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Our degrees are hybrid, meaning that students will take a combination of online and in-person intensives. The intensives are offered over one to two weeks on campus during the summer, with prior reading, followed by a significant writing assignment. Online classes are offered during the regular fall and winter semesters. The recommended load is two to three courses per year for those in full-time ministry and up to six classes every year for those in part-time work. Degrees can be completed in two to six years, depending on the course load.
Southern Union pastors
Pastors may receive a tuition waiver by submitting a signed Conference Authorization form each semester (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes.
Southern Union Authorization Form
North American Division pastors
Pastors in Division Conferences outside of the Southern Union may receive tuition assistance by submitting a signed Tuition Assistance form each semester (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes.


Eligibility and Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree: A bachelor's degree 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 requirement: 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.
- Evangelism and Ministry, and Biblical Counseling Emphases applicants must:
- provide a written list of church offices held (such as elder, deaconess, Sabbath School leader) and church outreach activities (such as conducting Bible studies, working in Revelation seminars, and assisting with health-education seminars).
Application Deadlines
Applications can be accepted year-round, but students need to apply at least six weeks before the start of the semester.
Term
U.S. Residents
Summer
April 1
Fall
July 1
Winter
November 1
How to Apply
Submit an application (with non-refundable fee of $40.)
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.
All non-U.S. transcripts must be submitted through one of the following approved credential evaluation agencies:
- SpanTran: use this link to send to Southern
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE): www.ece.org
- World Education Services: www.wes.org
Evaluations are to be sent directly to Southern Graduate Studies, by the service. All evaluation reports are considered to be advisory. Southern reserves the right to make final equivalency decisions.
Candidates are to submit a written "Statement of Purpose" through Application Status Page following the guidelines provided by the School of Religion.
The MA in Religion and MMin degrees don't offer enough year-round, in-person classes to qualify international students for an F1 student visa.
All non-U.S. transcripts must be submitted through one of the following approved credential evaluation agencies:
- SpanTran: use this link to send to Southern
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE): www.ece.org
- World Education Services: www.wes.org
Evaluations are to be sent directly to Southern Graduate Studies, by the service. All evaluation reports are considered to be advisory. Southern reserves the right to make final equivalency decisions.

I’ve Been Admitted to the DNP! Next Steps:
Before you enroll, we need acceptable documentation of these items. Email all documents to jlthompson@southern.edu.
- Personal health assessment and physical exam Download Form
- Criminal background check Download Form
- Medical-information disclosure and drug-screen consent Download Form
- Current health information and immunizations Download Form
- CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association
Learn More About Southern’s Graduate Program Experience
Check out the Graduate Studies blog to learn more about our programs and being a graduate student at Southern Adventist University.
Read our blog
Should I Go to Grad School? How to Know if the Timing is Right
Starting graduate school is a stepping stone toward a fulfilling professional life. It takes courage, dedication, and passion to fully jump into suchtrue
Access the blogRead our blog
How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School
Ready to apply for grad school?
One of the typical steps you will be asked to complete during the application process is to write a statement oftrue
Access the blogRead our blog
How to Afford Graduate School: Best Practices
Exploring your options for graduate school is an exciting process. You are thinking about which programs are the best fit for you, preparing to gettrue
Access the blogMaster of Ministry
Choose your area of interest.
M.A. Ministry Course Guides
Biblical Counseling

M.A. Ministry Course Guides
Church Leadership and Management

M.A. Ministry Course Guides
Evangelism and Ministry

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Request More Information
Want to learn more about the education programs at Southern? Just fill out the form to receive additional program resources and insights.
Kerre Conerly
Graduate Program Manager
kconerly@southern.edu
423.236.2033