Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for admission to Memphis Theological Seminary?

Make sure you meet the admission requirements for the desired program, then you can fill out the application or schedule to meet with the Admissions department if there are any additional questions you may have.

NOTICE: If you intend to apply for scholarships as an incoming student you MUST be admitted AND registered in order to apply for scholarships. Please see the scholarship deadlines below: 

  • Fall Scholarship deadline is May 31st
  • Spring Scholarship deadline is December 31st

Click here to view our list of scholarships. (Click on the bold words to go to webpage)

What kind of career can I seek with a degree from MTS?

Master of Divinity (MDiv):
Prepares graduates for leadership roles in ordained ministry and chaplaincy. Common career paths include:

  • Senior Pastor

  • Associate Pastor

  • Hospital or College Chaplain

  • Missionary

  • Church Planter

  • Youth or Campus Minister

  • Religious Educator

  • Nonprofit Ministry Leader

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM):
Focuses on specialized ministry preparation and leadership. Graduates often serve as:

  • Christian Education Directors

  • Children’s Ministers

  • Directors of Family or Adult Ministry

  • Senior Adult Ministry Coordinators

  • Sunday School Superintendents

  • Youth and Young Adult Ministers

  • Chaplains (healthcare, military, prisons)

  • Social Justice Advocates

  • Outreach Coordinators

  • Nonprofit and Community Organization Leaders/Activist

  • Missionaries
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

The Doctor of Ministry is an advanced professional degree designed for ministers, church leaders, and ministry professionals seeking to deepen their theological knowledge and enhance practical ministry skills. It is especially suited for mid-career individuals with experience in pastoral or ministry roles who want to expand their impact and leadership.

Career Paths for DMin Graduates Include:

  • Senior or Executive Pastor

  • Denominational Leader or Executive

  • Ministry Director or Church Administrator

  • Seminary or Ministry Faculty Member

  • Chaplain (healthcare, military, prison)

  • Missionary with leadership focus

  • Nonprofit Executive or Religious NGO Leader

  • Strategic Consultant for Churches or Faith-Based Organizations

  • Professor of Theology or Practical Ministry

  • Specialist in Organizational Leadership, Spiritual Formation, or Pastoral Counseling

Certificate Programs:
Offer focused training for specific ministry skills and leadership areas, suitable for lay leaders, deacons, and others seeking to deepen practical competencies in ministry settings.

Additional Career Paths Related to Theology and Ministry Degrees

  • Religious Educator in Elementary or Secondary Schools

  • Retreat and Camp Director

  • Counselors or Crisis Prevention Specialists in Faith-Based Settings

  • Government or Diplomatic Service involving cultural and religious understanding (e.g., Foreign Service Officers)

  • Media and Communications Professionals in Religious Organizations

  • Academic Positions in Seminaries or Higher Education (with advanced degrees)

Support for Students and Alumni

Memphis Theological Seminary also offers career development resources including vocational counseling, internship placement assistance, and connections to ministry employers locally and nationwide.

I do not have a bachelors degree can I still be a student?

Yes, Memphis Theological Seminary offers several pathways for students without a bachelor’s degree:

Pre-Seminary Program (PSP):

  • Designed for students who are at least 40 years old and have significant ministry experience but less than 50 undergraduate credit hours.

  • Applicants must submit an application, pay a $25 fee, provide three references, and write an essay sharing their call to ministry and readiness for graduate theological studies.

  • This program provides foundational theological education and prepares students for potential future graduate degree study.

  • Courses are $500 per course for 4 courses. Once courses are successfully passed with a grade of “B” or better, then the student will be ablet to start the Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program.

  • Once accepted into the Masters course, degree tuition and fees apply. Federal Student loans are unable to be used for this program.

Certificate in Foundations for Ministry:

  • Tailored for persons without a bachelor’s degree who seek theological education for ministry roles like associate ministers or Sunday school teachers.

  • No bachelor’s degree required to enroll.

  • Offers a certificate rather than academic credit.

Auditing Courses:

  • Community members and prospective students may audit most master’s level courses with instructor permission, attending classes without earning credit or a grade.

Click here to review programs.

I have a bachelor’s degree, but it’s not in religion. Can I still apply?

Yes. While a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required, that degree may be in any field. Memphis Theological Seminary has students with educational backgrounds in psychology, history, religion, engineering, finance, education, business, law, etc.

How long will it take me to complete a degree?

  • The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program requires 78 credit hours and is designed for full-time students to complete in approximately three and a half years.

  • The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) requires 48 credit hours and is designed to be completed in about two and a half years by full-time students.

