Institutional Reports and Documents
Northwest University College of Ministry Graduate Program
Summary of Educational Effectiveness
Program History and Mission
The College of Ministry began offering master’s level degree programs in 2008 and since that time has been invested in the practical training, biblical & theological education, and spiritual formation of those who are called to serve and lead communities of Christian faith. We have recently streamlined our previous program offerings into one flagship degree, the Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership and Theology (MAMLT). This program aims to provide integrated theological education and practical training that will prepare Christian leaders effectively for a wide variety of ministry endeavors. Through our flagship program, as well as certificates and cohort-based degree programs, the College of Ministry equips students who are at the beginning stages of discerning and understanding their call to ministry, as well as those who are already engaged in ministry leadership and seek to deepen their theological understanding while refining their practical ministry tools and skills.
Accreditation and Assessment
Our College of Ministry Graduate programs, along with all other academic programs at NU, are regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The College of Ministry became an Associate Member of The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in June 2024 and is in the process of securing initial accreditation status. In compliance with accreditation standards, our academic programs undergo regular assessment of student success and educational effectiveness to ensure reasonable attainment of program learning outcomes as well as successful program completion and post-graduation placements.
The learning outcomes for the Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAMLT) are as follows:
Graduates will be able to:
- Evaluate a practical approach to spiritual formation.
- Integrate theological reflection into the work of ministry.
- Analyze Scripture using appropriate hermeneutical principles.
- Construct a strategy for culturally adaptive ministry.
- Explain contemporary ministry practice.
Student achievement of these outcomes are regularly and systematically assessed by designated faculty and by the COM Dean as a part of NU’s broader institutional assessment mechanisms.
Graduation and Placement Rates, Career Opportunities
A total of 358 students have completed graduate programs through the College of Ministry to date. The most recent 5-year graduation rate across all COM Graduate Programs is 71%.
- 63% of recent graduates have gone onto vocational placements in pastoral ministry roles.
- 24% of recent graduates have gone onto non-vocational placements by choice, working in other fields or sectors.
- 13% of recent graduates are enrolled in further educational programs.
Graduates of the M.A. in Ministry Leadership and Theology go on to serve in a wide range of leadership roles, including:
- Senior Pastor
- Associate Pastor or Worship Pastor
- Youth, Children’s or Family Pastor
- Church Planter
- Missionary
- Faith-Based Nonprofit Leader
- Chaplain (additional requirements apply)
- Christian Educator or Professor
- Ministry or Higher Education Administrator
- Marketplace or Business Leader guided by Christian principles
Additional Data
Graduation Rates
- All time (since 2008, up to Summer 2023): 65%
- 358 students have graduated total
- 5-year rate beginning Fall 2019 enrollment (up to Summer 2023): 71%
Graduation Rate by Gender
- Male: 71%
- Female: 56%
Graduation Rate by Ethnicity (All time – 2008 present)
- American Indian or Alaska Native: 50%
- Asian: 52%
- Black or African American: 43%
- Hispanic/Latino: 65%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 40%
- White: 63%
- U.S. Nonresident: 42%