Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation
Be formed by Christ and for Christ
At A Glance
Accreditation
ATS (Association of Theological Schools), NWCCU
Format
Hybrid (online courses with two annual BridgeWeek intensives in Portland each September)
Tuition Cost for Entire Program
$23,668* (plus $1,600 per BridgeWeek intensive)
Workload
Two courses per semester for a total of 20 hours of work per week
Cohort Model
Take courses for two years of the three-year program with the same group of 12-20 students - more
Application Deadlines
Rolling application deadline; apply now for the next fall cohort
* Based on taking 6 semester credit hours of study per term in the fall and spring semesters.
** All stated financial information is subject to change. Financial aid available.
The desire to know God more truly, to understand the grace of Christ with more clarity, to see through the Spirit’s eyes the beauty of redemption for a fallen world, and to lead others in their own deeper life journey – these are the roads that lead us to spiritual formation.
Our Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation will answer this call on your heart and will equip you to serve as a leader of spiritual formation ministries and as a spiritual director in the church, community and world.
At the heart of Portland Seminary is a commitment to the spiritual formation of each student. Formation into Christlikeness prepares us to engage the world for the sake of Christ, and no matter what program you pursue, you will engage in an intentionally designed spiritual formation curriculum.
What Will I Experience?
- A curriculum that is biblically grounded and Christ-centered
- An approach to biblical spiritual formation that involves the intersection of Scripture, theology, psychology, and sociocultural factors as it relates to the mission of God in the world
- A robust curriculum filled with rich academic content, formational activities, accountability, and fellowship
- Spiritual formation and discipleship practices necessary for spiritually guiding both individuals and communities
- A Spiritual Director Certification program is available for graduates of the Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation program
Program Experiences
- WaterFront is a required one-day online orientation for new students every August. This event is full of opportunities for students to connect with faculty and other new students, make final preparations for studies, and participate in spiritual formation activities.
- BridgeWeek occurs annually in September. Master's students in an active cohort come to Portland for face-to-face intensives. Special events are offered throughout the week.
Flexible Format
The Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation is a three-year program in which you study with diverse professors and cohort peers.
Our hybrid format blends online learning with an intensive in-person experience each year, allowing you to connect deeply with diverse faculty and cohort peers.
What does a hybrid format look like?
- You'll join your cohort and instructor weekly on Monday for a Zoom conversation and engage in online forum discussions throughout the week.
- Attend a five-day BridgeWeek intensive in person every September (fourth week of fall classes).
Charley Liljequist
Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation, 2021
I came to Portland Seminary because I was hungry and curious. These past two years have been a container, graciously holding space for me to wrestle with big questions, to dig deep within myself, and to experience restoration. I’m so grateful for this community that cares for my personal formation as much as my education.
Questions?
Haley Holman
Admissions Counselor, Portland Seminary
Compare Seminary Masters Programs
Compare our four online masters programs to find out which will help you pursue God's calling in your life.
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