Program at a Glance
The Master of Arts in Christian Faith and Life is an online, 30-credit-hour graduate program for professionals who want to study theology and apply Christian faith across their careers and daily lives — outside of traditional ordination or ministry tracks.
What You'll Learn
Each online course is built to deepen your interpretation of faith and provide real-world application in your field. By the end of the program, graduates will have the ability to:- Read and interpret scripture and theological texts, comparing perspectives among Christian traditions.
- Apply Christian faith across disciplines, connecting theology to fields such as business, health care and the arts.
- Create a decision-making framework with a Christ-centered approach, addressing complex social and global challenges.
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Why This Program?
Program Distinctions
Faith for Daily Life: While some students may pursue traditional ministry roles, this program helps people navigate faith across a wide range of professional and personal settings, from business and education to health care, the arts and public service.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Explore how faith intersects with fields such as theology, medicine, law, business, science, architecture and nursing.
Spiritual Formation: Learn to study the Bible, engage in research and discussion, and apply faith in real-world settings.
Program Details
Curriculum
Core Curriculum (30 Credit Hours)- CFL 5010: Theology as a Way of Life
- CFL 5015 Who Is Jesus Christ?
- CFL 5020 Faith, Beauty, and Imagination
- Interdisciplinary Partner: O’More College of Architecture & Design
- CFL 5025 Worship and Christian Life
- CFL 5030 Technology and the Good Life
- Interdisciplinary Partner: College of Sciences and Mathematics
- CFL 5035 Being Human
- Interdisciplinary Partner: Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine
- CFL 5040 Community and the Common Good
- Interdisciplinary Partner: Belmont University College of Law BSA
- CFL 5045 Social Entrepreneurship and the Common Good.
- Interdisciplinary Partner: Jack C. Massey College of Business
- CFL 5050 Suffering and Death
- Interdisciplinary Partner: Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing
- CFL 5100 Capstone
- Students must complete at least 18 credit hours before enrolling in the Capstone.
- The Capstone is recommended in the final semester and includes an in-person presentation component.
Online and Asynchronous: Learn on your schedule. All coursework is available online and asynchronous with live faculty support and peer engagement as you move through the program.
On-Campus Orientation: Start with an in-person orientation on Belmont’s campus, building connections with faculty and peers.
Interdisciplinary Faculty Expertise: Learn from faculty across fields like health care, law, business and design, exploring how Christian faith applies across disciplines.
Capstone Project: Complete a capstone project connecting theology and faith to your field or area of interest.
- Education
- Law
- Heath Care
- Business
- Art & Design
- Ministry
Application Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 preferred; conditional review available for applicants below 3.0 with evidence of readiness
- Statement of Purpose outlining career goals and program fit
- Two Letters of Recommendation (one academic, one professional) attesting to readiness and leadership potential
Additional Information:
- Transfer Credit: Up to 6 graduate hours may transfer (B or higher, within 5 years).
- Application Review: Rolling admissions; early application recommended for preferred start term.
Tuition
Tuition: $865 per credit hour- Belmont alumni receive a 20% tuition discount.
Learn more about graduate tuition and financial aid
Sample Course Sequence
*Flexible pacing based on your schedule| Semester | Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Year 1 | CFL 5010 | Theology as a Way of Life |
| CFL 5015 | Who Is Jesus Christ? | |
| Spring Year 1 | CFL 5020 | Faith, Beauty, and Imagination |
| CFL 5025 | Worship and Christian Life | |
| Summer Year 2 | CFL 5030 | Technology and the Good Life |
| CFL 5035 | Being Human | |
| Fall Year 2 | CFL 5040 | Community and the Common Good |
| CFL 5045 | Social Entrepreneurship and the Common Good | |
| Spring Year 2 | CFL 5050 | Suffering and Death |
| CFL 5100 | Capstone |
Learn from Expert Faculty
In the MACFL program, you’ll learn from faculty who bring both academic expertise and real-world experience across disciplines. Drawing from fields such as theology, business, health care, law and the arts, professors connect their work to the classroom, helping you explore how faith informs a wide range of professions and contexts.
Gary Garrison
Email: gary.garrison@belmont.edu
Alex Hoffman
Email: alex.hoffman@belmont.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
The MACFL is an online theology degree designed for those who want to apply their faith beyond traditional ministry roles, preparing them to lead and solve complex problems within their communities.
Yes. The program is 100% online and asynchronous, so coursework can be completed on your own schedule. The only on-campus requirements are the orientation and capstone presentation at the start and conclusion of the program.
The program is 30 credit hours. The MACFL is flexible based on your schedule, but students should expect to complete it in as few as 5 terms, or 16 to 24 months.
No. Students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds are welcome, regardless of their stage in the Christian faith or prior study of theology.
The MACFL is designed for both early-career graduates and professionals who want to pursue a master's in theology and learn to think deeply about their faith and apply it in their work and everyday life.
It is a strong fit for individuals across fields such as business, education, health care, nonprofit leadership, the arts and public service.
Yes. The Belmont Bruin Alumni Grant offers 20% tuition reduction for Belmont graduates.
Additionally, to determine your eligibility for financial aid, graduate students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Unlike many Master’s in theology programs focused on preparing students for ministry roles, the M.A. in Christian Faith and Life is designed to help students integrate faith into a wide range of interests and professions.
While a Master of Divinity (MDiv) prepares students for ordained ministry and pastoral leadership, the MACFL is an online theology degree designed for those who want to apply their faith across their careers and communities.
MACFL graduates enter their fields equipped with a distinct advantage — a theologically grounded perspective that shapes how they lead, serve and make decisions across careers in nonprofit leadership, education, business, health care, ministry and public service.
Contact Us
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Sophie Chua
Admissions Coordinator
(615) 460.8335