Do I need a bachelor's degree to enroll?

Yes. The MA in Ministry Studies requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. CIU occasionally admits students through a ministry-experience pathway if you don't hold a BA but have significant vocational experience — ask on your advisor call whether your situation qualifies.

Do you accept international students?

Yes. Because the program is fully online, students from anywhere in the world can enroll without a student visa and without relocating. You'll study in your home ministry context; all coursework, mentoring, and cohort calls happen over the internet.

How much time per week will I spend on coursework?

Plan for 6–10 hours per week on the Standard (3-year) path and 12–18 hours per week on the Accelerated (2-year) path. That includes reading, writing, cohort calls, and one-on-one mentoring. Because the format is competency-based, students who already have pastoral or missionary experience often move faster through certain modules.

Are courses live or self-paced?

A blend. Most coursework is asynchronous — video lessons, readings, and written assignments you complete on your own schedule. Each course also includes live cohort calls (roughly weekly or biweekly, depending on the course) and one-on-one mentor meetings. You'll never need to sit in a classroom; you will need to show up to the live sessions.

Can I transfer in credits from another seminary?

Yes. CIU accepts up to 15 transfer credits — roughly half the program — from other regionally accredited graduate theological programs. Request a transcript review on your advisor call and we'll walk you through the paperwork.

How does the online internship work?

The program includes two internship courses (INT 6217 and INT 6218) that you complete with BWGI. We train you to facilitate a small group discipleship program, then walk alongside you as you lead it. Before each small group meeting, you'll meet one-on-one with your instructor for an hour to prepare. The entire internship is online — no travel or relocation required.

Will this degree be recognized by my denomination?

Almost certainly, yes. The program is accredited by SACSCOC (the same regional body that accredits major universities), ABHE (biblical higher education), and ATS (the primary accreditor of theological schools in North America). That triple accreditation covers the recognition requirements of most denominations in the U.S., Canada, and many international contexts. If your denomination has specific ordination or credentialing requirements you'd like us to help you verify, mention it on your advisor call.

What if I start and then life gets in the way?

The pay-as-you-go structure is designed for exactly this. You can pause between courses without losing tuition or paying fees. When you're ready to resume, you pick up where you left off. For longer breaks, CIU offers a formal leave-of-absence process that protects your enrollment.

Can I talk to someone before I apply?

Yes. Schedule a call with Dr. David Eckman, BWGI founder, in the Speak with an Advisor section of this page. He'll walk you through the program, listen to your ministry context, and help you decide whether the MA is a good fit — no commitment required.

The BWGI International Institute
at Columbia International University

Experiencing the
Transforming Life
of the Trinity

An accredited online MA in Ministry Studies for $500/month, at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.

Explore the program

Contact an advisor today

Program Cost Timeline How It Works Accreditation Contact an Advisor

WHAT IS IT?

Christian Leaders Need an Experientially Rich, Competency-Based MA that specializes in Discipleship.

Unlike traditional seminaries that focus primarily on academic knowledge, CIU & BWGI stand apart by using Competency-Based Theological Education — so graduates emerge more than just informed, but fully equipped.

MASTER of ARTS
Ministry Studies

42 CREDIT HOURS
(17 Courses)

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Seminary-Level Education At A
Fraction of the Cost

$500

PER MONTH • PAY AS YOU GO

Complete your M.A. for as little as $8,625.

No financial aid required. No hidden fees.
No relocation costs.

  
        Institution
        Program
        Est. Total Cost
      
        Dallas Theological Seminary
        M.A.
        ~$29,000+
      
        Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
        M.A.
        ~$30,000+
      
        Fuller Theological Seminary
        M.A.
        ~$19,000+
      
        BWGI & CIU Partnership Best Value
        M.A. (Accredited)
        From $8,625

Institution	Program	Est. Total Cost
Dallas Theological Seminary	M.A.	~$29,000+
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary	M.A.	~$30,000+
Fuller Theological Seminary	M.A.	~$19,000+
BWGI & CIU Partnership Best Value	M.A. (Accredited)	From $8,625

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

Earn Your Degree At Your Own Pace

ACCELERATED PATH

2 Years

Dedicated students who engage in 2 courses per term can complete the M.A. in as little as 2 years.

