ADMISSIONS
Memphis Theological Seminary’s vision of theological education for ministry engages students throughout their studies in the practice of ministry. The MTS curriculum integrates theological study with practical experience in a variety of ministry settings. Five different courses spread throughout the curriculum have practicums.
Additionally, students are required to take at least one “immersion” course in which the classroom becomes the city, farms and rural churches, the courts and jails, or a place of hospitality for homeless persons.
All of the faculty at MTS are experienced practitioners of ministry, ranging from congregational settings in both urban and rural areas to non-profit organizations to chaplaincies. They know how to connect seminary education with the practice of ministry.
Finally, at MTS we know that preparation for ministry is not only about the head, but also about relationship with God in a community of faith. Formation for Ministry, regular opportunities for worship, time for prayer in the chapel, and colloquies with visiting scholars and activists, ensure that students have the space to develop spiritually as they prepare for ministry.
We are dedicated to educating students so that they are well prepared to have a lively imagination for ministry, open to challenges, ready for difficult days, and committed to serving God through service in the church and the broader community.
Below you will find descriptions of each program and a link to download the application. Click on the name of the degree for more information or click on Learn More for the course and degree requirements. Let us know how we can be a part of answering your call to ministry.
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is a professional degree that prepares you to be a transformational leader in ministry. Theological instruction combined with hands-on ministry experience in immersive courses and practicums offers the knowledge and skills necessary for creative pastoral ministry. LEARN MORE
Hybrid-Online Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is a professional degree that prepares you to be a transformational leader in ministry. Theological instruction combined with hands-on ministry experience in immersive courses and practicums offers the knowledge and skills necessary for creative pastoral ministry. The Hybrid-Online format offers flexibility to complete your MDiv at MTS while working or from a distance through a cohort model, combining in-person classroom experience with the convenience of online learning! LEARN MORE
Doctor of Ministry
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree is available for ministers who have a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary and who desire a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry. Designed to increase the ability of servant leaders to analyze and reform ministry and to empower constituents for discipleship in the world, it is the highest degree in the practice of ministry. LEARN MORE
Korean Doctor of Ministry
The Korean Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree is available for ministers who have a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary and who desire a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry. Designed to increase the ability of servant leaders to analyze and reform ministry and to empower constituents for discipleship in the world, it is the highest degree in the practice of ministry. LEARN MORE
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (Youth and Young Adults Ministry Track)
MACM (Youth and Young Adults Ministry Track)
The Youth and Young Adult Ministry Track equips students for competent leadership in ministry with young people in the church and in the world. LEARN MORE
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (Christian Education Specialization)
The Christian Education specialization is intended for those preparing for ministry as directors and teachers of Christian education within congregational and other settings. LEARN MORE
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (Social Justice Specialization)
The Social Justice specialization is intended for those preparing for ministry with persons and organizations addressing systemic injustice. LEARN MORE
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (United Methodist Deacon Specialization)
MACM (United Methodist Deacon)
The United Methodist Deacon specialization provides the basic educational requirements for ordination as a deacon in the United Methodist Church. LEARN MORE
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (Create Your Own Specialization)
The Create Your Own specialization option provides an opportunity for students to tailor an MACM specialization to their particular interests and goals in consultation with the Admissions Office and Academic Affairs. LEARN MORE
Wesleyan Studies
Certificate of Wesleyan Studies
The Certificate in Wesleyan Studies is earned by competing 15 hours in courses carrying the Wesleyan Studies designation. This program is a great way to learn about the Methodist tradition and prepare for ordination or simply deepen one’s knowledge of the tradition.
For non-degree seeking students these courses are part of a regular course load. For non-degree seeking students these courses can either be audited with some additional requirements, or taken for graduate credit.
Netters Certificate in Ministry
The Dr. James L. Netters Certificate in Congregational Ministry is a certificate program designed for persons who are active in congregational life, but not interested in pursuing a Masters level degree. This certificate program aspires to prepare Christian leaders (lay and clergy) to offer competent leadership in congregational life. This program provides high-level theological education for associate ministers, Sunday school teachers, committee chairpersons and others who serve the church. LEARN MORE
AUDITING
Guest Students
Have you ever wanted to sit in on a seminary class and gain some theological education but not worry about doing homework, taking exams, or writing papers?
Guest students are welcome to “audit” any regularly offered class at Memphis Theological Seminary. If you have a desire to learn and to participate in theological education, but not as a credit earning student, you should consider this option.
Guest students attend the scheduled classes, and learn alongside degree seeking students, but are not responsible for graded assignments. Some guest students may take a set schedule of classes and can earn a certificate, such as the Netters Certificate in Theological Education, or the Faith and Health Certificate.
Guest students pay an auditing fee and are not eligible for financial aid. LEARN MORE
NIGHT TRACK
Memphis Theological Seminary now offers a Night Track for our master’s degree programs. The program makes it possible for a working adult to obtain their MDiv or MACM while still maintaining their full- time job. Classes are offered Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings from 6-9 pm. A full time student may complete the MDiv in 4 years and the MACM may be completed in 3 years. Learn how you can become a student.
We appreciate your interest in Memphis Theological Seminary. The MTS admissions staff is committed to supporting you in your theological journey. We are here to help you while you are discerning your call, considering degree and certificate options, and supporting you as you do ministry in the real world. At MTS we are committed to educating and sustaining men and women for ordained and lay ministry in the church and the world through shaping and inspiring lives devoted to scholarship, piety, and justice. Please don't hesitate to ask how we can assist you along in your journey.
Rev. Fekecia Gunn
Director of Enrollment Services
Fekecia is a graduate of The University of Tulsa (2004) and of Memphis Theological Seminary (2012). She currently serves as Youth Minister at St. Andrew AME Church in Memphis, TN.
Contact Fekecia:
flgunn@MemphisSeminary.edu
901.334.5887
Rev. Byron Forester
Admissions Associate
Byron is a graduate of Bethel College (1974) and of Memphis Theological Seminary (2007). He serves as pastor of the Newbern, TN Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Roellen, TN Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Byron spends Monday mornings as a volunteer at Manna House, a place of hospitality for poor and unsheltered people, He and wife, Michelle Brown have three daughters. They live five blocks from MTS.
Contact Byron:
bforester@MemphisSeminary.edu
901.334.5841