Barnett college of Ministry & Theology
Academics » Ministry & Theology » MA in Ministerial Leadership Degree Options
Designed specifically for ministry leaders, this program combines academic and spiritual excellence with real-world ministry applications.
The Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership (MAML) at SEU, the flagship master’s program of the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology, is designed to grow your knowledge as a leader and take you further in your own spiritual journey.
It’s more than a degree — it’s an experience that shapes both your ministry and your heart.
Designed specifically for ministry leaders, this program combines academic and spiritual excellence with real-world ministry applications.
The Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership (MAML) at SEU, the flagship master’s program of the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology, is designed to grow your knowledge as a leader and take you further in your own spiritual journey.
It’s more than a degree — it’s an experience that shapes both your ministry and your heart.
Just as every ministry and leader is unique, so is each person’s approach to learning. That’s why SEU has developed multiple options for your MAML degree journey, giving you the freedom to choose the format best suited to your needs.
No matter which format you choose, you’ll get all the benefits of being able to earn your advanced degree without taking time away from your ministry. In fact, each degree is specifically designed to complement and assist your ministry, giving you the chance to apply your knowledge in real time and use your current experience to aid in your coursework.
Engage in personalized mentorship and progress at your own pace through structured coursework tailored to your goals. This dynamic online format lets you showcase your proficiency while honoring your prior knowledge and ministry experience.
This hybrid cohort format consists of online classwork in conjunction with periodic one-week intensive classes, which are held on our Lakeland campus and other inspiring sites nationwide.
Carrión (CHLC) en SEU, en asociación con la Coalición Nacional de Latinos Evangélicos, ahora está comenzando a ofrecer los títulos de Maestría en Liderazgo Ministerial y Maestría en Divinidad en Español.
This innovative program gives students earning the MAML the opportunity to learn from and gain access to key leaders, and to grow together in community through various in-person gatherings in different regions of the country.
Engage in personalized mentorship and progress at your own pace through structured coursework tailored to your goals. This dynamic online format lets you showcase your proficiency while honoring your prior knowledge and ministry experience.
This hybrid cohort format consists of online classwork in conjunction with one-week intensive classes each semester, which are held on our Lakeland campus and other inspiring sites nationwide.
Carrión (CHLC) en SEU, en asociación con la Coalición Nacional de Latinos Evangélicos, ahora está comenzando a ofrecer los títulos de Maestría en Liderazgo Ministerial y Maestría en Divinidad en Español.
The MAML is also available in a cohort format at Grace Church in Humble, Texas.
This innovative new approach offers you customizable learning pathways. Engage in personalized mentorship as you set your own pace and progress through structured coursework — all tailored to your individual needs and goals.
This dynamic, interactive online learning environment will also give you the opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency in ways that recognize your prior knowledge and experience — no matter where you are in your ministry career.
This format is designed to: Enhance your learning experience by providing greater flexibility, mentor-driven guidance, real-world competency, and cost-effective pricing.
One of the most exciting components of the subscription format is the cost savings!
For just $399 per month, your subscription includes all coursework, fees,* learning resources, and faculty support toward earning your MAML. You can take up to 12 credit hours per semester, allowing you to complete your degree on your schedule.
For your convenience, this fee will be automatically charged each month (starting on the date you first subscribe, and then monthly on that date thereafter) using the payment method you provide upon enrollment.
Financial Aid
Due to the significantly discounted nature of this program format, financial aid is not available. See the chart below for examples of the cost savings possible with this format.
The MAML comprises 36 credit hours. Under the previous pricing model of $545 per-credit-hour, the MAML cost was $19,620 plus fees. Below is an illustration** of estimated degree costs for the subscription-based format, based on the number of credit hours taken at a time each semester.
Courseload Per Semester (in credit hours) | Number of Semesters | Approximate Number of Months | Estimated Total Degree Cost |
12 | 3 | 12 | $4,799 |
9 | 4 | 16 | $6,384 |
6 | 6 | 24 | $9,576 |
3 | 9 | 36 | $14,364 |
*Some fees, such as the graduation fee, are not included in your subscription.
**The table above is for illustrative purposes only. The exact number of months that encompass each semester varies based on term start and end dates. Estimated total degree cost may also vary depending on when you subscribe to the program. Pricing is subject to change.
The Carrion Hispanic Leadership Center (CHLC) at SEU, in partnership with the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC), is now beginning to offer both the MA in Ministerial Leadership and the Master of Divinity degrees in Spanish.
