Harding School of Theology Academic Programs

Academic Programs

Master of Arts

This 36-hour program prepares students for teaching and further research in their chosen area of concentration. Emphasis is placed on scholarly research. The degree is designed to provide a foundational understanding of one of four areas: New Testament, Old Testament, Historical Theology or Systematic Theology.

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

This 48-hour degree is designed to equip students for leadership in specialized ministry in churches or other settings such as missions, youth ministry, campus ministry, women’s ministry, worship ministry or preaching.

Master of Divinity

This 75-hour degree lays a solid foundation for a lifetime of ministry through a focus on spiritual growth, research tools and practical ministry skills. The program provides opportunities and encouragement for personal spiritual growth, an understanding of Scripture and theology, an introduction to the historical and cultural contexts of churches, and an understanding of and supervised experience in major aspects of ministry.

Doctor of Ministry

This 30-hour hybrid program is designed to help ministers to experience spiritual renewal, deepen theological foundations and build capacities for missional leadership. It is a terminal degree, but its focus is on applied research in the practice of ministry. It is designed for ministers and Christian leaders who already have a master’s degree and some ministry experience but would like to go to the next level.

Certificate of Spiritual Leadership

Harding School of Theology currently offers one non-degree program, The Certificate in Spiritual Leadership. This certificate is a powerful resource for church leaders, and can be taken completely online. This is a 21-hour certificate program, with five core classes and two electives. The courses are available in distance education format, which includes both online and one-week on-campus courses (optional). The courses are graduate level, taken alongside degree-seeking students. An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is a requirement for admission.

Each course is taken for credit, so students wishing to continue beyond this certificate for a degree will keep credits for classes in which they have received passing grades.

Audit a Course

As an auditor, you can attend a course at HST but do not receive credit toward a degree. You may attend class meetings in person or via HST LIVE or download class recordings to watch at a more convenient time.

How do our online classes work?