ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Below are the requirements to be admitted into each program.
Master Degree Requirements
Application packet includes:
- Master degree program application
- $45 Application fee (non-refundable)
- 3 Reference forms (1 clergy, 1 lay, 1 academic or professional)
- Official transcript/s from all colleges, universities, and graduate schools ever attended
- Personal Essay: three to five typed, double-spaced pages including: (1) brief biography, (2) a narrative of your spiritual journey, (3) why is a seminary education at MTS important to you and (4) what do you hope this degree at MTS will do to help you contribute to the betterment of the church and broader society?
For admission to the Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM), the applicant must have a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.50 on a 4.0 scale. This degree must be from a college/university accredited by a regional accrediting association. No particular major is required for admission.
Doctor of Ministry Requirements
Application packet includes:
- Doctor of Ministry degree program application
- $65 Application fee (non-refundable)
- 3 Recommendation forms
- Official transcript/s from all colleges, universities, and graduate schools ever attended
- Reflection Paper: five to eight typed, double-spaced pages including: (1) brief biography, (2) a statement of your theology of ministry, and (3) an assessment of your practice of ministry.
For admission to the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program, the applicant must have a Masters degree in a ministry related area with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or must meet the requirements of Master of Divinity equivalency (see Academic Catalog). Final decisions on Masters degree in a ministry related area equivalency are made by the Associate Dean of Doctoral Studies.
Former Student Requirements
Application packet includes:
- Former Student application
- $45 Application fee (waived)
- 3 Reference forms (1 clergy, 1 lay, 1 academic or professional)
- Official transcript/s from all colleges, universities, and graduate schools ever attended (former student should check with admissions to see if we already have transcripts before ordering new transcripts)
- Personal Essay: three to five typed, double-spaced pages including: (1) brief biography, (2) a narrative of your spiritual journey, (3) why is a seminary education at MTS important to you and (4) what do you hope this degree at MTS will do to help you contribute to the betterment of the church and broader society?
Netters Certificate Requirements
Application packet includes:
- Netters Certificate program application
- $15 Application fee (non-refundable)
- 1 Reference form
The Netters Certificate in Congregational Ministry is for persons who are active in congregational life but not interested in pursuing a master’s-level degree. This program is for associate ministers, Sunday School teachers, committee chairpersons, and others who serve the church. No degree is required for this program.
Non-Degree Requirements
Application packet includes:
- Non-Degree application
- $15 Application fee (non-refundable)
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.
Pre-Seminary Requirements
Application packet includes:
- Pre-Seminary Program application
- 3 Reference forms (1 pastor, 1 lay, 1 professional)
- An essay that shares your call to ministry story, that addresses why you desire theological studies for ministry in order to respond to that call and what life experience you have that points to your capacity for graduate level theological studies
Applicant must be at least 40 years or older, no bachelors degree in order to apply for the Pre-Seminary Program. For more information on this program, click here. View our flyer by clicking here.
Auditor Requirements
Application packet includes:
- Auditor application
- $15 Application fee (non-refundable)
Members of the community (and current students, too) are welcome to audit any master’s level course on the course schedule. Auditors do not earn academic credit. Auditors attend the scheduled classes and learn alongside other students, but are not responsible for assignments.
If you are considering applying for a Masters program AND your Undergraduate GPA is under 2.5, click the button below to schedule a time to take your Placement Test.
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 MTS School Code G10529 |
November 30, 2021 Spring 2022 Scholarship Application deadline |
January 2, 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 Fall 2022 Admission deadline for DMin program |
May 31, 2022 Fall 2022 Scholarship Application deadline |
August 1, 2022 Fall 2022 Admission deadline for Masters & Certificate programs |
August 13, 2022 MTS Fall 2022 New Student Orientation |
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.