El Centro de Liderazgo Hispano Carrión (CHLC) en SEU, en asociación con la Coalición Nacional de Latinos Evangélicos, ahora está comenzando a ofrecer los títulos de Maestría en Liderazgo Ministerial y Maestría en Divinidad en Español.
This hybrid cohort format consists of online classwork in conjunction with periodic one-week intensive classes, which are held on our Lakeland campus and other inspiring sites nationwide.
This format is designed to: Build collaboration and innovation among cohort members while learning from guest faculty and renowned specialty speakers.
This innovative program gives students earning the MAML the opportunity to learn from and gain access to key leaders, and to grow together in community through various in-person gatherings in different regions of the country.
This format is designed to: Challenge you through world-class education, be challenged by others through your cohort, and to be mentored by seasoned leaders.
CBE is an educational philosophy that emphasizes demonstrating proficiency in essential skills and knowledge rather than simply completing coursework. It combines guided learning with practical application, allowing students to progress as they apply their understanding in real-world ministry contexts. By prioritizing not only skill development but also personal growth and leadership formation,. CBE is as much a formational journey as it is an academic one.
A competency is a clearly-defined ability, skill, or knowledge area that a student is expected to develop and demonstrate through their learning. Competencies outline what a student should be able to do upon successful completion of a course or program. The benchmarks used to determine a student’s level of competency are called proficiency indicators.
Your faculty mentor (FM) — who is matched to you based on your goals and current proficiency level — will work with you to create your personalized course plan. Your FM will also evaluate your work, determine your competency levels as you progress, and provide guidance and encouragement along the way.
A context mentor (CM) is an informal, non-university-appointed mentor who provides real-world guidance to you within your specific ministry or professional setting. You are encouraged to seek out a mentor in your own ministry environment who can offer practical, hands-on insight related to your field. Examples may include an experienced member of your organization’s leadership team, an executive or senior pastor, or a community leader with whom you have already established a level of rapport. While not required, context mentors are strongly encouraged.
The School of Divinity, housed within the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology at SEU, is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). This new MAML format follows the Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE) framework of ATS. This framework emphasizes outcome-based learning, practical application, and mentored formation to prepare students for ministry leadership.
ATS has approved SEU to offer CBE-based programs. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), SEU’s main accreditation body, has also approved this program.
This program offers you customizable learning pathways, meaning you can set your own pace while progressing through structured coursework that is tailored to your individual needs. This dynamic, interactive online learning environment will also give you the opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency in ways that recognize your prior knowledge and experience — no matter where you are in your ministry career.
You’ll also be able to engage in personalized mentorship, which will help you grow both academically and holistically.
This program structure for the Executive Cohort and Regional Cohort will remain as is, offering students the ability to have periodic cohort meetings during their degree journey. Course content, structure, and pricing will also remain the same. For the time being, the MAML that is being offered in Spanish will also follow the traditional course format, albeit fully online without a hybrid cohort option.
Yes! One of the most exciting aspects of this program format is its flexibility and customizability. Once you have subscribed, you can go at your own pace — as quickly or as spaced out as you prefer.
While traditional financial aid is not available for this program, the monthly subscription fee is significantly discounted.
If you prefer to use financial aid, we invite you to consider another one of SEU’s master’s degrees in ministry and theology.
Pastors and ministry leaders with graduate-level training bring fresh insight, strong leadership, and impactful teaching to their congregations. At SEU, the MAML is designed to help you do just that — sharpen your calling with advanced ministerial training. Plus, you’ll get these added benefits.
*SEU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The School of Divinity, housed within the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology at SEU, is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Visit SEU.edu/apply, and follow the prompts for master’s degrees, choose “Online (Subscription-Based)” and then select the Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership.
Contact your enrollment counselor with any questions about the application process.
Degrees Earned:
BS Church Ministry — Southeastern University
MA Ministerial Leadership — Southeastern University
MA Theological Studies — Southeastern University
PhD Religious & Theological Studies — University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology
Anthony Roberts is a constructive theologian whose research lies at the intersections of theological anthropology, human identity, and Christian theology. Roberts teaches courses in systematic theology, constructive theology, historical theology, theological ethics, African American studies, and biblical studies. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the Iliff School of Theology and a guest lecturer of theology at the Issachar Center for Urban Leadership.
Roberts is married to Vontrice Roberts and has 4 children. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and watching football (Go Gators and Tampa Bay All the Way).
