Ministerial Studies

Ministry and Religious Studies Program (M&RS)

Are you called to serve in Unity by:

• Helping people discover and live their purpose and potential through a greater awareness of God?
• Inspiring others through your positive example of prayer and leadership?
• Providing practical teachings to help people live healthy prosperous lives?
• Leading communities of like-minded people on this positive path for spiritual living?

Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute’s M&RS program offers a convenient, affordable, in-depth spiritual education to guide you to credentialing as a Unity minister. Our interactive online courses use current research to build your knowledge and skills in all aspects of ministry, while the rich experience of the instructors and your peers will nurture and inspire you on your journey. Students interested in becoming an ordained Unity minister also need to apply for admission to Unity Worldwide Ministries Licensing and Ordination ministry path.

Prerequisites and courses

There are  prerequisite Spiritual Education & Enrichment (SEE) Core courses that a Ministry & Religious Studies Candidate must complete before applying to the M&RS program. See the prerequisite SEE courses below.

Prerequisite SEE courses: Currently there are 18 prerequisite Spiritual Education and Enrichment (SEE) courses for the ordination path. 

The M&RS courses have both interactive and self-paced components which enable you to engage in a full time ministerial studies program and be complete in 3-5 years. See the current course schedule outlined in our ministerial and spiritual education course schedule. Students interested in our full or part-time ministerial studies should see our Ministerial Studies 3 and 5 & Year Course Map (updated 2/8/18). (Note: Courses may be subject to change.)

The M&RS program provides an exceptional learning experience to help you:

• deepen your self-awareness and your spiritual connection,
• master pastoral practices,
• enhance speaking skills,
• explore Biblical history and interpretation,
• apply metaphysics in your life and learn to help others do the same,
• grow your knowledge in adult and youth education,
• confidently utilize technology in your ministry,
• improve your understanding of ministry administration and governance,
• develop long-lasting professional relationships

We are here to help you attain your goals of becoming a credentialed Unity leader. To get started in a Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute program, enroll now, or contact us with any questions you may have. Remember - Students interested in becoming an ordained Unity minister also need to apply for admission to Unity Worldwide Ministries Licensing and Ordination ministry path. See the M&RS Academic Catalog for more information.

Unity Ministers Student Association (UMSA)

Are you interested in connecting with fellow USWI ministerial students? You can reach out to them at www.unity.msa.org. 

UMSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing support and services to Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute's (UWSI) ministerial student body. They offer student support (academic, technological and pastoral); communicate with UWSI faculty and staff to improve the student's experience; organize webinars, social media outlets, receptions, social gathering and other services in the interest of the student body.

UMSA's purpose is "to promote fellowship and cooperation among the students, faculty and administration of UWSI, and to represent the ministerial students." Members are all UWSI ministerial students who come from various backgrounds and are at different stages of their educational process. Those members graduating from UWSI will be able to remain as alumni, in order to stay connected and continue to serve as mentors. The purpose of this association is to build relationships while addressing students' concerns.

The current "leaders" of the UMSA are those students who have spent time and energy to bring this Association to life. We hope you will learn more about UMSA and take advantage of their support, experience and knowledge at  www.unity.msa.org.