MA, Spiritual Formation
Deep and Focused Spiritual Formation Training
Our Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation equips students to serve as leaders of spiritual formation ministries and spiritual directors in the church, community and world. Request more information
Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation at a Glance |
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Semester hours | 36 |
Average Completion Time | Two years (Based on taking 8 credit hours of study per term in the fall and spring semesters, 4 credit hours in the summer semester) |
Cost per credit | $576* (financial aid available) |
Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; Association of Theological Schools |
Format | Portland Local - Virtual Anywhere |
Specializations | Spiritual Formation OR Spiritual Direction |
Application Deadlines | Rolling application deadline; apply now for the next fall cohort |
*All stated financial information is subject to change. |
The MASF program will:
- Equip you for work with individuals or groups in spiritual formation and discipleship.
- Encourage your spiritual growth and strengthen your moral integrity for service to God’s mission
- Strengthen your understanding of the various disciplines that undergird the ministry of formation and discipleship
Students will:
- Develop habits of authentic disciplines for living holistically in today’s world
- Experience themselves and relate to others as created in God's image and called into community and ministry
- Demonstrate a critical and constructive understanding of the biblical and theological foundations of the Christian tradition of formation and discipleship
- Articulate an understanding of formation and discipleship as it relates to the mission of God in the world
- Demonstrate the character and skills necessary for spiritually guiding individuals and communities in the Christian tradition of formation and discipleship
Which spiritual formation degree is right for you?
Masters in Spiritual Formation
The master of arts in spiritual formation (MASF) degree is for people who are called to formation and discipleship ministries such as directors of women's, men's, or children’s ministries, spiritual directors, and retreat ministries. Individuals pursuing an MASF degree would have gifts for listening, companioning and guiding people’s spiritual journeys, and creating formation environments such as retreats.
Masters in Ministry with a Specialization in Spiritual Formation
The master of arts in ministry (MAM) with a spiritual formation specialization is for those persons who are called to leadership ministries in the church or parachurch, such as associate pastors, justice advocates, campus pastors, etc. The MAM is a leadership degree and adding a spiritual formation concentration allows the leader to focus more on his or her own personal spiritual growth.
Also consider spiritual direction programs:
Hybrid Program Overview
In our online Masters in Spiritual Formation degree program, you and fellow students form a vibrant learning community online and in person during BridgeWeek. Friendships begin at WaterFront, our three day in person orientation held every August in Portland, Oregon. You'll continue to grow together through engaging in online dialogue, social media cohort groups, face-to-face gatherings and activities each semester.
What Makes it Unique
- Enjoy a degree program delivered in a format flexible enough to fit your lifestyle
- Embrace a robust academic experience without leaving your current ministry context
- Build close-knit community with your co-learners both online and in person
- Participate in studios focused on developing spiritual formation
Plan Your Schedule
- Meet periodically through video chat for hybrid online courses, all held on Thursdays
- Attend BridgeWeek in Portland every October and February (7th week of classes)
- Fall Term (August - December), Spring Term (January - April)
- Summer Term (May - July), which include a 3-5 day in-person intensive in May or June
WaterFront is a required three day orientation for all new students every August. This three day event is full of opportunities for students to connect with faculty, other new students, make final preparations for studies, and participate in spiritual formation activities.
BridgeWeek is the 7th week of every semester, when all distance students come to Portland for face-to-face intensives. Local students who are taking hybrid online courses will meet in person this week as well. Special events are offered in the evenings for both distance and local students.
Studios are specially tailored learning environments where you will delve deep into your chosen specialization. In your studio, you will learn alongside a small group of students who share your specialization interest, and with faculty members or denominational leaders uniquely qualified to facilitate learning in your area.
Spiritual Formation
At the heart of Portland Seminary, historically, is a commitment to the spiritual formation of its students. Formation into Christlikeness prepares the whole person to engage the world for the sake of Christ.
We fulfill this commitment in these ways:
- Every degree program involves students in an intentionally designed spiritual formation curriculum.
- The courses include classic spiritual disciplines as well as intentional holistic awareness.
- Our spiritual formation curriculum is biblically grounded and Christ-centered, and our understanding of spiritual formation involves the intersection of Scripture, theology, psychology, and sociocultural factors.
- Spiritual formation courses are scheduled so that students can participate in formation courses throughout their degree program.
- Each spiritual formation course combines rich academic content, formational activities, accountability, and fellowship, offering students a robust experience.
MA, Spiritual Formation (36 Credit Hours)
Curriculum Plan
Complete the following:
Choose one of the following:
Complete the following:
Choose one of the following:
Complete the following:
Spiritual Formation Practicum (6 hours)
Complete the following:
Students pursue either Apprenticeship or Spiritual Direction to satisfy these 6 credits.