Degrees Earned:
BA Preaching & Evangelism Theology (Dual Degree) — Evangel University
MDiv Church & Ministry — Regent University
Clinical Pastoral Education: 5 Units of CPE from Level 1 Trauma Hospitals — Residency
DMin Leadership — Southeastern University
Dr. Elizabeth (Ellie) Canfield has been a professor for over seven years. She resides in Florida with her husband, Timothy, their son, Moses, and their Italian Greyhound, Noodle. Born in Michigan, she has lived in South Carolina, Missouri, and as a missionary in Indonesia and the Philippines. Ordained with the Assemblies of God, she serves under U.S. Missions as an endorsed chaplain. Her ministry experience includes chaplaincy, pastoring, church planting, youth ministry, evangelism, and missionary work. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the Holy Spirit in counseling and chaplaincy. She enjoys coffee, sushi, weightlifting, yoga, the beach, Netflix, prayer, and serving Christ.
Little Known Fact: Dr. Canfield has gone skydiving before. Her opinion was that it was peaceful, like hanging out in the clouds. If she could, she would pray up in the sky all the time. It would get expensive though.
Degrees Earned:
PhD Biblical Exposition — Liberty University
MA Theological Studies — Liberty University
MA Bible Exposition —Liberty University
MA Ministerial Leadership — Southeastern University
BS Health Education and Behavior — University of Florida
Dr. Petey Bingham serves as the Executive Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida. In this role, he oversees college ministry, young adult ministry, small groups, and church-wide theological training. He also teaches theology and ministry courses as an adjunct professor at Southeastern University Jacksonville. He holds a Ph.D. in Biblical Exposition, through which he wrote his dissertation on cosmic sin and its intersection with apocalyptic literature. With nearly 20 years of experience in vocational pastoral leadership, curriculum development, and discipleship strategy, Petey is passionate about forming leaders who think theologically, live missionally, and have fun doing it!
Degrees Earned:
EdD Christian Leadership: Ministry Leadership — Liberty University
MDiv — Southeastern University
MA Family Ministry — Southeastern University
BA Intercultural Studies — Southeastern University
Dr. Keila Boychak serves as Academic Operations Coordinator under the Office of the Provost at Southeastern University, where she also chairs the Institutional Review Board and is Main Campus Lead Instructor for CORE 1111 and 1112. In addition to these roles, she is an Assistant Professor. Her dissertation focused on intergenerational discipleship, and she is passionate about helping others discover their callings and spiritual gifting. She values reaching and empowering all generations in ministry, education, and professional settings. Thriving in higher education, Dr. Boychak finds joy mentoring students as they step into their purpose and integrate faith, learning, and leadership.
As a military kid, Dr. Boychak grew up moving often, which gave her a love for people, places, and new experiences. Now rooted in Florida, she enjoys living close to Walt Disney World and often takes advantage of the magic. Some of her favorite ways to recharge include exploring new coffee shops, reading a good book, visiting Disney, and spending time with family and friends. A little-known fact about her is that she has recently taken up running and has already completed 12 races, including a mix of 5Ks and 10Ks. She is currently training for both a half marathon and her first full marathon!
Degrees Earned:
PhD Pentecostal Studies — Bangor University (Wales, UK)
MA Theological Studies — Moody Theological Seminary
BA Pastoral Studies — North Central University
Dr. Chris Palmer is a scholar, author, and ministry practitioner. He joined the SEU family in the summer of 2024 and serves as Dean and Associate professor in the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology. Prior to SEU, Chris’ full time ministry experience of 15+ years has included the role of lead pastor, as well as missionary work in over 40 nations. He has held faculty teaching roles at Moody Theological Seminary, Austin Christian University, and Theos Seminary.
Chris has a vision for developing thoughtful, impactful ministry leaders who are theologically faithful, Spirit-empowered, and effective in building the local church. Originally from Southeast Michigan, he also hopes to one day see the Detroit Lions win the Super Bowl.
Degrees Earned:
BA Youth Ministry — Southeastern University
MA Pastoral Ministries — Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
DMin Spiritual Formation — Portland Seminary
Jeremy Sims is Professor of Spiritual Formation at Southeastern University, directing the Doctor of Ministry and Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership Cohort programs. With decades of pastoral and teaching experience, he equips pastors for Spirit-empowered, theologically rooted ministry. Specializing in spiritual formation, preaching, and integrating historic faith with contemporary practice, he also writes on attentiveness, suffering, and renewal. A mentor shaped by personal experience, academic depth, and love for the Church, he prepares students for transformative ministry. A dad to five, he lives in Lakeland with his family and golden retriever, Fort, enjoying music, games, adventures, and Calvin and Hobbes.
