What is Ministry Studies Online (MSO)?
MSO is a fully online ministry training program for emerging ministry leaders in the areas of KidMin, Youth, Pastoral and Global Studies. We have 3 core commitments: Accessibility (100% Online), Affordability ($99/credit), and Academic Excellence (Credits can be transferred to a growing list of colleges and universities towards a degree).

What is the goal of MSO?
We exist to help you reach and disciple people to impact their planet for Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help you develop a dynamic ministry, in an environment of theological faithfulness, personal health and professional excellence.

Is MSO accredited?
Accreditation is always an expensive and complicated process. Because one of our core commitments is Affordability, MSO has chosen to pursue partnerships with accredited colleges and universities for those who want to go on for an associate’s or bachelor's degree.

MSO has agreements with a growing number of colleges and universities that will accept MSO credits when a student matriculates into their program. Some of these agreements are written, others are based on a growing recognition of the quality and excellence of MSO courses and professors.

Here is a list of our current partner schools:

  • Southeastern University

    Southeastern University (SEU) in Lakeland, Florida has an articulation agreement with Ministry Studies Online to accept approved credits from its program for transfer credit. Valid Ministry Studies Online credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale will meet SEU degree requirements as outlined. This articulation agreement covers students who began their program at Ministry Studies Online in the 2018-19 academic year or later. All Ministry Studies Online courses, credits, and faculty credentials must be vetted by SEU staff for approval.

  • Trinity Bible College & Graduate School

Undergraduate:

TBC & GS will grant transfer credits to MSO students who successfully complete the Certified Ministers and Licensure courses approved by the General Secretary of the Assemblies of God for admission to Certificate of Ministry Training at the Ordained Ministers level. Further, transfer of credits will be allowed for MSO students seeking degree completion. 

Graduate:                

Trinity’s Graduate School will provide a 50% tuition waiver to MSO-affiliated applicants.

MSO provides online courses for SWBC. SWBC will grant full credit for MSO courses towards an Associate of Biblical Studies

Because MSO has an agreement with North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, students can receive college credits for MSO courses when they matriculate into NCU. For more information regarding NCU's accreditation, click HERE. 

The following is a list of schools with whom MSO has a verbal agreement or MSO Students have gone on to receive full credits for MSO classes:

What ministry studies training courses can be completed online?
All MSO courses are fully-online, meaning that learners can complete the entire 30-credit certificate program in Ministry Studies without ever needing to travel to a college campus. A complete listing of the available online courses is available HERE.

How much will each course cost?
We understand the financial sacrifices that are made to be involved in ministry. With that in mind, we intentionally present a cost-effective option for our online program. Current tuition rates have been set at $99 per credit hour! This reflects a deeply discounted rate for college level courses available only through MSO. Tuition for a 3-credit course is $297 plus an administrative fee of $25 and a technology fee of $25. All MSO course registration fees are shown in US dollars and payment of course registration must be in US currency.

Are scholarships available?
MSO courses are offered at a substantial tuition discount. However, we are actively seeking scholarship monies to be available for those who are pioneering MSO in their home country. If you are the first student in your country to apply and be accepted to MSO, a full or partial Pioneer Scholarship may be available! Email us HERE to inquire about availability. If you would like to donate to the MSO Scholarship Fund, email us HERE.

What if I already have a degree?
MSO courses can be taken as continuing education courses giving you a deeper understanding of the principles and practices in biblical and theological faithfulness as well as personal and professional development in ministry.

Can credits earned through MSO be transferred to another institution?
Every school retains the prerogative to decide what it will accept as transfer credits. Be sure to check with the institution you want to transfer credits to regarding their policy for accepting transfer credits, then MSO can contact the institution and work out a credit transfer agreement. MSO has a growing list of colleges and universities that will accept MSO courses towards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. (See Is MSO accredited?)

Can credits earned at another institution be transferred to MSO?
Learners may transfer up to 6 credits from an accredited institution toward the Certificate in Ministry Leadership. In order for transfer credits to be considered for MSO, an email from the learner to MSOconnect@gmail.com notifying MSO of the intention to transfer credits and an official printed transcript mailed to Ministry Studies Online, 1205 N Bay Meadow Ct, Nixa, MO 65714, are required. Credit transfers must be approved by the MSO program director.

Do I need a college degree in order to take MSO courses?
No, you do not need a college degree to apply for MSO and begin taking courses. MSO is available for anyone who is at least in their Junior year of high school, offering a great jump-start for those wanting to go on to college. A college degree is not a prerequisite for admittance to MSO. If you already have a college degree, you may still take online courses offered through MSO. Whether you are a Junior in high school, or already have your Ph.D., MSO will provide you a flexible and customizable online ministry leadership learning experience.

