The MAL in Faith Formation program is designed for those who wish to lead education and formation programs in congregations. You will be prepared to develop and oversee congregational religious education programs or specialized ministry programs, such as youth and/or children’s ministries, adult or senior adult formation programs, or other community life programs, such as small group or outreach ministries.
The program may be a good fit for you if you are interested in pursuing a career in a variety of church ministry contexts, most likely associate ministry positions in mid-size or larger churches with religious education and other specialized ministry programs that require leadership with focused attention to faith development and religious and theological training.
Concentration Learning Outcomes
In addition to achieving the core MAL degree learning outcomes, a graduate of the MAL in Faith Formation program will be able to:
- construct and deliver a faith formation curriculum that arises from, and addresses the needs of specific populations/issues within ministry contexts and is based on solid theological and religious understanding;
- articulate strategies for effective, professional, ethical, and compassionate pastoral and spiritual care to a diversity of persons; and
- achieve their self-defined practice of ministry goals that are appropriately based on the requirements of their denomination or other vocational path.
United’s MAL at a Glance
- 48 credits
- Sixteen 3-credit courses, including one field experience and a final project
- Can be completed in approximately two years if you take a full-time course load of 9 credits per trimester
- All MAL concentrations, including Faith Formation, can be completed entirely via distance learning; many courses can be taken completely asynchronously
Program Course Guide Sheet for Academic Year 2026–2027
| PRIMARY OUTCOME |
NUMBER OF COURSES | COURSES |
| Theology | 2 |
Invitation to Theology: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty
Choose one:
History of Early Christian Theologies
History of Modern Christian Theologies
|
| Textual Hermeneutics | 2 | Introduction to Religious Texts One 2000-level Religious Texts course |
| Ethics and Justice | 2 |
Choose one:
Christian Ethics
Comparative Religious Ethics
Choose one:
Queer and Trans Theologies
Black and Womanist Theologies
|
| Formation | 1 | Introduction to Spiritual and Personal Formation |
| World Religions | 1 |
Choose one:
Global Christianities & Intra-religious Diversity
World Religions
|
| Religion, Culture, and the Arts | 1 |
Choose one:
History of Arts and Theology
Art, Religion, and Contemporary Culture
|
| Social Transformation | 1 |
Social Analysis and Community Engagement
|
| Religious Leadership and Practice | 1 |
Contextual Education Internship (1 or 2 terms)
|
| Concentration | 4 |
Introduction to Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Faith Formation
Two additional PM courses
|
| Research and Communication | 1 | MAL Capstone Seminar |
| DEGREE TOTAL |
16 |
MAL in Faith Formation — FAQs
What is a Master of Arts in Leadership in Faith Formation?
A Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) in Faith Formation is a graduate degree that helps students develop and lead educational and formational programs within their faith communities. Students develop theological grounding, curriculum-building skills, and pastoral care competencies necessary to support others through their own religious and spiritual development. This MAL degree is especially useful for anyone considering associate ministry or church education roles.
Can I earn an MAL in Faith Formation online at United?
Yes, you can earn your MAL in Faith Formation online, completely on campus, or a mix of the two. Students have the option to choose from synchronous courses with live Zoom or in-person sessions and asynchronous courses that can offer more scheduling flexibility. Learn more about our distance learning options.
Who is the MAL in Faith Formation designed for?
This faith formation degree program is meant for people who want to lead faith education and formation programs in church ministry contexts. We find that the best fit is for those people interested in associate ministry positions in either mid-size or larger churches, especially roles centered on religious education, faith development programming, or specialized ministry leadership.
What can you do with a master’s degree in faith formation?
Graduates of the MAL in faith formation program have a wide variety of ministry and faith education roles available to them. Just a few of the careers that students can pursue with this degree include director of religious education, pastor for faith formation or discipleship, children’s or youth ministry director, adult formation coordinator, and many other specialized ministry positions.
What topics are covered in the MAL in Faith Formation curriculum?
The MAL in Faith Formation program combines theology, ethics, leadership, and religious texts to focus on study in faith development and educational ministry. Primary areas of study include designing and delivering faith formation curriculum to targeted populations, crafting strategies for effective and compassionate pastoral care, developing a personal practice of ministry that aligns with denominational and vocational goals, and applying theological knowledge to the challenges of both real-world and congregational life.
How long does it take to complete the Faith Formation master’s degree?
The MAL in Faith Formation takes 48 credit hours to complete and is often completed within two years of full-time study, at nine credits per trimester. There are part-time options available for students looking to balance work, ministry, and other outside commitments.
Are financial aid and scholarships available for the Faith Formation MAL degree program?
95% of new Master’s students at United are able to receive some form of tuition aid or scholarship support in the form of scholarships, grants, or Federal Financial Aid. United offers several opportunities to help graduate students gain access to theological education and make their education journey affordable. Learn more about financial aid and scholarships.
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