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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Master of Arts in Christian Studies

$350
per credit hour

36
credit hours

$12,600
total cost

Online and In-Person Classes

OBU’s Master of Arts degrees are biblically rooted, theologically faithful and practically relevant. As a student and/or practitioner, you will receive foundational knowledge and specialized skills to adequately equip you for ministry. You can select a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from one of four tracks: Leadership, Apologetics, Biblical and Theological Studies, or Christian Ministry.

Class of 2023

Brian Cope

Master of Arts in Christian Studies

"Nearly every experience I’ve had throughout this program has been informative and instructive. I’ve learned more than I ever dreamed of in my time as a student and it has played a significant role in preparing me for international mission's work. The program has molded me, honed me, and equipped me for the work that assuredly lies ahead. I have grown intellectually but more importantly I have grown spiritually."

Program Information

Tuition and Fees

  • Price per credit hour: $350
  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Total Cost: $12,600
  • No application, enrollment, or technology fees

Admission Requirements

  • Application for Admission
  • Official Academic Transcript
    • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or foreign equivalent as approved by a specific program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Official transcript(s) must reflect work from all colleges or universities contributing to your degree. Please send an electronic copy of your official transcript to graduate.info@okbu.edu.
  • One recommendation form
  • Statement of Purpose—Please type a writing sample using the prompts below and send the completed statement to graduate.info@okbu.edu. (Each part should be approximately 150 words in length.)
    • Explain why you have chosen to pursue a master’s degree in Christian Studies.
    • Describe your main academic interests, academic strengths, and academic limitations at this time. Explain any special circumstances you feel should be considered in the application process.
    • What do you hope to achieve in your career in 5-10 years, and how do you think this program will help you achieve these goals?
    • Specify what you personally hope to accomplish while studying here at OBU.

Applicants who do not meet the 3.0 admissions standard may apply for Conditional Acceptance into the program.

Financial aid is available. Fill out the FAFSA to discover your options.

Program Options

Biblical and Theological Studies

This emphasis will train you to study the Bible and to understand Christian theology while advancing further ministry effectiveness and personal spiritual growth. It is designed for current and future ministry leaders, Bible study teachers, and anyone who desires a deepened understanding of Scripture and doctrine. This degree emphasis offers courses both online and in person.

Leadership

In this area of emphasis, you will gain foundational biblical and theological knowledge that equips you to lead effectively in ministry. Our courses prepare you for contemporary, biblical leadership in the face of challenges involving staff, congregations, and volunteers. Whether you are a pastor; an associate pastor; a minister of music, education, or missions; or even an active layperson, this track will equip you to lead the church or support those who do. This degree emphasis offers courses both online and in person.

Apologetics

As a student, you will learn to defend the faith, with courses taught by some of the best scholars and practitioners of apologetics in the nation. This emphasis prepares you to defend the Christian faith in a winsome and compelling manner. You will learn how to study scripture; analyze culture; and apply biblical, theological, and philosophical understanding to develop a reasonable defense of the Christian faith. This degree emphasis offers courses both online and in person.

Christian Ministry

In this emphasis, you will gain foundational biblical and theological knowledge that prepares you to lead effectively in various ministry contexts. It is tailored for current and aspiring ministry leaders, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Christian ministry in today’s world. This degree emphasis offers courses both online and in person. 

Course Information

Additional information, including course descriptions and requirements, is available in the academic catalog.

Benefits of the OBU MA Program

Quality

OBU’s Master of Arts includes a common set of classes designed around understanding the essentials of the Christian faith, a Christian worldview, and the Christian life. As a student, you will gain further comprehension of these core competencies through training centered on leading the church, defending the faith, and reaching the world.

Flexibility

Each course is offered in a fully online, eight-week format or an in-person sixteen-week format. You may choose to pursue this degree in either format or a combination of both. 

Faculty Experts

Our experienced professors have earned the highest degrees in their chosen fields. Their knowledge entails years of hands-on experience that is passed on to you in a relevant and practical manner. This level of experience and expertise from our graduate faculty provides you with continued and current knowledge as you observe them practice what they teach.

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost.

As you pursue your Master of Arts in Christian Studies, we recommend you apply for FAFSA to assist with the cost of your education. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is. If you have further questions, our team of financial counselors are happy to assist you.

Start Dates

As you consider earning your Master of Arts in Christian Studies, you can plan ahead and choose the start date that works best for you. We offer classes starting every Spring, Summer, and Fall semester.

Spring 2025: 
January 3rd
February 28th 

Summer 2025:
May 2nd
June 27th

Fall 2025: 
August 22nd

.

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Dr. Matthew Y. Emerson

Dr. Matthew Y. Emerson

Co-Provost
Dean of Theology, Arts and Humanities
Floyd K. Clark Chair of Christian Leadership
Professor of Religion

Dr. Micah S. Meek

Dr. Micah S. Meek

Associate Dean for Online, Nontraditional and Graduate Education
Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics
Director of the Online BA in Christian Studies

Dr. Brandon D. Smith

Dr. Brandon D. Smith

Chair, Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry
Associate Professor of Theology and Early Christianity
Dickinson Chair of Religion
MA Director

Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry

Become a Future Shaper

Andy Hayes

Have questions? Fill out the form below or contact the recruitment director, Allie Blevins.

Email: allie.blevins@okbu.edu
Phone: 405.585.4601