What are the registration deadlines?
Be sure to check the website for registration deadlines for each semester. Courses begin in September, January, and May. You may enter the program at any of these points.

When can I begin taking MSO courses?
By applying today, you can then make payment online for your first course and begin the course at the beginning of the next semester. Application and payment deadlines are available HERE.

Is MSO for ministry leaders of any denomination?
Yes!  Though MSO has relationships with various fellowships, our courses reflect non-denominational, Spirit-filled, evangelical ministry training that utilizes available online learning technology and includes the most current ministry best practices and is grounded in biblical and theological faithfulness. A growing number of fellowships, including the Assemblies of God are recognizing MSO as meeting the educational requirements of credentialing. Please email us HERE for the latest news on these exciting developments.

*Special Note for those seeking credentials with the Assemblies of God:

Successful completion of the MSO Pastoral Studies Track, with the specific requirements for Assemblies of God credential seekers, provides the educational requirements for Licensed Level credentialing with the Assemblies of God. The student will have mastered the basic Bible content (Old and New Testaments), theological principles, and practical ministry skills for service in a church leadership position. Successful completion of the MSO Youth Studies Track, with the specific requirements for Assemblies of God credential seekers, provides the educational requirements for Certified Level credentialing with the Assemblies of God. Please note: Applications for Assemblies of God ministerial credentials are made through the District Councils. Ministerial credentials are issued by The General Council of the Assemblies of God, not by Ministry Studies Online. This program provides academic training, not ministerial recognition. Please contact and build relationships with your local church and district. For more information on AG Credentialing, click HERE.

Is it hard to use the online courseroom?
Not at all. Using the online courseroom is similar to using email, your computer at work, or any basic online program. You will find yourself comfortable very soon as you make your way around the online courseroom.

How do I receive and hand in my assignments?
Just log in to your online courseroom. You can view and print assignments, as well as discuss them with your classmates. The courseroom also allows you to submit your assignments in normal Word document file format.

How do I interact with my instructor and classmates?
MSO is an online program that offers versatile form of learning. Students find that one of the most exciting advantages to our e-learning environment is the ongoing opportunity to interact with instructors and other learners.

- By email: Students and instructors can exchange email addresses at the beginning of each course, which enables ongoing discussion outside of the online classroom.
- By phone: You are free to exchange phone numbers with classmates.
- Using online discussion threads: Some of your favorite interaction will be with your classmates in the online discussions! You will also track topical discussions or respond to questions posed by your instructor.

What time are courses held?
Anytime, anywhere! You can access your course and participate via our online classroom at any time as long as you have an Internet connection. Students usually need to log in 2-5 times each week, but there is no set course time so you can “attend class” anytime. You can expect to spend 6-9 hours each week per course.

How many courses can I take at once?
It’s important to consider your family, work, and ministry responsibilities and the amount of available time you currently devote to each. You can expect to spend 6-9 hours per week for each course you are enrolled in. Up to four courses may be taken each semester, allowing you to finish the entire ministry studies certificate in as little as one year.

Can I get a refund if I need to drop a class?
Tuition is 100% refundable up until the official opening of the course. Please contact our Student Support Specialist HERE to request any refund. Once a course officially opens, no refunds are available. Fees are non-refundable.

Do courses have specific start and end dates?
Yes, each MSO course has a designated start and end date. Courses start in September, January, and May, with each 3 credit course to be completed in 12 weeks. A schedule of courses is available HERE.

How long will it take me to complete the entire certificate program?
Your individual time constraints will determine exactly how long it may take you to complete this certificate program. Many learners are able to complete the program in as little as 12 months, while others may proceed slower and take somewhat longer to finish all 10 courses. The program is designed to be flexible, so you can personalize your course load.

How do I apply to MSO?
Simply complete the online application by clicking HERE. You will then be contacted by our admissions staff with details necessary to register for your first course. It’s as simple as that, and best of all - there is no Application Fee! 

How and when do I register for courses?
The first step is to complete the MSO online application, which can be filled out online HERE.  Once the application is received, users will receive email confirmation within 3-5 business days of their acceptance to the program and their MSO username & password. Once payment is made for the course(s), we will register you in the course. You will have access to course material once the course begins. If you have questions about the registration process, please email us at MSOconnect@gmail.com.

How will I know which courses to take?
Your course options and program requirements are easily accessible on this web site. An overview of the online certificate program is available on the Program Tracking Worksheet HERE.

What if I have more questions?
If you have additional questions, please email us HERE or call 417-812-5111. We look forward assisting you in every step of your endeavor toward furthering your ministry journey!