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Master of Arts Global Christianity

The Master of Arts in Global Christianity is a professional degree designed for students passionate about understanding the complexities of the Christian faith around the world.

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Program Details

The Master of Arts in Global Christianity is a professional degree designed for students passionate about understanding the complexities of the Christian faith around the world.

This program was created to be fully online to allow students from diverse cultural backgrounds to engage in a truly global learning community, enriching discussions with unique perspectives that enhance the overall effectiveness of the program.

Students are educated in biblical studies, theological studies, and ministry studies, with courses taught by faculty who live, work, and worship in various cultural contexts around the globe. As a result, students earn a degree that is authentically “global” in its orientation and scope, equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of contemporary Christian ministry and scholarship in an interconnected world.

Whether aspiring to work in academia, cross-cultural ministry, non-profit organizations, international development, or as a pastor, the Master of Arts in Global Christianity empowers students to be thoughtful, informed, and effective leaders in today’s globalized Church.

Three students working on their laptops in a classroom

Program Duration

Designed to be completed in 2 years of full-time study. The maximum length of the degree program is 4 years with the possibility to appeal for an additional year.

Course Format

This degree program has been designed to be completed fully online (asynchronous) to ensure participants from across the world have a similar learning experience.

Program Outline

This degree program requires a total of 8 courses. Each of these courses is considered a “double-three” course (i.e. they are three-level courses that have been adjusted in scope such that they will count as a 6-unit professional course).

# courses
Biblical Studies
2
6-unit courses in New Testament and/or Old Testament
Theological Studies 2
6-unit courses in Church History and/or Theological Studies
Ministry Studies 2
6-unit courses in Ministry Studies
Electives 2
2 Electives from Biblical, Theological, or Ministry Studies courses in program
Program Total 8

Funding

McMaster Divinity College awards approximately half a million dollars in financial assistance to our students each year. This money is awarded on a needs basis and does not need to be repaid. Part-time students who are eligible can receive up to $500, while eligible full-time students can receive up to $1,800, or nearly 40% of tuition costs. Students who reside in Ontario may be eligible for additional funding. Students can also take advantage of the following opportunities:

Academic Achievement Awards

MDC awards approximately $27,000 in academic awards and achievements each year. Students who show exceptional ability in specified areas may receive additional prizes and awards at the end of each academic year.

Grants & Loans For Ontario Residents

OSAP funding is currently not available for the MA (Global Christianity) degree.

Additional MDC Financial Assistance may be available for Ontario residents.

A typical full-time MA student could have the following scenario*:

MDC Financial Assistance
Academic Awards
 $ 1,800
$ 500
Total Funding  $ 2,300
Tuition Fee  $ 6,968
Amount Payable by Student  $ 4,668

 

Tuition Fees

Domestic Students
Canadian students
International Students
Non-Canadian and visa students
Per course
6-unit course
$ 1,742.00 $ 1,742.00
Per year
Full-time at 4 courses
$ 6,968.00 $ 6,968.00

All fees are subject to an additional $21 registration fee.

Full-time and part-time students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students.

 

Additional Benefits

Students in our program can also take advantage of the following:

  • Full access to the Digital Theological Library
  • Software licenses including: Microsoft 365, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, EndNote, + more

Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for this program, an applicant must have the following:

  • Agreement with the McMaster Divinity College Statement of Faith
  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with a B- average
  • Program Outline

    Program Outline

    This degree program requires a total of 8 courses. Each of these courses is considered a “double-three” course (i.e. they are three-level courses that have been adjusted in scope such that they will count as a 6-unit professional course).

    # courses
    Biblical Studies
    2
    6-unit courses in New Testament and/or Old Testament
    Theological Studies 2
    6-unit courses in Church History and/or Theological Studies
    Ministry Studies 2
    6-unit courses in Ministry Studies
    Electives 2
    2 Electives from Biblical, Theological, or Ministry Studies courses in program
    Program Total 8
  • Funding & Tuition Fees

    Funding

    McMaster Divinity College awards approximately half a million dollars in financial assistance to our students each year. This money is awarded on a needs basis and does not need to be repaid. Part-time students who are eligible can receive up to $500, while eligible full-time students can receive up to $1,800, or nearly 40% of tuition costs. Students who reside in Ontario may be eligible for additional funding. Students can also take advantage of the following opportunities:

    Academic Achievement Awards

    MDC awards approximately $27,000 in academic awards and achievements each year. Students who show exceptional ability in specified areas may receive additional prizes and awards at the end of each academic year.

    Grants & Loans For Ontario Residents

    OSAP funding is currently not available for the MA (Global Christianity) degree.

    Additional MDC Financial Assistance may be available for Ontario residents.