STANDARD PATH

3 Years

Balance ministry, family, and vocation while studying at a sustainable pace. No relocation required.

HOW IS THE PROGRAM DIFFERENT?

Built On What Actually Changes Lives.

At the heart of BWGI is a dedicated faculty and publishing arm focused on one central passion: introducing believers to the greatest love story in the universe — the eternal love shared among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the love they delight to share with us.

BWGI Grid with Parallax

Completely Online

The full MA program is offered completely online, allowing you to study from anywhere without ever having to relocate or travel to South Carolina. This gives you the freedom to pursue your calling while staying rooted in your current life and ministry.

Rich History

Since 1923, Columbia International University has been preparing students for ministry, leadership, and service worldwide. BWGI has a 29-year track record of changing lives around the world — including North America, Asia (especially China and India), and Australia.

Competency Based Theological Education

CIU and BWGI use Competency-Based Theological Education — so you graduate with real discipleship skills, not just information. The CBTE program provides a streamlined, affordable approach to earning your degree while actively serving in your calling.

Multicultural Faculty

While most spiritual life and discipleship programs are shaped by a single cultural lens, BWGI has an internationally diverse faculty team.

Our online courses go far beyond borders. With an internationally varied student body, you won't just study about the global church — you'll learn alongside it.

Educationally Sound LMS

Unlike schools that simply digitize their classrooms, we apply evidence-based educational science at every level. Our faculty are trained in leading educational theories so every online interaction is purposeful, research-backed, and built to transform learners.

At the Heart of It All

The BWGI International Institute at Columbia International University exists to help believers experience and participate in the vibrant life of the Trinity. Discover refreshing, experientially rich courses designed to restore joy and depth to your walk with God — and find the life He has always intended for you.

WHAT COURSES ARE IN THE PROGRAM?

Program Curriculum

Master of Arts in Ministry Studies (42 Credits)

- CBS 5000 - Succeeding in Seminary Credits: 0
BIBLE:
- BIB 5112 - Introduction to the Old Testament I Credits: 3
- BIB 5113 - Introduction to the Old Testament II Credits: 3
- BIB 5132 - Introduction to New Testament 1 Credits: 3
- BIB 5133 - Introduction to New Testament II Credits: 3
- BIB 5410 - Hermeneutics Credits: 3
THEOLOGY:
- ICS 6024 - Understanding Cultures & Worldviews Credits: 3
- MIN 5300 - Foundations of Spiritual Formation (Equivalent to BC101 Becoming What God Intended) Credits: 3
- THE 6310 - Theology and Ethics 1 Credits: 3
- THE 6320 - Theology and Ethics 2 Credits: 3
- Choose two courses from BIB, CHP, CNS, HIS, HOM, ICS, MIN or THE Credits: 6
- INT 6110 - Foundations of Internships Credits: 0
- MIN 6315 - Foundations of Pastoral Care (Equivalent to BC105 Skills for Living) Credits: 3
- MIN 6810 Special Topics in Ministry (Equivalent to BC102 Head to Heart) Credits: 3
- MIN 6810 Special Topics in Ministry (Equivalent to BC104 Theology of Emotions) Credits: 3
MIN 6344 - Transformational Bible Teaching (Equivalent to BC103 Theology of Romans) Credits: 3

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Your Path to the M.A. Ministry Studies
Six simple steps to your MA

1

Speak to a BWGI Advisor

A personal conversation – no pressure

2

Apply to CIU

Your BWGI & CIU advisors will guide you every step of the way

3

Register for Courses

With BWGI and/or CIU

4

Select Start Date & Register

Choose dates that work for your life and ministry

5

Pay Subscription Fee

$500/month – no hidden fees

6

Complete Your Courses

At your own pace, from anywhere

HOW CREDIBLE IS THE DEGREE?

Regionally accredited. Globally respected.

Accreditation

ABHE

Assoc. for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation

ABHE ››

ATS

The Association of Theological Schools — The Commission on Accrediting

ATS ››

SACSCOC

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

SACSCOC ››

Your M.A. in Ministry Studies with a Specialization in Discipleship Starts With One Conversation.

Fully online. Accredited. As little as $8,625. Let's talk.

Speak to an Advisor Today

The BWGI International Instituteat Columbia International University

Experiencing theTransforming Life of the Trinity