Degrees Earned:
BA Pastoral Ministry — Lee University
MA Transformational Leadership — Bethel Theological Seminary – St. Paul, MN
DMin — Southeastern University
Served as pastor for almost two decades at Mosaic Church (Los Angeles), Willow Creek Community Church (Chicago), and Awakening Church (Silicon Valley). Roles included Teaching Pastor, Executive Pastor, Campus Pastor, as well as Youth and College Pastor.
His wife Cheri is his best friend, and his greatest joy is raising and loving our two boys, Hudson and Holden. He’s an avid golfer who loves traveling to new and adventurous places in the world and following sports. His favorite teams are the Braves, Cubs, 49ers, Bears, and Golden State Warriors.
Degrees Earned:
BA Religion — Baylor University
MDiv — Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
PhD (ABD) — Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Professor and Pastor Randall Allison serves as Dean of the School of Theology at Southeastern University’s Christ Fellowship extension site, while also teaching full-time and serving as Research/Writing Pastor at Christ Fellowship Church. A graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he spent ten years as an Associate Pastor in Las Vegas before pursuing a Ph.D. in Ethics and Philosophy to teach in church and academic settings. That journey led him to South Florida, where he has served in Christ Fellowship’s Discipleship ministry. Now known to students as “Prof. Randy,” he often says, “Writing is work, but teaching is my passion!”
Randy’s been married to his wife for 36 years and has two sons, one daughter-in-law, and two grandsons. Outside the classroom, he enjoys exercise, reading, and meaningful conversation over meals with family and friends—especially when it involves talking about life, leadership, and the Lord.
Degrees Earned:
PhD New Testament — Radboud University (the Netherlands)
DMin Applied Theology — The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
MDiv Biblical Studies — Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
MA Religion — Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
BA Religious Studies — Regent University
Dr. Scott Adams resides in Youngsville, Louisiana, with his wife, Kelly, and their four children: Carsten, Hudson, Preslie, and Aniston. With nearly two decades of pastoral experience, he currently serves as the Executive Teaching Pastor at Our Savior’s Church and Dean of Our Savior’s College. In addition to his local ministry, Dr. Adams is an adjunct professor at Regent University’s School of Divinity, where he teaches a variety of theological, methodological, and ministry-related courses. Deeply committed to Gospel-centered, Spirit-empowered leadership, he is passionate about equipping the next generation of pastors and church leaders. When not preaching or teaching, he enjoys exercising, hunting, and traveling.
I love going to my kids’ athletic events. I cannot bear the sight, smell, and taste of pickles and mustard. My favorite city is Scottsdale, Arizona. Before I entered full-time ministry, I worked for four country music entertainers in Nashville, Tennessee. My favorite quotation is, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” — Attributed to Mark Twain.
Degrees Earned:
BA Bible Theology — Central Bible College (now Evangel University)
MA Christian Ministries — Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
DMin — Southeastern University
Dr. Saehee Duran is a first-generation Korean-American and ordained Assemblies of God minister whose life journey — from deportation to divine assignment — reflects God’s redemptive grace. Entering higher education as a non-traditional student raising three children, she earned valedictorian honors at both undergraduate and seminary levels while serving as a campus leader and commencement speaker. She later completed a Doctor of Ministry at Southeastern University, focusing on male champions for female ministers. With 20+ years in education, ministry, and national initiatives, she has served on boards, developed resources for 10,000 women ministers, led ethnic fellowships, and ministered as chaplain and civic leader. Above all, she treasures family.
Dr. Saehee was born and raised in South Korea. She holds a third-degree black belt—though she admits it proved rather useless when she could not even take down her 190‑pound husband. She was once crowned Miss Korea Hawaii, but that glory was short-lived when she was unexpectedly deported back to South Korea. What seemed like a devastating event became a divine intervention that brought her closer to God and ultimately led her to meet her husband at an international church. Clearly, God has a wonderful sense of humor as a matchmaker!
She is fluent in Korean and English but secretly wishes for the superpower to speak every language so she could make friends all over the world. She is delighted to see the world now raving about K‑pop, K‑dramas, and K‑beauty, especially since she arrived in America when hardly anyone knew where Korea was. But if you are a fan of Korean culture, do not ask her to name her favorite actors or singers — she thinks they all look the same and truly cannot tell who is who!
