In 1988, Dr. Doug McLachlan had a burden to see men further equipped for ministry after completing their undergraduate training. Working closely with Dr. Les Ollila and Northland’s Bible Department, Dr. McLachlan launched the Master of Ministry program to help pastors sharpen their ministry tools. The Doctor of Sacred Ministry program began a few years later to further Northland’s purpose of assisting full-time ministers of the Gospel. These two programs formed the backbone of Northland Graduate School’s commitment to theological training, which is still continuing on for the glory of God. The Doctor of Sacred Ministry program was formally transitioned to a Doctor of Ministry program in 2010 to reflect Northland’s increasing commitment of equipping servant-leaders for Great Commission living. Today, courses are offered in these programs through one-week modules and eight-week online classes.
Also in 1998, the Master of Arts degree was instituted to provide academic training for graduate students desiring to expand their practical and theological knowledge as preparation for ministry or seminary. Dr. Sam Horn was instrumental to the early success of the Master of Arts program and helped to shape the curriculum of the degree offerings. Currently, Northland Graduate School offers Master of Arts degrees in Cross-Cultural Studies, Biblical Counseling, and Biblical Studies.
God opened the door for Northland to launch Northland Online in 2010. With this addition, God has greatly expanded our ability to impact students through the global classroom. Consequently, students in any of our graduate programs may take classes from the comfort of home, choosing from four degrees on the master’s level offered entirely online.
While many men and women have served in Northland Graduate School over the years, God has used a few particular individuals to provide vision, stability, and integrity for the program. Dr. Doug McLachlan served as the first dean of the program and now continues as an adjunct professor. Dr. Les Ollila, chancellor of Northland International University, enjoys the opportunity to invest in students through the classroom as well as opportunities for ministerial counsel. Dr. Matt Olson is a graduate of Northland’s Doctor of Ministry program. He currently serves as the president of Northland International University and enjoys opportunities to teach and encourage pastors, missionaries, and other full-time ministers of the Gospel through Northland Graduate School. Dr. Sam Horn has been used by God as dean of the Graduate School in the past and is currently one of the main instructors in our Master of Arts, Master of Ministry, and Doctor of Ministry programs. Northland Graduate School is currently positioned at an exciting moment in its history. We continue to have the express privilege of the involvement of each of these men, and by the grace of God, we look to the future of graduate training under the continued guidance and participation of these individuals.
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If you have any questions regarding how some of these courses might relate to your particular program, please contact the Graduate School Office at your earliest convenience by calling 715.324.6900 ext. 3400.
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