SEM.MTS - Master of Theological Studies

Admission to the MTS program begins with completing application forms and submitting them with official transcripts and two personal recommendations. Wesley Seminary shall determine admission status from the completed forms and student file and notify the applicant in writing of the admission status granted. Regular admission to the seminary constitutes admission to candidacy for the master’s degree. The basic criteria for regular admission to the MTS program within the seminary are as follows:

• A baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a member agency of the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) or by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

• A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 from the degree granting institution.

• An official transcript from the degree granting institution.

• Two recommendations including:

  • One from a pastor or denominational supervisor.

  • A general recommendation.

• A completed Ministry Context Form.

• A three to four page autobiography and statement of ministry purpose. The statement of purpose should reflect one's sense of God's direction in relation to Christian ministry or service.

• A criminal history background check must be completed before acceptance into any Wesley Seminary degree program if a felony was disclosed by the student on the application form.

Transfer Credit

• A maximum of sixteen hours may be transferred from another accredited master's program, provided it falls within seven years prior to admission.

• Students who have taken equivalent courses in their undergraduate program to BIBL-500 The Bible as Christian Scripture, THEO-500 Introduction to Christian Theology, and CHST-500 Global Christian History will be allowed/encouraged to substitute an advanced Bible, theology, or church history elective.

MTS Program of Study (48 Hours)

Core Requirements (30 Hours)

Theology (9 Hours)

THEO-500 Introduction to Christian Theology 3

CHST-500 Global Christian History 3

Select 1 Course in Theology - 3 Hours

Bible (9 Hours)

BIBL-500 The Bible as Christian Scripture 3

BIBL-520 Biblical Theology 3

Select 1 BIBL-500/600 3

Practical Theology (6 Hours)

WSEM-501 Pastor, Church, and World 3

MISS-500 Cultural Contexts of Ministry 3

Spiritual Formation (6 Hours)

SPIR-521 Self-Awareness for Personal Spiritual Formation 1

SPIR-531 Transformation for Spiritual Growth 1

SPIR-541 Spiritual Disciplines 1

SPIR-551 Planning and Spiritual Accountability 1

SPIR-611 Becoming Spiritually Whole 1

SPIR-621 Mentoring for Spiritual Growth 1

Research Focus (18 Hours)

Language in Research Focus (6 Hours)

Select 2 Electives from the same Theological Languages:

BIBL-501 Hebrew for Ministry 3

BIBL-502 Hebrew for Ministry II 3

BIBL-511 Greek for Ministry 3

BIBL-512 Greek for Ministry II 3

Electives in Research Focus (6 Hours)

Select 2 Courses in the Area of Research Focus (Not Taken as Part of Core Requirements):

Research Focus in a Theological Area (6 Hours)

RSCH-610 Theological Research and Methodology 3

RSCH-620 Master of Theological Studies Thesis 3

• Completion of core requirements.

• Minimum grade of "C" in each core and elective course.

• Cumulative grade point average of 2.5.

• Successful completion of the Bible Content Exam with a 70% or higher.

• All requirements for the degree must be completed within six years of enrollment.

• Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.