Doing Ministry While Learning

To qualify for admission to the Master of Divinity program you must be a dedicated Christian who has earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, with a grade point average of 2.67 (B-) or higher. If you fall below this average you may be admitted, but the Registrar will review your seminary academic work on a regular basis. If you are without a bachelor’s degree, you are evaluated on an individual basis.

Mid-America recognizes that increasing numbers of students are seeking Master of Divinity degrees after some time in the work force. These students may not have followed a traditional pre-seminary track of college education and may need special instruction to meet prerequisite requirements. The Seminary works closely with these students to meet their needs.

A limited number of students who have not earned the B.A. degree, but whose life experience suggests that they would be suitable M.Div. students, may apply for the M.Div program. The following “core” prerequisites are strongly recommended for such non-B.A. degree students: two college-level English courses, one of which must include grammar and composition; two college-level history courses, one of which must include classical history; two college-level courses, one of which must provide a survey of ancient philosophy; and four college-level biblical or Koine Greek courses.

For further information, consult the catalog.

We seek to give students the tools for a lifetime of ministry. Our curriculum stresses two governing ideas. First, there is a repeated combination of study and application that teaches students how to translate the theology they learn into preaching and teaching constructed with solid content and sound method. Second, there is a strong emphasis on the classical disciplines of original language study, biblical interpretation, doctrinal and practical studies, and the history of the church with application that is relevant in the 21st century.

It’s important to note that while Greek language studies are propaedeutic and not part of the formal M.Div. course sequence, this does not diminish their importance. In fact, knowledge of both Greek and Hebrew is required for the exegesis courses and, consequently, for completing the degree. Our commitment to rigorous language study remains steadfast, ensuring that students gain a robust foundation in these critical biblical languages.

A Master of Divinity requires 104 course hours and typically takes 3–4 years to complete. You will also earn 10 Ministerial Apprenticeship Program credits.

M.Div. Course SequencePDF

We seek to give students the tools for a lifetime of ministry. Our curriculum stresses two governing ideas. First, there is a repeated combination of study and application that teaches students how to translate the theology they learn into teaching constructed with solid content and sound method. Second, there is a strong emphasis on the classical disciplines of original language study, biblical interpretation, doctrinal and practical studies, and the history of the church with application that is relevant in the 21st century.

A Master of Theological Studies requires 65 classroom credits and typically takes 2–3 years to complete.

MTS Course Sequence: Biblical StudiesPDFMTS Course Sequence: Historical/Theological StudiesPDF

To enroll in the MTS program, you must be a dedicated Christian who has earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with a cumulative grade point average of 2.67 (B-) or higher. For more information on the application process, please see the admissions page. This process should be completed before May 1 of the first year of study.

The MTS program consists of the same rigorous academic work as the M.Div. program, but without the requirements associated with preaching and ministerial studies. The MTS program offers flexibility by allowing students to concentrate on one of two areas: Biblical Studies or Historical/Theological Studies.

Biblical Studies Concentration

The biblical studies concentration provides a thorough acquaintance with Hebrew and Greek language study, together with in-depth study of the canon, history, and interpretation of both Old and New Testaments. The concentration is filled out with course work in the ecclesiastical and doctrinal divisions of the curriculum.

Historical/Theological Concentration

The historical/theological concentration includes biblical language courses (Hebrew and Greek) and emphasizes church history, apologetics, and theological doctrines.

The capstone project is the culminating exercise for the Master of Theological Studies degree at Mid-America. Students have the option of one of two possible tracks:

Research-Based Capstone

In this project, the student will answer a conceptual research question or a practical research question. Using the content and methodology learned during the course of study, students will offer a thesis and defend it through the presentation of research, analysis, and conclusions. This capstone aims to prepare students for further academic work in and/or contribution to their area of interest.

Reflection-Based Capstone

The reflection-based capstone project is a detailed engagement with, and intellectual reflection on, chosen degree content. In this project, the student will substantively recount (using lecture notes and assigned readings from coursework completed) and explore further (via additional data gathered through research) selections from what the student has learned in their course of study. For this capstone project, the student will define the chosen topic, situate it within its academic context, and then reflect on its formative significance for their chosen area of possible future service.