Graduate Programs

A Master’s Degree is awarded to a student who successfully completes 36 credits of study at the graduate level.

See our Admissions Requirements for entrance requirements and advanced placement credits.

Available Programs

We offer the following master’s degree programs:

• Master of Theology
• Master of Pastoral Ministry
• Master of Christian Education

Each track is made up of 9 3-credit courses, 1 ministry practicum earning 3 credits, plus a formal 50-page-minimum thesis  worth 6 credits for a total of 36 credits. (A master’s candidate has the option of substituting two (2) pre-approved elective courses in lieu of a thesis.)

NOTE: The masters-level degree tracks listed below are those currently available though LCU Online ®. The specialized degrees available though attendance at a physical campus location varies from campus to campus, depending upon the faculty available to them. Every LCU extension campus offers the Theology track, regardless of whatever other specialized degrees they are qualified to offer.

Master of Theology Track

This major course of study is for students who desire to expand their training and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Bible and theology.

Typical Masters Courses List — Theology Track

NOTE: These courses are suggested only for students who have already completed the Program #1-4 courses in theology.

Master of Pastoral Ministry Track

This major course of study helps pastors increase their effectiveness in the work of the ministry. The Master’s in Pastoral Ministry degree prepares the student with a rich, well-rounded program encompassing elements of church administration, Christian education, Christian counseling, music, and theology, preparing the pastor to lead the church in all areas of ministry.

Typical Masters Courses List — Pastoral Ministry Track

NOTE: These courses are suggested only for students who have already completed the Program #1-3 courses in theology and the Program #4 courses in pastoral ministry.

Master of Christian Education Track

This major course of study is available to LCU graduates with a Bachelors in Theology or Pastoral Ministry who desire to earn a Master’s degree in Christian Education. The course content is similar to the Program 4 track in Christian Education, but with additional reading and writing required for each course.

Typical Masters Courses List — Christian Education Track

NOTE: Program may change without prior notice.

A doctoral degree is awarded to a student who successfully completes 45 credits of study at the doctoral level.

All doctoral-level programs are individually designed for qualified students who want an in-depth study of a particular area of ministry. Each 45-credit program is designed as in-ministry education for ministry professionals and will build on ministry experience and previous education while challenging the individual candidate to pursue and realize their full potential.

The Ph.D. program is the capstone to all previous academic degrees. It represents the most prestigious accomplishment in a student’s educational endeavors.

See our Admissions Requirements for entrance requirements and advanced placement credits.

Available Programs

We offer the following doctoral programs:

1. Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

• D.Min. in Theology
• D.Min. in Pastoral Ministry

2. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

• Ph.D. in Theologyy
• Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry

Doctoral Program Requirements

1. The completion of 5 postgraduate-level courses related to the student’s major and pre-approved by the student’s faculty advisor.

2. One doctoral dissertation of a minimum of 150 pages. Dissertation guidelines are available from your student advisor.