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Prepare to Lead From a Place of Faith

Develop the theological and practical skills you need to be an ethical and effective leader in a nonprofit, philanthropic, community, or ministry environment.

The Master of Arts in Leadership degree from United is ideal for those who wish to lead in non-faith vocational paths or from a faith-based perspective, enabling you to engage current issues and ideas with methodologies required in an increasingly pluralistic and complex world.

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Degree Overview

MAL Program Details

Required Credits

To graduate with a MAL degree, you will be required to complete a total of 48 credits. This typically involves the completion of sixteen 3-credit courses, including one field experience (e.g. internship, practicum).

Time to Complete

This 48-credit program can be completed in approximately 2 years if you maintain a full-time course load (9 credits per trimester).

Thesis

The MAL culminates in a capstone final project that applies your learning from the program to a chosen aspect of your planned vocation.

Distance Learning

All MAL concentrations can be completed entirely via distance learning. All courses have the option to attend classes either in person or via Zoom, and many courses can be taken completely asynchronously with no required class meetings.

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Learning Outcomes

A graduate of United’s Master of Arts in Leadership degree program will be able to:

  • interpret a selected passage from a selected religious text from multiple historical and contemporary perspectives and using one or more critical methods, demonstrating understanding of the influence of their own situatedness on that interpretation;
  • critically interpret, analyze and reflect on a selected theological text or perspective in its historical context as well as through the lens of modern questions and challenges;
  • apply to their vocational context or academic study an appropriate critical analysis of and reflection on a selected moral dilemma from a variety of Christian OR interreligious ethical perspectives;
  • critically analyze and reflect on the religious history and theological perspectives of a selected population historically marginalized by the dominant voices of their religious traditions;
  • evaluate one’s spiritual development in light of one’s own “sources of the self” and religious horizons;
  • identify, transform, and/or create specific sources of spiritual power that resist human degradation and enhance human life;
  • critically analyze and reflect on the global expressions of religions in relation to their own faith tradition;
  • articulate an informed understanding of the historical use of the arts as a means of theological or religious expression and reflection OR an informed understanding of the complex relationships among art, culture and religion;
  • analyze a historical or contemporary artistic or cultural work for the ways it expresses spiritual and religious ideas;
  • interpret cultural and vocational contexts and identify strategic points of leadership for social transformation;
  • develop an effective plan for a social transformation initiative that includes a needs assessment, strategies and plans that address those needs, a communications plan, and a plan for acquiring needed resources;
  • add to the body of knowledge and practice in a chosen specialized vocational setting through the thoughtful synthesis of knowledge and skills in religious texts, theology, ethics, formation, contextualization, the arts, social transformation, and/or vocational practice; and
  • demonstrate effective academic theological research and writing skills.

Master of Arts in Leadership Concentrations

United’s MAL degree offers the following areas of concentration:

 

Social Transformation
Faith Formation
Spiritual Direction
Humanist Studies
Specialized Ministry
Frequently Asked Questions

Master of Arts in Leadership Degree FAQs

What can you do with a Master of Arts in Leadership?

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) program are prepared to lead with integrity across a wide range of fields. This includes nonprofit management, community development, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, and social enterprises. The program’s emphasis on ethical and servant leadership equips you to guide teams, shape policy, and drive social transformation in mission-driven settings.

 

Is a Master of Arts in Leadership worth it?

Yes! A master’s in leadership provides a strong return for professionals seeking to advance their careers in nonprofit, ministry, or community leadership. United’s faith-based MAL program focuses on purpose-driven leadership grounded in ethics, service, and spiritual development. This MAL degree empowers you to create meaningful change within your organization and the wider community.

 

What is the difference between an MA in Leadership and an MBA?

While both degrees focus on developing leadership skills, the MA in Leadership (MAL) emphasizes servant leadership, ethical decision-making, and social transformation, particularly in faith-based or nonprofit contexts. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) tends to prioritize business operations and profit-driven outcomes, whereas the MAL degree at United integrates spiritual formation, community engagement, and values-centered leadership.

 

How long does it take to earn a Master of Arts in Leadership at United?

Most students complete the Master of Arts in Leadership program in about two years of full-time study, taking 9 credits per trimester. The degree consists of 48 credits (16 courses), including a field internship and a capstone project that connects classroom learning to real-world leadership challenges.

 

Can I earn a Master of Arts in Leadership online?

Yes. United offers the master’s in leadership online, allowing students to complete the program 100% remotely. Courses are available in live Zoom sessions or fully asynchronous options, giving you the flexibility to balance studies with work and personal commitments while still engaging deeply with faculty and peers.

 

How many credits is the Master of Arts in Leadership degree at United?

The United MAL program is a 48-credit degree, made up of sixteen 3-credit courses. Students complete a mix of core leadership coursework, elective concentrations, a field internship, and a capstone project. This structure provides a balance of theory, practical experience, and applied leadership skills.

 

What concentrations are available in the MA in Leadership program?

United’s Master of Arts in Leadership offers several specialized tracks designed to align with your calling and career goals. Concentrations include:

Each concentration combines academic rigor with opportunities for hands-on leadership practice in your chosen field.

 

Does the MA in Leadership at United require a thesis or capstone project?

Yes. Instead of a traditional thesis, students complete a capstone project as part of the Master of Arts in Leadership degree. This project applies what you’ve learned to a real-world leadership challenge, allowing you to demonstrate mastery of ethical, faith-based, and strategic leadership principles in a practical setting.

 

Do I need prior leadership experience to apply at United?

While prior leadership or ministry experience can be helpful, it’s not required. The MAL program is designed for both emerging and experienced leaders who want to develop ethical, faith-informed leadership skills that create positive change in organizations and communities.

 

Can I work while pursuing my Master of Arts in Leadership?

Yes! The MAL program is designed with working professionals in mind. Flexible online and hybrid course options allow you to complete your degree while maintaining your career and personal commitments. Many United students immediately apply their coursework to their current roles in ministry, nonprofits, or other community organizations.

 

Is a Master of Arts in Leadership a terminal degree?

No. The MA in Leadership is considered a professional master’s degree, not a terminal academic degree. However, United graduates who wish to continue their studies can pursue a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) or other advanced theological or leadership programs.

 

Is United’s Master of Arts in Leadership accredited?

Yes. United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), ensuring the MA in Leadership program meets high standards of academic and professional excellence. Graduates earn a respected and recognized credential that strengthens both their leadership skills and career opportunities.

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