Degrees Earned:
BA Bible and Religion — King College
MDiv Pentecostal — Theological Seminary
PhD Biblical Studies — University of Sheffield
Robby Waddell, PhD (University of Sheffield), is Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, Faculty Chaplain, and Director of the Global Pentecostalism Center at Southeastern University. He is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Pentecostal Theology (Cleveland, TN), serves with Bangor University’s Centre for Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies supervising PhD students, and is a member of the Sheffield Institute of Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies. He serves on editorial boards for Sheffield Phoenix Press and Pneuma and is Associate Editor of the Journal of Pentecostal Theology. Also Lead Pastor of Oasis Community Church, his current projects include a Mark commentary (Brill) and a volume on Pentecostals and the Bible (OUP).
Robby and his wife, Angela, have six daughters and have lived in Virginia, Tennessee, Sheffield (England), California, and Florida. They share a love for travel and have led study tours and spiritual pilgrimages to Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Italy.
Degrees Earned:
BA Ministerial Leadership: Biblical Studies — Southeastern University
MA Ministerial Leadership — Southeastern University
MDiv — Southeastern University
Sarah Cabrera serves as the Undergraduate Chair for the Barnett College of Ministry and Theology at Southeastern University, overseeing academic programs across main campus, extension sites, and online platforms. Passionate about reimagining Christian higher education, she works with faculty and ministry partners to provide a Spirit-empowered, transformative learning experience that bridges academic formation and real-world ministry. Her interests include spiritual formation, practical theology, and innovative models that equip the Church and broader community.
Outside of her role at SEU, Sarah is a worship leader, pastor, and writer who finds deep joy in meeting and connecting with students—in fact, it’s her favorite part of the job. She is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, known, and called into deeper purpose.
Sarah is married to the love of her life, Andrew, and together they enjoy life with their golden retriever, who has no concept of personal space and has never met a sock she hasn’t tried to steal.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply today or reach out for more info—and if you have any questions, your enrollment counselor is here to help!
gradenrollment@seu.edu | 800.500.8760 | 863.667.5000
Ready to take the next step? Apply today or reach out for more info—and if you have any questions, your enrollment counselor is here to help!
Designed specifically for ministry leaders, this program combines academic and spiritual excellence with real-world ministry applications.
The Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership (MAML) at SEU, the flagship master’s program of the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology, is designed to grow your knowledge as a leader and take you further in your own spiritual journey.
It’s more than a degree — it’s an experience that shapes both your ministry and your heart.
Just as every ministry and leader is unique, so is each person’s approach to learning. That’s why SEU has developed multiple options for your MAML degree journey, giving you the freedom to choose the format best suited to your needs.
No matter which format you choose, you’ll get all the benefits of being able to earn your advanced degree without taking time away from your ministry. In fact, each degree is specifically designed to complement and assist your ministry, giving you the chance to apply your knowledge in real time and use your current experience to aid in your coursework.
This innovative new approach offers you customizable learning pathways. Engage in personalized mentorship as you set your own pace and progress through structured coursework — all tailored to your individual needs and goals.
This dynamic, interactive online learning environment will also give you the opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency in ways that recognize your prior knowledge and experience — no matter where you are in your ministry career.
This format is designed to: Enhance your learning experience by providing greater flexibility, mentor-driven guidance, real-world competency, and cost-effective pricing.
The Carrion Hispanic Leadership Center (CHLC) at SEU, in partnership with the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC), is now beginning to offer both the MA in Ministerial Leadership and the Master of Divinity degrees in Spanish.
El Centro de Liderazgo Hispano Carrión (CHLC) en SEU, en asociación con la Coalición Nacional de Latinos Evangélicos, ahora está comenzando a ofrecer los títulos de Maestría en Liderazgo Ministerial y Maestría en Divinidad en Español.
This hybrid cohort format consists of online classwork in conjunction with periodic one-week intensive classes, which are held on our Lakeland campus and other inspiring sites nationwide.
This format is designed to: Build collaboration and innovation among cohort members while learning from guest faculty and renowned specialty speakers.
This innovative program gives students earning the MAML the opportunity to learn from and gain access to key leaders, and to grow together in community through various in-person gatherings in different regions of the country.
This format is designed to: Challenge you through world-class education, be challenged by others through your cohort, and to be mentored by seasoned leaders.
One of the most exciting components of the subscription format is the cost savings!
