Yes. The degree (MATS or MAML) is awarded by Southeastern University, a regionally accredited university. The School of Divinity is also accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

This is not a church-issued certificate, internal credential or nationally accredited degree. It is a fully recognized regional (the highest level) graduate degree.

The degree requires 36 credit hours.

At the expected pace of two 3-credit courses per semester (6 credit hours per semester), most students complete the program in approximately 18–24 months.

Motivated students may complete it more quickly.

The Missional Innovation Program will launch Wednesday, January 13 at National Community Church in Washington DC.

This is graduate-level work.

Participants should expect:

Approximately 6–12 hours per week of reading, writing, and study (depending on pace and reading speed).

This program makes it possible for full-time professionals to pursue a fully accredited master’s degree without stepping away from their career or family responsibilities.

While SEU allows rolling enrollment, Missional Innovation Program accepts new participants only at the start of each year to preserve shared rhythm and community formation.

You may join SEU’s subscription degree program without the Missional Innovation/NCC overlay at any time, however doing so will not include you in those mentoring/discipleship activities.

This is not a light commitment. It is a focused season of intentional growth.

The MAML comprises 36 credit hours.

The subscription-based format is $399 per month (set by SEU).

Under the previous pricing model of $545 per-credit-hour, the MAML cost was $19,620 plus fees. Click here and scroll down to “Cost Saving Examples” to see the estimated degree costs for the subscription-based format, based on the number of credit hours taken at a time each semester.

Students pay SEU directly. NCC does not determine tuition costs.

Students should anticipate additional costs for travel and accommodation for learning experiences.

Because this program is offered at a discounted subscription rate, federal financial aid is not available.

While SEU allows rolling enrollment, Missional Innovation Program accepts new participants only at the start of each year to preserve shared rhythm and community formation.

All participants are expected to:

Complete the SEU application (degree track only)

Submit a program application to NCC/The Dream Collective.

Attend the learning experiences

Maintain steady academic and spiritual progress

AI tools (such as ChatGPT or similar platforms) may be used as supplemental tools for brainstorming or clarification.

However, participants may not use AI or online summaries to bypass reading assigned books or replace their own theological thinking and written work.

The goal of this journey is not simply information, but transformation.

Students who complete the 36-credit Master of Arts degree are eligible to participate in Southeastern University’s in-person commencement ceremony.

Competency-based education (CBE) is a flexible learning model that allows students to progress by demonstrating mastery of specific competencies rather than simply completing seat time in a traditional classroom format.

Unlike traditional academic pathways that often emphasize writing numerous theoretical research papers detached from real-life application, competency-based education focuses on developing measurable skills and demonstrated understanding.

In this format:

You work at a structured but flexible pace

You demonstrate learning through applied assignments

Many projects connect directly to your ministry context or leadership role

You integrate theological study with real-world service and leadership

The goal is not simply producing academic papers.

The goal is becoming competent in Scripture, theology, leadership, and discipleship — and applying that growth meaningfully in your actual life and ministry.

This creates a formation environment where academic depth strengthens real-world faithfulness.

No.

The degree you receive is exactly the same Master of Arts theological degree awarded to students in traditional formats at Southeastern University and other seminaries.

You receive grades.

You earn a GPA and have transcripts.

Your transcript reflects graduate-level coursework.

Your diploma does not distinguish between competency-based or traditional formats.

The academic standards, accreditation, and degree requirements remain the same.

The difference is the learning model — not the legitimacy of the degree.

An undergraduate degree is ideal, but not having one does not automatically disqualify you from this program.

For students who do not have a completed college degree but desire admission, SEU may request additional information as part of the application process. In some cases, SEU is able to consider admissions exceptions through ATS, the Association of Theological Schools.

So please do not disqualify yourself too quickly. When in doubt, apply. We want to help you explore whether this opportunity may be available to you.

While Pastor Mark might serve from time-to-time as a Faculty Mentor, he will primarily be a teaching voice. NCC staff with terminal degrees will serve as Faculty Mentors with Southeastern University, helping students walk through their ministry degree with guidance, encouragement, and practical support.

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These Faculty Mentors will act as a guide for your coursework, helping you understand course expectations, think through assignment options, and connect what you are learning to real ministry leadership. They will also serve as your official professor for each of your 12 courses, evaluating your work, and grading your assignments throughout the program.

Because SEU’s program uses a competency-based model, students are not just completing classes; they are demonstrating that they can faithfully apply biblical, theological, and leadership principles in real-life ministry settings. Faculty Mentors help students identify how their current ministry experience, calling, and coursework can work together as evidence of growth and mastery.

For pastors, ministry leaders, and emerging leaders in the program, Pastor Mark and the NCC team will help bridge the gap between theological education and practical ministry.

More information about SEU’s MAML/MATS CBT programs can be found here: https://seu.edu/academics/programs/ma-in-ministerial-leadership/#details