  • Students may choose from online classes offered either synchronously or asynchronously, as well as on-campus classes that meet weekly or monthly.

  • MACM students have the same flexible options for online (synchronous or asynchronous) and on-campus weekly or monthly classes.

  • Actual time to completion for all programs depends on the number of classes a student takes each semester and whether they attend full-time or part-time.

  • The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program consists of 32 credit hours and is designed for completion in three years.

  • The DMin program has a one-week residency (in person) each semester for 5 semesters. The sixth semester does not have any in-person time. The remaining class time will be completed remotely.

How much is tuition?

Click here to see current tuition and fees.

Can I get financial aid?

Yes, we offer Unsubsidized Direct Loans and Grad Plus Loans.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information about

  • Federal Student Loans
  • Scholarships
  • Denominational Funding (UMC, CP, CPCA etc)
  • Other payment options

Contact the Office of the Registrar for Veterans’ Benefits. Dr. Scott Lencke at (901) 334-5801 or slencke@MemphisSeminary.edu

Am I too old to go back to school?

The average age of our entering students is 56. We recently graduated a 73 years young student and we have as students as young as 21. You are never too old to answer God’s call on your life.

May I complete my degree with all online classes?

Sort of.

MDiv, MACM students must participate in three required residencies on campus throughout their degree program. The rest of their courses can be completed online.

DMIN students are only required to be on campus for their one-week residency per semester (except the final semester which is for writing only). Otherwise, the rest of their time is remote.

I feel called to seminary, but I don’t know exactly what God wants me to do. Which degree program should I choose?

You’re not alone, so don’t worry. Many people whom God calls take a while to figure out the details. Switching from one ministry degree program to another ministry degree is easy if done early enough. You may also apply as a non-degree-seeking student and earn up to 12 hours credit while deciding which degree to pursue.

Is the GRE required?

No, the GRE is not required for admission. Criteria for admission for the Master of Divinity (MDiv) and the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) include an accredited undergraduate degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.50 on a 4.0 scale. Criteria for admission for the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) include an accredited Masters with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent. For more information about admissions criteria, click here.

  • When is my payment due?
    Tuition is due two weeks prior to the start of the semester and no later than the first day of the semester.
  • Where can I mail my payment?
    168 E. Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104 Attn: Bursar’s Office.
  • Can I pay my fees over the phone or online by credit card?
    You can make a credit card payment over the phone with a 2.75% processing fee on all debit/credit cards. Tuition payments can also be made by students by way of their student portal ledger tab. The 2.75% processing fee has to be manually included when making payment via the student portal. (Please contact the Business Office for assistance if needed) Visa/Mastercard and Discover are the cards we currently accept.
  • Can I register for the next semester if I have an outstanding balance?
    Unfortunately, if a student account remains unpaid, the account is placed on hold at mid-term. Our computer system will not allow registration or issuance of a transcript when there is an outstanding balance.
  • Can I pay my fees before I receive an invoice?
    Yes. Fees can be paid as soon as you have been registered for a class. Invoices are not mailed but are viewable at the student portal as soon as you have registered for a class/classes. (Click on the semester you’ve registered to view your balance for tuition and fees).
  • How should my check be made out?
    Make your check payable to “Memphis Theological Seminary/MTS” and write your student ID number on the check.
  • How do I receive my excess financial aid funds?
    Refund checks are ready within 14 days after the funds have been received by MTS. The Business Office makes it the highest priority to prepare the refunds as soon as possible. You will be contacted by the Business Office through your student MTS email address when your refund and paperwork are ready. You will need to bring your current drivers license or government issued ID with you. Also, please note that even if you do not receive a refund, you are still required to sign additional paperwork.
  • What if I decide I am not going to attend classes this term?
    There is a refund schedule in the financial section of the MTS catalog. It is your responsibility to withdraw or drop any classes, with the Registrar’s Office, within the appropriate time frame to receive a credit. There is an drop/add fee of $55 (with each class added/dropped) assessed to your account.
Library

  • Where do I go to search for periodical articles, book reviews, and essays?
    Use EBSCOHost search for access to the ATLA Religion database or the Tennessee Electronic Library.
  • Can I renew materials without coming to the library?
    Yes, but only once and only if they’re not already overdue. Call the library or renew online using the library catalog.
  • What is my patron ID number?
    It is the number on the barcode on the back of your student ID or library card.
  • Who can get a library card?
    Current students, faculty, staff, and alumni of MTS can receive a library card with no charge. Other persons wishing to obtain a library card may purchase one for $25 per year.