For just $399 per month, your subscription includes all coursework, fees,* learning resources, and faculty support toward earning your MAML. You can take up to 12 credit hours per semester, allowing you to complete your degree on your schedule.
For your convenience, this fee will be automatically charged each month (starting on the date you first subscribe, and then monthly on that date thereafter) using the payment method you provide upon enrollment.
Financial Aid
Due to the significantly discounted nature of this program format, financial aid is not available. See the chart below for examples of the cost savings possible with this format.
The MAML comprises 36 credit hours. Under the previous pricing model of $545 per-credit-hour, the MAML cost was $19,620 plus fees. Below is an illustration** of estimated degree costs for the subscription-based format, based on the number of credit hours taken at a time each semester.
Courseload Per Semester (in credit hours) | Number of Semesters | Approximate Number of Months | Estimated Total Degree Cost |
12 | 3 | 12 | $4,799 |
9 | 4 | 16 | $6,384 |
6 | 6 | 24 | $9,576 |
3 | 9 | 36 | $14,364 |
*Some fees, such as the graduation fee, are not included in your subscription.
**The table above is for illustrative purposes only. The exact number of months that encompass each semester varies based on term start and end dates. Estimated total degree cost may also vary depending on when you subscribe to the program. Pricing is subject to change.
Visit SEU.edu/apply, and follow the prompts for master’s degrees, choose “Online (Subscription-Based)” and then select the Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership.
Contact your enrollment counselor with any questions about the application process.
CBE is an educational philosophy that emphasizes demonstrating proficiency in essential skills and knowledge rather than simply completing coursework. It combines guided learning with practical application, allowing students to progress as they apply their understanding in real-world ministry contexts. By prioritizing not only skill development but also personal growth and leadership formation,. CBE is as much a formational journey as it is an academic one.
A competency is a clearly-defined ability, skill, or knowledge area that a student is expected to develop and demonstrate through their learning. Competencies outline what a student should be able to do upon successful completion of a course or program. The benchmarks used to determine a student’s level of competency are called proficiency indicators.
Your faculty mentor (FM) — who is matched to you based on your goals and current proficiency level — will work with you to create your personalized course plan. Your FM will also evaluate your work, determine your competency levels as you progress, and provide guidance and encouragement along the way.
A context mentor (CM) is an informal, non-university-appointed mentor who provides real-world guidance to you within your specific ministry or professional setting. You are encouraged to seek out a mentor in your own ministry environment who can offer practical, hands-on insight related to your field. Examples may include an experienced member of your organization’s leadership team, an executive or senior pastor, or a community leader with whom you have already established a level of rapport. While not required, context mentors are strongly encouraged.
The School of Divinity, housed within the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology at SEU, is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). This new MAML format follows the Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE) framework of ATS. This framework emphasizes outcome-based learning, practical application, and mentored formation to prepare students for ministry leadership.
ATS has approved SEU to offer CBE-based programs. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), SEU’s main accreditation body, has also approved this program.
This program offers you customizable learning pathways, meaning you can set your own pace while progressing through structured coursework that is tailored to your individual needs. This dynamic, interactive online learning environment will also give you the opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency in ways that recognize your prior knowledge and experience — no matter where you are in your ministry career.
You’ll also be able to engage in personalized mentorship, which will help you grow both academically and holistically.
This program structure for the Executive Cohort and Regional Cohort will remain as is, offering students the ability to have periodic cohort meetings during their degree journey. Course content, structure, and pricing will also remain the same. For the time being, the MAML that is being offered in Spanish will also follow the traditional course format, albeit fully online without a hybrid cohort option.
Yes! One of the most exciting aspects of this program format is its flexibility and customizability. Once you have subscribed, you can go at your own pace — as quickly or as spaced out as you prefer.
While traditional financial aid is not available for this program, the monthly subscription fee is significantly discounted.
If you prefer to use financial aid, we invite you to consider another one of SEU’s master’s degrees in ministry and theology.
Pastors and ministry leaders with graduate-level training bring fresh insight, strong leadership, and impactful teaching to their congregations. At SEU, the MAML is designed to help you do just that — sharpen your calling with advanced ministerial training. Plus, you’ll get these added benefits.
*SEU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The School of Divinity, housed within the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology at SEU, is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
To get started, apply for free with the code DESIGN at SEU.edu/apply, or request information using the buttons below.
Enrollment & Financial Aid — gradenrollment@seu.edu
800.500.8760 | 863.667.5000