HYBRID TRACK
The MDiv is a professional degree, preparing you for transformational leadership in ministry. The Hybrid-Online format offers flexibility to complete your MDiv at MTS while working or from a distance through a cohort model. In-person classroom experience with the convenience of online learning!
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 through the integration of scholarship, piety, and justice. MTS is proud of its accessible class schedules, offering the full MDiv curriculum through traditional, night-track, or hybrid-online tracks.
SCHOLARSHIP
- Critically interpret Christian scripture, history, and doctrine to inform and guide ministry.
- Employ theological reflection and exercise skills for ministerial leadership in light of cultural contexts and global realities within which the church carries out its mission.
PIETY
- Develop and sustain deeper self awareness and accountability for sustainable ministry leadership.
- Be open to diverse perspectives and expressions of love for God, neighbor, and the creation.
JUSTICE
- View injustice in new and more complex ways because of transformational encounters with personal and systemic injustices.
- Integrate ministry with critical, creative, and compassionate responses to injustice guided by religious faith.
Religious Heritage
| Introduction to Old Testament | 3 |
| Introduction to New Testament | 3 |
| Additional Electives in OT and NT | 6 |
| Christian Heritage I | 3 |
| Christian Heritage II | 3 |
| Theology and Church History Electives | 6 |
| Theology or Church History Elective | 3 |
| Total credits in Religious Heritage Core: | 27 |
Christianity and Culture
| Contexts and Models for Mission and Evangelism | 3 |
| Introduction to Christian Ethics | 3 |
| Interfaith and Cultural | 6 |
| Total Credits in Christianity and Culture Core: | 12 |
Ministry and Practical Theology
| Introduction to the Theology and Practice of Worship (includes practicum) | 4 |
| Introduction to the Theology and Practice of Preaching (includes practicum) | 4 |
| Introduction to Theology and Practice of Pastoral Care | 3 |
| Clinical Practicum | 3 |
| Theology and Practice of Pastoral Leadership | 4 |
| Introduction to Christian Education and Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| Formation for Ministry (two semesters in the first year) | 3 |
| Total Credits in Ministry and Practical Theology Core: | 24 |
| Total Core Credits: | 63 |
| Integrative Seminar | 3 |
| Free Electives (remaining credits after 66 with 84 total required) | 18 |
Total Credits: 84
Practicums are distributed throughout the curriculum so that students are grounded in ministry experience through the entirety of their course of study. There are practicums integrated into core courses on evangelism and mission, preaching, worship, and pastoral leadership. Additionally, there is a Clinical Practicum designed to give students pastoral care experience under supervision in a ministry setting.
Memphis Theological Seminary offers additional courses that meet ordination requirements for certain denominations. Students seeking ordination should consult their denomination officials to ascertain current requirements and procedures.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| Master of Divinity | Master of Divinity | ||
| · Early Deadline | May 31 | · Early Deadline | November 30 |
| · Deadline | August 10 | · Deadline | January 10 |
NOTICE: If you intend to apply for scholarships as an incoming student you MUST meet the early application deadline.
Early Application Deadline:
May 31, 2018
Early Application Deadline:
August 10, 2018
CERTIFICATE IN WESLEYAN STUDIES
The Certificate in Wesleyan Studies nurtures Wesleyan theological formation within the ecumenical environment of Memphis Theological Seminary. For students, the certificate offers a way to focus a certain amount of their coursework on theological formation in the Wesleyan/Methodist tradition. Earning the certificate in Wesleyan Studies requires the completion of 15 hours of coursework in courses carrying the “Wesleyan Studies” designation (normally 5 three-hour courses). Earning the certificate in Wesleyan Studies also requires active participation in the Methodist House of Studies during the time period when the student is enrolled at MTS.
Learn more about this certificate through the Methodist House of Studies.
HEAR WHAT STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY
“I chose to attend Memphis Theological Seminary because I felt that it was the best seminary to help me to broaden my outlook on life and theology. The diverse student body and faculty of this seminary provides an experience that is like none other. This diversity, in lifestyles, as well as doctrinal views, sparks many lively theological discussions in class and outside of class, and this has truly helped me to define who I am and what I believe. I feel that Memphis Theological Seminary, is a wonderful institution for someone who is truly open to lively theological discussions and is willing to be challenged in their thoughts, and is willing to be pushed to truly understand why as well as what they believe. All of these are reasons that I selected Memphis Theological Seminary to continue my education.”
John R. McGough
NIGHT TRACK
Have you considered entering the ministry or deepening your work in ministry but never thought you would have the time for school?
Memphis Theological Seminary now has evening graduate degree programs for the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts Christian Ministry!
Our fully accredited, graduate degree program makes it possible to follow your call even with a busy life.
Our new curriculum along with our the new schedule allows you to continue with your day job and go to school while earning a Master’s degree.
ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT
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. Felecia LaVant
Admissions Associate
Felecia completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology at Fisk University in 1982, and MDiv at Memphis Theological Seminary in 2014. She serves as an Associate Minister and the Director of Christian Education at Central Baptist Church, Inc. Felecia also volunteers with Manna House, a place of hospitality in the Catholic Worker Tradition. She is the proud mother of two adult daughters, Andraea and Alexandria.
Contact Felecia:
frlavant@MemphisSeminary.edu
901-334-5804
Rev. Byron Forester
Admissions Associate
Byron is a graduate of Bethel University (1974) and of Memphis Theological Seminary (2007). He serves as pastor of Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Benton Co. MS and as Coordinator of Ministries for West Tennessee Presbytery. He participates and serves in several ministries to people who are unsheltered. Byron and his wife, Michelle Brown have three daughters. They live five blocks from MTS.
Contact Byron:
bforester@memphisseminary.edu
901-334-5841