate academic competency may be required of the candidate.
  • Emphasis in Old Testament Studies or New Testament Studies: Applicants to either of these emphases must have six semester hours of credit in a biblical language with a minimum grade of C. Applicants to Old Testament Studies must have six semester hours of biblical Hebrew, and applicants to New Testament Studies must have six hours of biblical Greek. This may be counted as part of the required 12 hours in religion.
  1. Graduate application: Submit a graduate application with non-refundable fee of $65.
  2. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts. Many institutions subscribe to the convenient transcript-request service at National Student Clearinghouse, or you may also contact your institution directly. Have your transcripts sent to the Graduate and Professional Studies office (gradtranscripts@southern.edu). If you earned your prerequisite degree at Southern, you do not need to complete this step.
  3. Recommendations: Submit two recommendation forms completed by work supervisors or professors. One of these recommendations is to be from your employing conference, if employed by the Seventh-day Adventist Denomination. This should be done as part of the online application process. If you are employed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, one recommendation must be from a superior in the organization.
  4. Service record: Submit a denominational service record (usually available from your SDA employer), if applicable, OR the Record of Service form.
  5. Statement of Purpose: Candidates are to submit a written “Statement of Purpose through the Application Status Page following the guidelines provided by the School of Religion.
Admission Requirements for International Graduate Students
Visa regulations require international students to be enrolled full-time and in person. Online formats—or those with only brief on-campus components—do not meet student visa requirements. Unfortunately, this means we are unable to admit international applicants to the graduate offerings in the School of Religion.

Why Southern?

The School of Religion at Southern Adventist University offers a transformative pathway for aspiring and established spiritual leaders seeking deeper theological understanding and impactful ministry.

Spiritual Life

The School of Religion at Southern Adventist University offers a transformative pathway for aspiring and established spiritual leaders seeking deeper theological understanding and impactful ministry.

Academic Excellence

Social Connections

Accreditations

Professional Growth

Meet the Faculty

Greg King, PhD

Dean

Stephen Bauer, PhD

Professor

David Hartman, DMin

Professor

Michael Hasel, PhD

Professor

Alan Parker, ThD

Professor

Barry Tryon, DMin

Professor

Wilson Paroschi, PhD

Professor

John Doh, PhD

Professor

Eliezer Graterol, PhD, DMi

Professor