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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!
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.
Heritage
Students should be able to understand and critically interpret scripture, history, and Christian theology.
Cultural Context
Students should be able to analyze local and global contexts and respectfully explore culturally non-
dominant perspectives in light of Christian tradition.
Formation
Students should be able to show growth in personal faith, emotional maturity, and moral integrity.
Leadership
Students should be able to employ practical theological reflection and exercise skills in ministry.
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.
Required Courses
| Interpreting the Hebrew Bible | 3 |
| Interpreting the New Testament | 3 |
| Christian Heritage I | 3 |
| Christian Heritage II | 3 |
| Introduction to Christian Ethics | 3 |
| Context and Models for Mission and Evangelism | 3 |
| Theology and Practice of Worship | 3 |
| Theology and Practice of Preaching | 3 |
| Theology and Practice of Pastoral Leadership | 3 |
| Theology and Practice of Pastoral Care | 3 |
| Introduction to Christian Education and Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| Introduction to Theological Study for Ministry | 3 |
| Formation, Spirituality, and Ministry | 3 |
| Formation and Contextual Ministry | 3 |
| Clinical Practicum | 3 |
| Total credits in Required Courses | 45 |
Electives in Specified Areas of Study
| Elective in Hebrew Bible | 3 |
| Elective in New Testament | 3 |
| Elective in Church History | 3 |
| Elective in Theology | 3 |
| Elective in Church History or Theology | 3 |
| Elective in Practice of Ministry | 3 |
| Elective in Practice of Ministry | 3 |
| Interfaith and Cultural Elective (including immersion) | 3 |
| Interfaith and Cultural Elective | 3 |
| Total credits in Electives in Specified Areas of Study | 21 |
Free Electives
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Total credits in Free Electives | 9 |
Integrative Seminar
| MDiv Integrative Seminar | 3 |
| Total credits in Integrative Seminar | 3 |
Total credits: 84
“Practicum” denotes practical education experience within a course. The emphasis within a practicum is the practice of specific ministry skills. This may take place in a classroom, chapel, a local church, or other appropriate setting. Practicums may vary in number of hours from 20 to 70 hours.
“Field Education” denotes 20 hours of practical education experience within a course that takes place outside of the regular classroom setting. The emphasis in field education is learning that takes place through interaction with people and organizations related to the field of study.
“Immersion” denotes at least 50% of class time will take place outside of the traditional classroom setting. Immersions typically involve more field education than practicum.
Colloquia Credits: MDiv students are required to earn 8 theological colloquia credits. The colloquia are administration and faculty-approved events held on campus or other events approved by the student’s faculty adviser.
Requirements for Ordination: 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.
NOTE: Degree requirements listed here are for overview purposes only. Official degree requirements are found in the most current Academic Catalog or on current degree sheets.
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 13, 2021
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August 14, 2021
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August 23, 2021
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October 1, 2021 |
November 30, 2021 & Spring 2022 Early Admission deadline |
January 14, 2022 Spring 2022 Admission deadline |
| January 22, 2022 Spring 2022 New Student Orientation |
January 24, 2022 First Day of Spring 2022 Classes |
April 30, 2022 Admission deadline for DMin program |
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May 31, 2022 deadline & Fall 2022 for Masters & Certificate programs |
August 1, 2022 Certificate programs |
August 13, 2022 Fall 2022 New Student Orientation |
CONCENTRATION IN CHAPLAINCY STUDIES
The optional concentration in Chaplaincy Studies in the MDiv degree allows students who are interested in pursuing the call to ministry as a chaplain to deepen their theological preparation and practical skills for this important ministry that usually occurs outside of the local congregation either in hospitals, other health care facilities, prisons, the military, or the workplace.
The concentration in Chaplaincy Studies does not provide professional credentials with professional chaplain’s associations. However, it enhances the theological and practical understanding of the ministry of chaplaincy and will strengthen the qualifications and preparedness for those who wish to pursue ministries of chaplaincy upon graduation from seminary.
MDiv students who wish to complete a concentration in Chaplaincy Studies should speak with the director of chaplaincy studies about their interest and intent as early on in their degree program as possible.
To learn more about this concentration, click here.
CONCENTRATION IN WESLEYAN STUDIES
The optional concentration in Wesleyan Studies in the MDiv degree 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. Completing the concentration in Wesleyan Studies requires the completion of 15 hours of coursework in courses carrying the “Wesleyan Studies” designation (normally 5 three-hour courses). It 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 concentration through the Methodist House of Studies.
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.
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. Dr. Felecia LaVant
(901) 334-5804