Program Overview
The Southeastern University Master of Arts in Family Ministry equips leaders to develop a biblically and theologically grounded family ministry within the local church and/or parachurch organizations. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the unique needs of singles and families in today’s culture, building healthy relationships, family ministry leadership, and ministering to families in difficult situations. Through this program, students will:
- Integrate Biblical and theological knowledge along with personal and spiritual formation into ministry practice with families.
- Integrate the needs of various generations with regard to social and cultural influences.
- Demonstrate systematic thinking in relation to the spiritual development of families and teaching-learning processes.
- Integrate a Biblical and theological view of sexuality, marriage, and family into personal values and particular ministries.
- Demonstrate competencies that will prepare them to engage with complicated and/or controversial issues which arise within families.
Career Options
Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Family Ministry, career opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- NextGen Pastor
- Children’s Pastor
- Youth Pastor
- Family Ministry Pastor
- Director of Family Ministries
- Early Childhood Pastor
Program Sequence
Total Credits- 36 credit hours with two components:
- Graduate Core (21 hours)
- Family Ministry Courses (15 hours)
Program Length: 1-2 years
Full-time students (6 credit hours per term)
Part-time students (3 credit hours per term)
Program Delivery
- Fully Online
- Traditional Evening Courses - Courses meet on either Monday or Friday
- Executive Cohort - 16-month hybrid delivery option. Students will participate in two, one-week intensive sessions on Lakeland campus each semester
Entrance Requirements
All of the components listed below are required and will be utilized by the Graduate Program Coordinator and School of Divinity Chair in making an admittance decision. However, failure to meet one of these standards may not immediately disqualify a candidate depending upon the strength of their other components. Applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis, and the decision of the School of Divinity Chair is final.
- Regionally accredited undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA
- One Academic or Professional Reference
- One Christian Character Reference
- Academic writing sample of at least five (5) pages indicative of writing and research ability to interact with scholarly sources in a critical manner.
Transfer Credit
Graduate level credits may be accepted if they were earned from an accredited university (Regional and/or Association of Theological Schools Accreditation), less than 8 years old, and relevant to coursework at SEU.
The School of Divinity Chair will evaluate and award transfer credit on a case-by-case basis. No transient credit (future courses taken at another university) will be allowed without prior approval.
Residency Requirement
- Online - No residency requirement
- Evening - Classes meet on Monday and Thursday evenings on Lakeland Campus
- Executive Cohort - Seven 1-week intensive meetings over 4 semesters.
Satisfactory Progress
Students enrolled in the MA in Family Ministry must maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to successfully complete the program. Earning more than 2 C’s across all required coursework will result in a sub-3.0 GPA.
Two Year Plan
Master of Arts in Family Ministries, Two Year Plan
