Earn more than a college degree through immersive, active-learning experiences and programs. Develop the intellect, ministry skillsets, character, and spiritual foundations required to lead the local church and fulfill the Great Commission.
Launching Fall 2026
Graduate Studies
Master’s-Level Training for Leaders Called to Build the Church
Develop your leadership through a powerful combination of theological education, spiritual formation, and immersive ministry experience. In this two-year program, you won’t just study ministry; you’ll actively lead, serve, and grow within it.
The Highlands College Difference
Real Ministry. Real Responsibility.
Lead, build, and contribute beyond the classroom in live ministry environments.
Intentional Leadership Development
Regular coaching, feedback, and opportunities to lead.
Built for Eternal Impact
An intentional development journey:
- Year 1: Discovery – learn, observe, understand
- Year 2: Impact – lead, implement, multiply
Spiritual Formation First
Grow in your relationship with Jesus while developing character, integrity, and discipline.
Program at a Glance
2-Year Master’s Program
4 semesters
Flexible
Online, Asynchronous Coursework
Hands-On Ministry Experience
Integrated throughout the program
Two Degree Options
- Master of Biblical & Theological Studies (M.B.T.S.)
- Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership (M.A.M.L.)
Tuition & Fees
$600 per credit hour
- M.B.T.S. (36 hours) – $21,600
- M.A.M.L. (36 hours) – $21,600
Additional Fees
- Application (non-refundable) – $50
- Technology Fee (per semester) –$200
Core Requirements
- Biblical Foundations: 9 credit hours
- Theological Essentials: 12 credit hours
- Practical Ministries: 3 credit hours
Total Core Credit Hours: 24
Degree Program Requirements
Core Requirements
Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in the fall of 2026. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Foundations | ||
| BIBL 510 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BIBL 521 | Old Testament Theology | 3 |
| BIBL 522 | New Testament Theology | 3 |
| Theological Essentials | ||
| THEO 510 | Theological Method | 3 |
| THEO 520 | Christian Theology | 3 |
| THEO 530 | Theological Ethics | 3 |
| THEO 540 | Practical Theology | 3 |
| Practical Ministries | ||
| PMIN 510 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
Co-curricular Requirements
The supervised ministry practicum is required for students in the master’s program.
Students must complete:
- 10 hours per week of approved ministry service
- 64 total weeks of supervised ministry experience
- Practicum participation from the first through fourth semester
- Ministry service in a site approved by the Graduate Studies Advisor
M.B.T.S. Concentration Requirements
Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in the fall of 2026. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PMIN 610 | Christian Preaching | 3 |
| BIBL 630 | Biblical Language Tools | 3 |
| THEO 659 or THEO 660 | World Religions or Historical Theology | 3 |
| BIBL 640 or BIBL 650 | Advanced Old Testament Study or Advanced New Testament Study | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
All applicable prerequisites must be met.
Graduation Requirements
- 36 Total hours must be completed through Highlands College
- 2.0 Overall grade point average
- Grade of ‘C’ Minimum is required for all courses
- 100% of the concentration must be taken through Highlands College
- Co-Curricular All requirements must be satisfied
- Graduation Application Submission of Degree Completion Application must be completed within the last semester of a student’s anticipated graduation date
- All requirements must be completed within 3 (three) years from the date of initial enrollment
M.A.M.L. Concentration Requirements
Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in the fall of 2026. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PMIN 610 | Christian Preaching | 3 |
| PMIN 620 | Foundations of Pastoral Care | 3 |
| THEO 630 | Ecclesiology and Liturgy | 3 |
| PMIN 640 | Organizational Culture and Change | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
All applicable prerequisites must be met.
Graduation Requirements
- 36 Total hours must be completed through Highlands College
- 2.0 Overall grade point average
- Grade of ‘C’ Minimum is required for all courses
- 100% of the concentration must be taken through Highlands College
- Co-Curricular All requirements must be satisfied
- Graduation Application Submission of Degree Completion Application must be completed within the last semester of a student’s anticipated graduation date
- All requirements must be completed within 3 (three) years from the date of initial enrollment
Choose Your Experience
The graduate program does not require summer participation.
Our inaugural cohort will be highly selective and intentionally formed, creating a unique opportunity to be part of this next season of Highlands College.
Hybrid Track (2 Year)
Local Church-Based
Serve within your current church
Structured coaching + leadership development
Who It's For
This program is for those who:
- Feel called to full-time ministry
- Are already serving and leading in the local church
- Want deep theological training and practical experience
- Are ready to grow spiritually, personally, and as a leader
How It Works
- Core + Concentration Model
Shared theological foundation with specialized focus in later semesters - 8-Week Course Format
Flexible learning designed for ministry rhythms - Hands-On Ministry Experience
Apply learning through real ministry challenges and leadership initiatives - Weekly Rhythm Includes
Ministry | Coaching | Coursework
Program Learning Outcomes
M.B.T.S.
- Interpret and Apply Scripture. Demonstrate the use of reliable tools, biblical languages, and methods to interpret the Bible in its historical, literary, and theological context for teaching and ministry.
- Understand and Defend Christian Doctrine. Articulate and defend the core beliefs of the Christian faith through biblical exegesis, historical theology, and theological reasoning.
- Engage Worldviews. Demonstrate a Biblical response to major world religions and contemporary worldviews, integrating theology into ministry, preaching, and discipleship.
M.A.M.L.
- Interpret and Apply Scripture. Demonstrate use of reliable tools and methods to interpret the Bible in its historical, literary, and theological context for leadership and decision-making.
- Integrate Theology and Leadership. Apply biblical and theological principles to organizational strategy, pastoral care, and church growth.
- Effective Leadership in a Complex World. Apply visionary, pastoral, and culturally aware leadership that addresses ministry challenges with biblical wisdom.
Take Your Next Step