    A typical full-time MA student could have the following scenario*:

    MDC Financial Assistance
    Academic Awards
     $ 1,800
    $ 500
    Total Funding  $ 2,300
    Tuition Fee  $ 6,968
    Amount Payable by Student  $ 4,668

     

    Tuition Fees

    Domestic Students
    Canadian students
    International Students
    Non-Canadian and visa students
    Per course
    6-unit course
    $ 1,742.00 $ 1,742.00
    Per year
    Full-time at 4 courses
    $ 6,968.00 $ 6,968.00

    All fees are subject to an additional $21 registration fee.

    Full-time and part-time students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students.

     

    Additional Benefits

    Students in our program can also take advantage of the following:

    • Full access to the Digital Theological Library
    • Software licenses including: Microsoft 365, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, EndNote, + more
  • Admission Requirements

    Admission Requirements

    In order to be considered for this program, an applicant must have the following:

    • Agreement with the McMaster Divinity College Statement of Faith
    • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with a B- average

Featured Courses

NT 6P1000

Synoptic Gospel Studies: An Asian Perspective

Instructor icon Hojoon J. Ahn

Fall

2024

Online (Asynchronous)

TH 6P1000

A Theology of the Person: An African Perspective

Instructor icon David K. Tarus

Fall

2024

Online (Asynchronous)

MS 6P1000

Theology of Global Ministry

Instructor icon David Courey

Winter

2025

Online (Asynchronous)

Take the Next Step

Back view of the McMaster Divinity College building
  • Book an appointment

    If you would like to speak directly with an Admissions Counsellor we would be glad to book an appointment at a time that works for you. You can choose to book an in-person appointment*, a Zoom call, or a phone call. Quick question? Give us a phone call, drop us a text, or send us an email!

  • Attend an online info session

    Can’t make it to campus? No problem! Join one of our program-specific online information sessions to connect with us from wherever you are. These one-hour sessions are designed to give you the chance to ask questions and receive detailed information about the program that interests you. Be sure to register in advance so we can send you the meeting link and welcome you to the session!

  • Visit us in-person

    Come visit us in person! Meet with an admissions counsellor, meet faculty, and take a personalized tour of our campus. Experience firsthand what makes our community and programs so special.

  • Download an on-demand lecture

    Register now for access to our on-demand lectures. This is an opportunity to watch online lectures from our faculty, on your own schedule. Fill out the registration form for the lecture(s) you would like to view and we will send you a link to access the lectures. Check back often for new content!

    Jesus – Elijah Confusion – Dr. Paul Evans

    How to Disagree Christianly – Dr. Gord Heath

    Knowing the Bible – Dr. Christopher Land

    Theology of the Temple – Dr. Paul Evans

    Old Testament Apologetics – Dr. Paul Evans

    Part 1: Interpreting OT Law
    Part 2: Interpreting Imprecatory Psalms

    Biblical Wisdom – Dr. Paul Evans

    Part 1: The Patriarchy of Wisdom
    Part 2: Wisdom as Emotional and Practical Intelligence
    Part 3: The Bible’s Use of Non-Israelite Wisdom

Application Checklist

  • 1. Agreement with Statement of Faith

    Review McMaster Divinity College’s Statement of Faith.

  • 2. Personal Statement

    Applicants will need to provide a personal statement (max. 2 pages) commenting on:

    What is your Christian experience?
    What are some of the most significant learning experiences that you have had (formal or informal)?
    What is the nature of your present local church involvement and/or para-church involvement?
    What are your ministry and/or professional goals?
    How do you expect to contribute to the church and society through your future ministry?
    How do you expect McMaster Divinity College will help you with your ministry and professional development?

  • 3. References

    You will be required to submit the names and contact information for your references in your application. References must be confidential. Please forward the appropriate reference form link (below) to your referees who will complete the form for direct submission to our Admissions Office.

    For this program, applicants must submit:

    • One academic references
    • One pastoral reference
    • One character reference
  • 4. Application Fee

    There is no fee required for domestic students if application is submitted prior to the application deadlines listed below.

    A late fee of $54.00 is required for those applying after the application deadline.

    International students must pay an international application fee, see “Special Requirements for Visa/International Applicants” below.

  • 5. Transcripts

    After submitting your application, please request official transcripts for all post-secondary education from your institution. Transcripts should be sent in original sealed envelope or official digital transcript to divadmit@mcmaster.ca or by mail to:

    McMaster Divinity College
    Admissions Dept
    1280 Main St W
    Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1

  • Special Requirements for Visa/International Applicants

    For students whose first language is not English, a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 92 IBT is required.

    If submitted documents (including transcripts) are not in English, you maybe required to submit an official translation of these documents (WES evaluation may be requested).

    Students who do not possess a passport from a North American country must pay an application fee of $134.00 (CAD).

    Students relocating to Canada will be required to submit a copy of their Canadian study permit before registration.

Application Deadlines

Fall Term

June 1

Winter Term

October 15

Applications submitted after the deadline are subject to a late fee.

Apply Now

Application Reference Forms

As part of the application process, applicants must submit references. Please have your references fill out the following forms and submit them directly to us.

MA (Global Christianity) Reference Forms