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Prepare to guide and teach the next generation. The Master of Arts in Christian Education and Formation (MACEF) degree program builds your understanding of the Bible, theology, church history, and practical theology and gives you a foundation of dynamic leadership skills.
January 15 – Final deadline – All Masters-level international and exchange applicants (excluding MAT program)
Priority deadline for top scholarship consideration for MDiv, MACEF, MTS, and Dual MDiv/MACEF applicants who are U.S. citizens, DACA students, or permanent residents of the U.S.
April 15 – Final deadline – US citizens and residents
Do you:
Whether you’re planning a career in education, ministry, nonprofit work, or beyond, build the skills, the confidence, and the community you need to lead with hope.
In this program, explore foundational studies in the Bible, theology, church history, and practical theology. Choosing from courses related to your area of interest—from philosophies of teaching or pedagogical practices to ministry with young people or spiritual formation—delve into theory and practice for the ministry of education and formation for the church.
Graduate with the skills you need for effective teaching and dynamic leadership for Christian education and formation, along with the foundational competency to critically appraise and creatively deploy theoretical frameworks.
In addition to your coursework, you have many opportunities to deepen your faith and explore your calling.
MACEF students take courses from the categories specific to the degree, choosing classes that emphasize areas such as teaching, ministry with young people, and spiritual formation and mission.
To earn the MACEF, successfully complete 52.5 credits in five categories:
Introductions or Foundations in the following areas (18 credits):
Speech Communication in Ministry I and II (2 credits)
One course from each of the following categories:
To qualify for admission, you need to have an undergraduate degree (typically a BA or BS) from a school accredited by one of the accrediting agencies our faculty recognizes. To apply, please submit the following:
Interviews are not required but are strongly encouraged as they play a significant role in scholarship consideration. For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, interviews are available once the application is submitted. International student interviews are by invitation only. Instructions and a link to schedule an interview will be provided to eligible candidates after application submission.
The MACEF prepares you to serve God as a minister of education and formation in congregational and institutional settings. Many of our students go on to teach the Christian religion in church or secular schools. As a professional degree, the MACEF does not lead to doctoral-level education in practical theology.
Shannon Smythe, Ph.D. ‘13, MDiv ‘06
Director of Field Education and Vocational Placement
Take the next step in serving God’s calling through a ministry in teaching and educational leadership. Learn more about the MACEF degree, schedule a visit, or apply today.
