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.
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Below you will find a list of our degree programs. Click on the name of the degree for more information and degree requirements. Let us know how we can be a part of answering your call to ministry. Click here for our degree comparison sheet.
PRE-SEMINARY
The Pre-Seminary Program (PSP) provides a pathway for students with significant ministry experience but with less than 50 undergraduate credit hours to demonstrate their call, character, and capacity for graduate-level theological studies.
(Click degree for more info)
MASTER OF DIVINITY
The 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.
(Click degree for more info)
MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
The MACM equips those working in non-profits, campus ministry, para-church, missions, business, or other fields. This degree prepares you to lead within your vocation.
(Click degree for more info)
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
The DMin is 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. We have 10 tracks to choose from.
(Click degree for more info)
CERTIFICATE IN FOUNDATIONS FOR MINISTRY
The Certificate in Foundations for Ministry is designed for persons without a bachelor’s degree who seek theological education to provide a foundation for ministry.
(Click degree for more info)
CERTIFICATE IN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
For those who already have an MDiv or masters level degree in theological studies, the Certificate in Spiritual Direction consists of 18 hours of graduate level work. Fifteen of those hours are in the required core courses with one additional course elective. MDiv graduates or others who do not want or need graduate academic credit can still get the Spiritual Direction certificate by auditing classes at a rate of $430 per class.
(Click degree for more info)
GUEST STUDENTS
Auditing
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?
Members of the community and current students are welcome to audit any master’s level class at Memphis Theological Seminary. If you have a desire to learn and to participate in theological education, but not to earn academic credit, you should consider this option.
Auditors do not pay tuition, but must pay an auditing fee and are not eligible for financial aid. LEARN MORE
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Non-degree seeking students take MTS master’s level courses for graduate credit but without committing to a degree program. These students must still go through the MTS application process and pay regular tuition.
Important Admission and Financial Aid dates
NOTICE: If you intend to apply for scholarships as an incoming student you MUST meet the early application deadline.
| August 8, 2025 Fall 2025 Admission deadline for Masters & Certificate programs |
August 18-21, 2025 Fall 2025 Orientation and Residency I for New MDiv & MACM |
August 18, 2025 First day of Fall 2025 Classes |
| October 1, 2025 2026-2027 FAFSA Opens MTS School Code G10529 |
December 31, 2025 Spring 2026 Scholarship Application deadline |
January 9, 2026 Spring 2026 Admission deadline |
| January 12-15, 2026 Spring 2026 Orientation and Residency I for New MDiv & MACM |
January 12, 2026 First Day of Spring 2026 Classes |
April 30, 2026 Admission deadline for DMin program |
| May 31, 2026 Fall 2026 Scholarship Application deadline & Fall 2026 Early Admission deadline for Masters & Certificate programs |
August 7, 2026 Fall 2026 admission deadline for Master's & Certificate programs |
Apply
Click the ICON if you are ready to apply to a degree program. We offer online applications for a streamlined process.
Schedule A Visit
Click on the ICON if you would like to schedule a visit. We offer virtual open houses, information sessions, individual sessions, class previews and virtual tours to offer to prospective students.
Request Info
Click the ICON to receive more information regarding our degree programs and/or to speak to one of our admissions recruiters.
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.
Terrick Banks
Fekecia Gunn
flgunn@memphisseminary.edu
Associate Dean for Students