Online Master of Arts in
Intercultural Ministry Studies
Serve everywhere. Study anywhere. All ministry is intercultural.
36
Credit Hours
100% Online, anywhere in the world
Two Tracks: Course or Thesis
Prepare to Lead in Global Outreach with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Ministry Studies
This advanced graduate degree helps mission practitioners sharpen their ministry strategy and cultural fluency. You will explore high-level theology and practical skills like contextualization, leadership, and missiological research—readying you to influence the Church and world through effective, Gospel-centered leadership.
What Sets BGU Apart?
Graduate with Course or Thesis Track
Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education
Learn from Faculty with Hands on Experience
Why Choose BGU’s Master of Arts in Intercultural Ministry Studies?
Designed for established ministry leaders and aspiring global workers, this degree lets you focus your training. The course track builds strategic skills across five areas, while the thesis track equips you to conduct original research applying missions theory to real-world ministry. You’ll finish equipped to lead transformative work in diverse cultural settings.
What Will You Study in BGU’s Online Master of Arts in Intercultural Ministry Studies?
You will engage deeply with Scripture and the Gospel’s global power, then choose from advanced courses in contextualization, missiological anthropology, cross-cultural communication, church planting strategy, and missional leadership. In the thesis track, you will research and write a significant missiological study relevant to your ministry context.
Course Track:
Students may elect to take twelve (12) courses (3 credits each) to complete the 36-credit Master of Arts in Intercultural Ministry Studies degree program.
Bible & Theology
I. Bible & Theology |
6 |
| Dynamics of Kingdom Ministry (BTH511) | 3 |
| Transforming Power of the Gospel (BTH512) | 3 |
Missions Studies Core
II. Missions Studies CoreChoose four of the following* |
12 |
| Cross-Cultural Communication in Ministry (ICS511) | 3 |
| Intercultural Interaction in Mission (ICS512) | 3 |
| Missiological Anthropology (ICS521) | 3 |
| Applied Church-Planting Models & Methods (ICS522) | 3 |
| Contextualization in Missions (ICS523) | 3 |
| Movements and Becoming a Movements Catalyst (ICS524) | 3 |
General Electives
III. General ElectivesChoose 6 courses from the following (or any remaining Mission Studies courses)* |
18 |
| Biblical Foundations of Leadership (BTH513) | 3 |
| Jesus as Leader (BTH514) | 3 |
| Missiological Education – Training for Affective Growth (EDU511) | 3 |
| Philosophy of Missiological Education (EDU521) | 3 |
| Cross-Cultural Ministry – Design for Effective Teaching (EDU522) | 3 |
| Missiological Education – Design of Affective Training (EDU523) | 3 |
| Ministry Training – Program and Curriculum Design (EDU524) | 3 |
| Spiritual Formation for Leaders (LDR511) | 3 |
| Transforming Organizational Culture in Mission (LDR512) | 3 |
| Leading Multicultural Teams in Mission (LDR521) | 3 |
| Lifelong Christian Leadership Development (LDR522) | 3 |
| Measuring and Improving Christian Leadership (LDR523) | 3 |
| Mentoring and Developing Christian Leaders (LDR524) | 3 |
| Collaborative Missions Leadership (LDR531) | 3 |
| Creative Innovation in Christian Leadership (LDR532) | 3 |
| Vision and Strategic Planning in Mission (LDR533) | 3 |
Thesis Track:
The Thesis Track gives students the option of seven (7) courses from Bible and Theology, Mission Studies, Education, Leadership, a Research Methods course, and a fifteen (15) credit thesis. The thesis must relate to the application of mission education concepts to the student’s current or anticipated ministry. The total number of credits is 36.
Bible & Theology
I. Bible & Theology |
6 |
| Dynamics of Kingdom Ministry (BTH511) | 3 |
| Transforming Power of the Gospel (BTH512) | 3 |
Missions Studies Core
II. Missions Studies CoreChoose four of the following* |
12 |
| Cross-Cultural Communication in Ministry (ICS511) | 3 |
| Intercultural Interaction in Mission (ICS512) | 3 |
| Missiological Anthropology (ICS521) | 3 |
| Applied Church-Planting Models & Methods (ICS522) | 3 |
| Contextualization in Missions (ICS523) | 3 |
General Electives
III. General ElectivesChoose 1 courses from the following (or any remaining Mission Studies courses)* |
18 |
| Biblical Foundations of Leadership (BTH513) | 3 |
| Jesus as Leader (BTH514) | 3 |
| Missiological Education – Training for Affective Growth (EDU511) | 3 |
| Philosophy of Missiological Education (EDU521) | 3 |
| Cross-Cultural Ministry – Design for Effective Teaching (EDU522) | 3 |
| Missiological Education – Design of Affective Training (EDU523) | 3 |
| Ministry Training – Program and Curriculum Design (EDU524) | 3 |
| Spiritual Formation for Leaders (LDR511) | 3 |
| Transforming Organizational Culture in Mission (LDR512) | 3 |
| Leading Multicultural Teams in Mission (LDR521) | 3 |
| Lifelong Christian Leadership Development (LDR522) | 3 |
| Measuring and Improving Christian Leadership (LDR523) | 3 |
| Mentoring and Developing Christian Leaders (LDR524) | 3 |
| Collaborative Missions Leadership (LDR531) | 3 |
| Creative Innovation in Christian Leadership (LDR532) | 3 |
| Vision and Strategic Planning in Mission (LDR533) | 3 |
Thesis Research Courses
IV. Thesis Research Courses |
15 |
| Thesis Intro: Missiological Research Methods (RSC511) | 3 |
| Thesis I: Defining the Problem and Proposed Methodology (RSC611) | 3 |
| Thesis II: Literature Research and Refined Methodology (RSC612) | 3 |
| Thesis III: Discovery, Analysis, and Conclusions (RSC613) | 3 |
| Thesis IV: Findings and Conclusions (RSC614) | 3 |
Career Opportunity
Graduates serve as mission strategists, church leaders, cross-cultural educators, non-profit directors, and researchers—equipped to guide global teams and develop lasting ministry programs.
Cross-cultural missionary or church planter
Youth, campus, or discipleship ministry leader
Missions agency or nonprofit support staff
Cost & Aid
Bethany Global University’s mission-focused education is designed to be affordable. Graduate tuition is $383 per credit, with a $75 technology fee and about $250 per semester for books and supplies
BGU offers a combination of federal student aid and institutional aid. To qualify for the maximum amount of aid students should complete the FAFSA annually.
Admission Information
Applying for BGU’s Master of Arts in Intercultural Ministry Studies online starts with a simple application form. There is a $25.00 application fee, which is waived if the application is completed over the phone with an admissions counselor. You will provide basic information, spiritual information, and education history.
For international applicants, you will need proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 90 or Duolingo 120).
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application online or over the phone.
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952.996.1315
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