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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.

Program Pathways

Master of Arts Religion

Master of Arts Religion

Designed to accommodate the schedule of a full-time pastor and involves a combination of both online classes and summer intensives. Also available to students with a bachelor's degree in any field.

Program Highlights

  • 36 credit graduate program
  • Hybrid degree. Students will take a combination of online work and in-person summer intensives
  • The intensives are offered over one to two weeks on campus during the summer, with prior reading, followed by writing assignments
  • Online courses are offered during the regular Fall and Winter Semesters
  • Choose from three emphases: Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies, and Theoligical Studies

Tuition & Fees

Tuition is $400 per credit hour, and a $70 general fee per semester is charged to all degree-seeking graduate students to cover computer software and technology, counseling services, and library services. Seventh-day Adventist pastors are eligible for special waivers or discounts as follows:

  • Southern Union pastors: Adventist pastors in the Southern Union 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. 
  • North American Division pastors and denominational employees:Pastors in Adventist 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. 

Since these courses are designed to be part-time, the schedule of the classes does not meet visa requirements for international students.

Hybrid, Summer Intensives
Master of Ministry (M.MIN)

Master of Ministry (M.MIN)

Current pastors, Bible teachers, and lay church leaders choose from these graduate degree emphases: Church Ministry and Evangelism, Leadership and Management, Biblical Counseling, or Pastoral Studies. Courses are offered through short summer intensives that will accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals.


Program Highlights

  • 36 credit graduate program
  • Hybrid degree. Students will take a combination of online work and in-person summer intensives
  • The intensives are offered over one to two weeks on campus during the summer, with prior reading, followed by writing assignments
  • Online courses are offered during the regular Fall and Winter Semesters

Tuition

Tuition is $400 per credit hour, and a $70 general fee per semester is charged to all degree-seeking graduate students to cover computer software and technology, counseling services, and library services. Seventh-day Adventist pastors are eligible for special waivers or discounts as follows:

  • Southern Union pastors: Adventist pastors in the Southern Union 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. 
  • North American Division pastors and denominational employees:Pastors in Adventist 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. 

Since these courses are designed to be part-time, the schedule of the classes does not meet visa requirements for international students.

Hybrid, Summer Intensives
Graduate Certificate—Biblical Counseling

Graduate Certificate—Biblical Counseling

A practice of the local church that empowers members to speak the truth in love, biblical counseling helps an entire congregation grow together toward spiritual maturity. This certification prepares Christians to walk alongside fellow believers while applying 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.

Program Highlights

  • 12-credit graduate certification program
  • Fully online
  • Can be completed in two semesters of full-time study starting in the fall
  • Part-time options available for busy professionals
  • 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. Does not prepare students for state licensure or to receive church credentials

Tuition
Tuition is $400 per credit hour, and a $65 general fee per semester is charged to all degree-seeking graduate students to cover computer software and technology, counseling services, and library services. Seventh-day Adventist pastors are eligible for special waivers or discounts as follows:

  • Southern Union pastors: Adventist pastors in the Southern Union 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. 
  • North American Division pastors and denominational employees:Pastors in Adventist 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. 

Since these courses are designed to be part-time, the schedule of the classes does not meet visa requirements for international students.

Online
Graduate Certificate—Church Leadership and Management

Graduate Certificate—Church Leadership and Management

Specifically designed to prepare church leaders and administrators with training in the principles of business management while also equipping them with leadership-ministry training skills, this 12-credit certification is delivered through a combination of online courses in Fall and Winter semesters, and two-week on-campus Summer intensives.

Program Highlights

  • 12-credit graduate certification program
  • Hybrid degree. Students will take a combination of online work and in-person summer intensives
  • The intensives are offered over one to two weeks on campus during the summer, with prior reading, followed by writing assignments
  • Can be completed in 1½ to 2 years of study.
  • Part-time options available

 

Tuition
Tuition is $400 per credit hour, and a $65 general fee per semester is charged to all degree-seeking graduate students to cover computer software and technology, counseling services, and library services. Seventh-day Adventist pastors are eligible for special waivers or discounts as follows:

  • Southern Union pastors: Adventist pastors in the Southern Union 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. 
  • North American Division pastors and denominational employees:Pastors in Adventist 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. 

Since these courses are designed to be part-time, the schedule of the classes does not meet visa requirements for international students.

Hybrid, Summer Intensives
Graduate Certificate—Evangelism and Ministry

Graduate Certificate—Evangelism and Ministry

Equipping Christian for Gospel outreach to the broader world, this 12-credit certification is delivered through a combination of online courses in Fall and Winter semesters, and two-week on-campus Summer intensives.

Program Highlights

  • 12-credit graduate certification program
  • Hybrid degree. Students will take a combination of online work and in-person summer intensives
  • The intensives are offered over one to two weeks on campus during the summer, with prior reading, followed by writing assignments
  • Can be completed in 1 to 2 years of study.
  • Part-time options available

Tuition
Tuition is $400 per credit hour, and a $65 general fee per semester is charged to all degree-seeking graduate students to cover computer software and technology, counseling services, and library services. Seventh-day Adventist pastors are eligible for special waivers or discounts as follows:

  • Southern Union pastors: Adventist pastors in the Southern Union 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. 
  • North American Division pastors and denominational employees:Pastors in Adventist 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. 

Since these courses are designed to be part-time, the schedule of the classes does not meet visa requirements for international students.

Hybrid, Summer Intensives
Master of Divinity Preparation Track

Master of Divinity Preparation Track

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


Program Highlights

  • 36 transferable credits
  • Hybrid graduate track. Students will take a combination of online work and in-person summer intensives
  • The intensives are offered over one to two weeks on campus during the summer, with prior reading, followed by writing assignments
Hybrid, Summer Intensives

Course Guides

STEP INTO YOUR CALLING!
 
The application deadline for Fall 2026 is July 1  •  Classes begin August 24

Admissions Process

Important Dates
Our deadlines are flexible and we accept applications year-round. When in doubt reach  out to an enrollment adviser.

Program's Entry Terms: Fall, Winter, and Summer

  Semester Starts USA Deadlines International Deadlines
  Fall: August 24
Winter: January 11
Summer: May 11		 Fall: July 1
Winter: November 1
Summer: April 1		 Fall: N/A
Winter: N/A
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: A four-year 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.
  1. Graduate application: Submit a completed application with non-refundable fee of $50
  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 four-year 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.
  • Intermediate level Biblical Hebrew or Greek with a grade of C or higher. Courses may be part of the 12 semester hours in religion required above. Theological Studies emphasis is excluded from this requirement.
  1. Graduate application: Submit a completed application with non-refundable fee of $50.
  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.
Graduate Certificates
  • Bachelor's degree: A four-year degree in any field from an accredited institution.
  • 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.
  • Religion courses: A minimum of 6 semester hours in religion. Waivers may be requested for some or all of this requirement, based on the applicant's full-time ministry experience.
  1. Graduate application: Submit a completed application with non-refundable fee of $50
  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. 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.
Admissions 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 graduate programs in Religion at Southern Adventist University offers a transformative pathway for aspiring and established spiritual leaders seeking deeper theological understanding and impactful ministry.

Whether you aim to enhance your pastoral practice, develop innovative approaches to spiritual formation, or contribute to community dialogue, this program equips you with the intellectual rigor and practical skills to lead with wisdom, inspire faith, and foster positive change within your community.

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