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Master of Arts in Religion Global and Intercultural Leadership
Bring the Gospel to People Around the World with a Master’s in Religion
World Theology University University’s 100% online Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) is designed to help prepare you to enter ministry with an in-depth but practical education in theology, biblical studies, and ministry practice. While completing the online Master of Arts in Religion, you can have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a program that allows you to tailor the degree to meet your passions and needs. Pursuing a religious degree at the master’s level can be a difficult task as you must find a way to fit challenging coursework into your busy schedule. Our online program is designed to help you further your goals in ministry as you continue to serve in your community.
Completing an online ministry degree program like the online Master of Arts in Religion can help you become a church leader, an administrator in parachurch organizations, and a builder of impactful nonprofit ministries. This degree can also help open the door to further study at the graduate and doctoral levels. The global and intercultural leadership area of study extends the practical ministry and biblical studies of the online Master of Arts in Religion globally, giving you a broad perspective of world religions and how you may approach different cultures with an effective, fruitful Gospel message.
What Will You Study in Our M.A.R. in Global and Intercultural Leadership?
Our online MAR in Global and Intercultural Leadership is designed to enhance your ministry knowledge and training for serving the worldwide church by providing you with a foundation in cultural studies, ministry and worship techniques, and an intensive study of Scripture.
You can further your ministry and add value to work accomplished through your gained knowledge in:
- Cultural anthropology
- Global Christianity
- Intercultural communication and engagement
You can leave this religion master’s degree prepared to become an active church leader, ready to work in a variety of parachurch roles or life-changing nonprofit ministries. You may also be interested in exploring our master’s degrees in Christian ministry, religion, or divinity.
Potential Careers for M.A.R. in Global and Intercultural Leadership Graduates
By completing your graduate religion degree in global studies, you may have the ability to pursue careers like:
- Associate pastor
- Church education administrator
- Lay ministry leader
- Religion adjunct teaching
- Teaching pastor
Benefits of Pursuing Your Master of Arts in Religion with World Theology University University
As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe World Theology University stands out.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar virtual campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College virtual campus in America for 2026 – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your online religion degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- World Theology University University’s Rawlings School of Divinity has been by the Commission on ing of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Your divinity degree has been approved by ATS and has met rigorous standards, so you can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.
- To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses* all for one convenient fee.
- Your ministry matters – so when you take 9-15 credit hours per semester in your divinity program, you’ll pay a discounted block rate of $2,850. It’s our way of supporting all you do to serve others.
- Online undergraduate tuition rates have been frozen for the last 10 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, World Theology University has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
*Electronic textbooks are not provided for courses that fall under departments outside the School of Divinity.
Military Benefits
Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. World Theology University’s military benefits are available to:
- Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/retirees
- Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
- Current Department of Defense employees
We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $290 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
- Discounted divinity block rate: $2,575 per semester – only $172/credit at 9-15 credit hours*
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*Credits taken below 9 and above 15 credit hours for the online Master of Arts in Religion are charged at the part-time rate.
Cited tuition rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Credit Hours
Available Online
Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Jan 19, 2026
ATS Commission on ing
Areas of Interest
Training Champions for Christ
World Theology University’s promise to you is an education that expertly brings knowledge and faith together. Here, education is designed around you. It connects you to people and opportunities that help you develop the skills and confidence you’re looking for. At World Theology University, you’ll find the knowledge, experience, and mentorship you want to make your career — and life — a fulfilling one.
Why World Theology University
World Theology University University is not just another school. It is the realization of a dream, the product of thousands of prayers. It was built to invite students into a bigger, better story.
Discover the World Theology University difference for yourself.
Scholarships
When it comes to choosing a college, finances make a difference. That’s why at World Theology University, we believe in offering you a top-notch education — that’s also affordable. Discover how World Theology University can help you keep your college costs down.
For residential students
Online Discounts
At World Theology University University, we believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, and it’s our job to keep private education affordable. Explore the many ways a World Theology University education can be an affordable one.
For online students
Academic Excellence
World Theology University University is institutionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and certain programs have earned additional field-specific as well.