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).
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, 2020. Be mentored by a renowned faculty of scholars and practitioners that also teaches on campus in Virginia Beach.
To learn more about this program, please complete the Request Information form on this page.
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 will be able to:
- 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
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.
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.
2021-22 Semester Check-In Deadlines:
All new 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.
| Session | Semester Check-In | Session Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Session A | Friday, August 13 | Monday, August 23 |
| Session M | Friday, September 10 | Monday, September 20 |
| Session B | Friday, October 15 | Monday, October 25 |
| Session C | Tuesday, December 21 | Monday, January 10 |
| Session T | Friday, January 28 | Monday, February 7 |
| Session D | Friday, March 4 | Monday, March 14 |
| Session E | Friday, April 29 | Monday, May 9 |
| Session F | Friday, June 10 | Monday, June 20 |
Note: International applicants may begin in the fall or spring semesters only with an application deadline of February 15 (fall) or July 15 (spring).
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for acceptance into the master’s programs at the School of Divinity, the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) requires applicants to have a completed four-year bachelor’s degree (in any field) from a regionally accredited, post-secondary institution or an institution accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree from a non-regionally accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Note: Army active duty, reserve and National Guard members may find detailed information on the application process through GoArmyEd on our GoArmyEd Admissions Guide.
In addition, applicants should have:
- a minimum GPA of 2.75
- high intellectual achievement and scholarship as evidenced by college transcripts and the applicant’s writing sample
- spiritual maturity and integrity of character
- personal goals consistent with the mission of Regent University
- understand and accept the Statement of Faith
Application Process
1. Submit Your Application
Complete the School of Divinity Application for Admission. Note: We also require your official transcript from your degree-granting institution, which indicates successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program. Regent has partnered with DocuSign to offer a secure, electronic way for your previous college transcripts to be delivered on your behalf once you have registered for your first semester.
2. Pay Your $50 Application Fee
Your application will be fully processed once we have received your nonrefundable application fee. Mail a check payable to “Regent University” to Enrollment Support Services (see address below).
3. Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA.
4. Complete Your Admissions Questionnaire
Please complete a brief admissions questionnaire based on your professional goals and interests, and provide thoughtful and thorough responses. This will give us a better opportunity to get to know you and see how your objectives align with our programs. Once completed, the questionnaire will be sent directly to an admissions counselor who will be in touch with you to help complete the rest of your application. Access the Admissions Questionnaire.
5. Submit your Unofficial College Transcripts*
We are able to examine and view your unofficial transcript from a U.S.-based school, which indicates successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program, in order to review you for an admissions decision. Please submit your unofficial transcript to our Admissions Office by email to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: DIV Master’s Application Pieces.
Non-U.S. transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company. For further details, please review the International Admissions Checklist on the International Students Admissions page.
International Applicants: Please visit the International Students Admissions page for a more detailed explanation of the Regent University application information and to determine whether or not you qualify as an international student.
*Upon conditional acceptance to the program by review of unofficial transcripts, Regent University’s Admissions Office will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution, which indicate successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program. We will notify you if your previous institution will not release transcripts directly to us.
6. Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Simply scan and upload a copy of your driver’s license, high school ID, passport, permanent resident card or official government ID card, using our secure and convenient online tool. If you would prefer to take a picture of your government-issued ID and email that to our office, please attach your ID and email to apply@regent.edu with the subject line: Government ID.
7. Mail all documents that are completed offline to the following address:
Regent University
Enrollment Support Services
1000 Regent University Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Phone: 757.352.4127 | Fax: 757.352.4381
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent and cannot be returned.
PART-TIME STUDENTS
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | $500 | 6 | $3,000 |
| Master of Divinity (MDiv) | $500 | 6 | $3,000 |
| Master of Theological Studies (MTS) | $500 | 6 | $3,000 |
| Master of Theology (ThM) | $650 | 3 | $1,950 |
| Doctor of Ministry (DMin) | $650 | 3 | $1,950 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | $650 | 3 | $1,950 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | $500 | 9 | $4,500 |
| Master of Divinity (MDiv) | $500 | 9 | $4,455 |
| Master of Theological Studies (MTS) | $500 | 9 | $4,500 |
| Master of Theology (ThM) | $650 | 6 | $3,900 |
| Doctor of Ministry (DMin) | $650 | 6 | $3,900 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | $650 | 6 | $3,900 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $800 |
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $650 |
Part-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | $500 | 6 | $3,000 |
| Master of Divinity (MDiv) | $500 | 6 | $3,000 |
| Master of Theological Studies (MTS) | $500 | 6 | $3,000 |
| Master of Theology (ThM) | $650 | 3 | $1,950 |
| Doctor of Ministry (DMin) | $650 | 3 | $1,950 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | $650 | 3 | $1,950 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | $500 | 9 | $4,500 |
| Master of Divinity (MDiv) | $500 | 9 | $4,455 |
| Master of Theological Studies (MTS) | $500 | 9 | $4,500 |
| Master of Theology (ThM) | $650 | 6 | $3,900 |
| Doctor of Ministry (DMin) | $650 | 6 | $3,900 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | $650 | 6 | $3,900 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $750 |
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $600 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
Estimated Cost of Attendance: View the estimated cost of attendance to see an example of the total cost of tuition and fees.