Master in Lay Ministry (Master's)

Tuition is Tuition is $675 per credit hour for the Master of Arts in Ministry and Leadership..

This programme focuses on practical theology and leadership development for ministry contexts. Students engage with biblical and theological foundations through structured coursework. The curriculum emphasizes applying theory to real-world ministry settings.

The programme requires 36 credits, distributed across core courses, electives, and a capstone project. Credits are for the full degree, not a concentration.

Graduates typically serve in pastoral roles, church leadership, or ministry coordination within religious organizations.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Required documents include official transcripts and a personal statement. No standardized test is required.

The programme totals about 36 credit hours. On-campus, full-time or part-time, typically completed in two years. For international students, tuition is below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 63% of applicants.

Judson’s campus sits on the banks of the Fox River in Elgin, a suburban town a short drive from Chicago. Students can explore a riverside setting while staying close to the museums, galleries, design studios, and other opportunities of the Chicago area. Campus life includes residence halls, 22 intercollegiate sports teams competing in the NAIA, chapel, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and university-sponsored events. Individual visits and a virtual tour provide ways to explore the campus, facilities, and dorms.

Academic life follows a liberal arts tradition within Judson’s evangelical Christian mission and Baptist heritage. More than 60 programs span architecture and interior design, art, biblical and Christian ministries, business, communication, computer science, criminal justice, education, exercise and sport science, mathematics and science, music, psychology, and social services. Architecture includes a one-year preceptorship, while programs in art, photography, chemistry, biology, accounting, and computer science combine professional preparation with small classes and faculty attention. Study options include undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, certificate, main-campus, Rockford-campus, and online formats.

International students join a community that includes learners from 28 countries and is predominantly, though not exclusively, Christian. Judson’s mission places faith, personal relationships, work, citizenship, and lifelong learning at the center of the educational experience. A 10:1 student-faculty ratio and 76% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students support close academic contact. Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study positions, and more than 99% of students receive assistance.