The Master of Arts in Executive Leadership in Christian Ministry is designed to prepare students for church and ministry leadership at the executive level: executive pastors ("second-chair" leaders) or executive directors (leaders of care-focused non-profits or para-church ministries). The program will provide a heavy emphasis on business-related skills but will also develop baseline ministry proficiencies. The degree will be useful not just for those possessing "executive" leadership titles and roles but also for ministers or leaders who need executive ministry skills to broaden their leadership capacities. The MA in Executive Leadership in Christian Ministry focuses on skills pertaining to the heart of actual ministry leadership, including financial leadership, volunteer management, outreach, and conflict resolution.

Admission to the Master of Arts in Executive Leadership in Christian Ministry

  • Completed online application form (including essay, transcripts, and fees) at www.ccu.edu/ccu/grad/. 

  • Submit a completed application form (including essay, transcripts, and fees).

  • Valid state-issued driver’s license or state-issued ID card or passport.

  • Submit an official transcript that reflects a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution.

  • Possess a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average between 2.0 and 2.49 will be admitted on a conditional admit (CAD) basis for the first semester.  CAD students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in their first nine (9) credits to remain in the program.

Transfer of Courses

Students may transfer up to 9 semester hours of graduate credit from a regionally accredited college or university. The coursework must be comparable to that offered at CCU and fulfill the MA in Executive Leadership in Christian Ministry requirements.

Time Limitation

The MA in Executive Leadership in Christian Ministry is a 39 credit-hour degree designed to be completed within 17 months of intensive study by persons who work or are otherwise occupied by the equivalent of a full time job.  

All work applied toward a master’s degree must be completed within a four-year period from the date of enrollment. After the four-year period, an MA in Executive Leadership in Christian Ministry student who has not completed the requirements to graduate will be withdrawn from the program. Students who go beyond the four-year period and wish to complete their MA in Executive Leadership in Christian Ministry degree will be required to apply for reconsideration by completing a Petition for Exception to Academic Policy. Readmitted students will be required to adhere to the degree plans and academic policies in place at the time they are readmitted.