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A alumnus outside the chapel: Pursue your master's in spiritual formation degree online at Regent University.

M.A. in Spiritual Formation

Mentor, Equip & Lead Through Regent’s M.A. in Spiritual Formation

Regent’s Master of Arts (M.A.) in Spiritual Formation, offered fully online, will train you on how to lead people in spiritual formation and personal transformation through God’s redemptive power. Develop proven ministry methods that make room for the work of the Holy Spirit to profoundly change lives and usher in renewal. Taught from a Christian Renewal perspective, our School of Divinity programs are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

Online
36
May 6, 2024
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Advance Your Career

Join one of the fastest-growing seminaries in the nation to advance your career in full-time ministry or missions.

Deepen Your Knowledge

Learn the dynamics involved with spiritual formation and discipleship at both individual and corporate levels.

Be Equipped for Effectiveness

Explore how to evaluate the spiritual needs of a community, then design and apply a process for growth.

Access Faculty Expertise

Experience Regent, ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report, 2022. Be mentored by a renowned faculty of scholars and practitioners that also teaches on campus in Virginia Beach.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

The M.A. in Spiritual Formation at Regent University is accredited by The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).

On completing the M.A. in Spiritual Formation degree, you can:

  • Apply your knowledge of church history, the development of major Christian doctrine and spirituality, and the modern Renewal Movement.
  • Provide guidance based on a deeper understanding of Christian spiritual formation, including life stages, discipleship in communities, and vocational integration.
  • Apply discipleship strategies for a range of settings.

Career Opportunities

  • Discipleship Training Leader
  • Spiritual Formation Specialist
  • Ministry Specialist
  • Church Leadership
  • Christian Educator
16%
Higher Earnings with a Master's Degree Bureau of Labor Statistics
Contents, themes, and genres of the New Testament canon; methodologies for interpreting the texts in light of their historical contexts.
Contents, themes, and genres of the Old Testament canon; methodologies for interpreting the texts in light of their historical contexts.
Biblical apologetic for the nature of God, humankind, and creation. Focuses on God’s revelation of Himself through creation with practical application to Christian witness.
An integrated perspective of the pastoral functions, practices and offices in the local church, with special applied emphasis on the sacraments, ordinances, funerals and weddings. Critical issues in pastoral leadership are examined with an emphasis on avoiding pastoral pitfalls and fulfilling one’s calling with integrity.
Examines the biblical, historical, and theological aspects of Christian formation, including the holistic and other models, with emphasis on both personal life and ministry contexts. Taken in the first semester of degree and begins the Spiritual Formation Portfolio.
Explores the biblical meanings and theology of the various “streams” of spirituality, including historical development and contemporary practice of spirituality, encompassing Christian faith, life and ministry.
Covers the early Christian writers and their thoughts on human nature, sin, grace, salvation, the work of the Spirit, the sacraments, the development of virtue, and the moral life.
Examines the specific biblically-defined elements that comprise Christian spiritual formation, including: calling, conversion, empowerment, Scripture, sacraments, ordinances, community, disciplines, ministry, mission, joy, suffering and eternal life.
Explores historical and contemporary writings that serve to both inform and form needed changes and growth in character, behavior, relationships, vision, values, ministry, godly influence and servant leadership.
Covers design and application of models, principles, processes and practical theology of both spiritual formation and discipleship in faith communities and other ministry contexts.
Explores various formative stages of growth and change, their characteristics and challenges, in Christian spiritual life, from childhood to advanced age.

2023-24 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 11Monday, August 21
Session MFriday, September 8Monday, September 18
Session BFriday, October 13Monday, October 23
Session CThursday, January 4Monday, January 8
Session TFriday, January 26Monday, February 5
Session DFriday, March 1Monday, March 11
Session EFriday, April 26Monday, May 6
Session FFriday, June 7Monday, June 17

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5306$3,180
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5306$3,180
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5306$3,180
Master of Theology (ThM)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6703$2,010

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5309$4,770
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5309$4,770
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5309$4,770
Master of Theology (ThM)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6706$4,020

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5156$3,090
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5156$3,090
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5156$3,090
Master of Theology (ThM)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6703$2,010

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5159$4,635
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5159$4,635
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5159$4,635
Master of Theology (ThM)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6706$4,020

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800 (Fall & Spring)
$650 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

“I received a direct commission to the U.S. Army Reserves in the rank of Second Lieutenant on April 10, 2019. The decision to pursue a military career came as a result of my prayerfully discerning a clear call from God to join ministry, specifically through military chaplaincy during this time.”

Whitney Mathis, M. Div., 2020

“It was the beginning stages of Regent's D.Min. program that really helped define my leadership gift and lay a foundation for what the Lord has done. It gave me the practical tools that I needed.”

Mark Batterson, D.Min., 2013 Lead Pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C.; New York Times Best-Selling Author

“Regent has maintained a high standard of scholarship and the practical aspects of leadership, and they have outstanding professors. I was blessed when I was there.”

Daniel Backens, M.A. in Practical Theology, 1999 Senior Pastor, New Life Church

“Regent served as a place for acquiring a top-quality academic experience.”

Preston Braswell, M.Div., 2020 Senior Admissions Counselor, School of Law, Regent University

“When I think of Regent University, I think of destiny. Regent has been such an integral part of my, one, knowing my destiny, two, being formed and shaped to fulfill my destiny, and then, three, thrusting me into that next step.”

Kevin Turpin, M.A. in Practical Theology, 2001 Senior Assistant Pastor & President, Founder of Life Enrichment Center; Senior Associate Pastor, New Life Church