Nov. 15—Northwestern College (St. Paul) announces the addition of two online graduate degree programs: Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) and Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL). The online degrees, approved by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, will equip students with the foundational knowledge and tools required to succeed as leaders in ministry, business and other fields.

The MOL and MATS degrees have been offered in a concentrated, cohort-based, one-night-a-week format for several years. The unique format has been well received by working adults, but students from outside Minnesota could not tap into the programs. Now, with the online offerings, the graduate programs will provide the opportunity for students anywhere in the world to access Northwestern’s biblically based, academically challenging graduate programs. The first online cohort for the MATS program will begin in February 2011, followed by the launch of the online MOL in March.

“The new online degrees are a natural extension of Northwestern’s academic programs,” noted Vickie Bakken, director of recruitment for Graduate & Continuing Education. “Our master’s degrees, rooted in evangelical theology, are unique and we now have the opportunity to offer them without being restricted by location.”

The MOL degree integrates a Christian perspective into the context of leadership and management, prepares leaders for a fast-paced administrative environment and provides skills and knowledge to incorporate leadership into various organizational settings.

The MATS degree prepares students for lay leadership or service in professional ministry through exploration of rich theological truths found within the pages of the Bible. MATS students typically pursue careers in ministry or further study at seminary.

For more information on the new online graduate degrees, visit nwc.edu/gradstudies.