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Master of Theological Studies

Pursue the academic study of Christianity or prepare for a PhD or ThD.

48 credit hours. Fully online or on campus. Focused study leading to a thesis. Complete in 2-3 years.
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Master of Arts in Christian Ministries

Prepare for specialized ministry in ordained or lay leadership.

15 courses. 45 credit hours. Primarily online or on campus. Complete in 2-3 years.
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  1. United's Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree provides a strong academic foundation for further graduate study or growth in religious understanding. Through the study of the Bible, the historic faith and theological traditions, expand your knowledge for the life and witness of the Church today.

    Learning that fits your lifestyle.

    Our flexible options are designed to make high-quality education accessible for working pastors and other professionals, making it possible to earn a degree from wherever you live. Courses are available in four formats. Mix and match to suit your schedule and learning style.

    • Traditional on-campus courses meet regularly throughout the semester
    • Gathering Weeks on campus in Dayton, Ohio take place in October, February, and July.
    • Online courses can be completed during the semester.
    • Live Interactive Virtual Education (LIVE) courses meet simultaneously on-campus and online.

    The MTS degree is available fully online, fully on campus or through a combination of online and on-campus study. Take classes in traditional, hybrid or intensive formats at our campus in Dayton, OH, or complete coursework from wherever you live via online or LIVE course options.

    Flexible Curriculum

    With 27 core credit hours and 21 elective credits, gain a strong foundation and add electives that equip you to follow God’s call. Your ministry can be enriched by focused study in the areas of Church History and Theology or Biblical Studies.

  2. Degree Plan - 48 Credit Hours

    MTS CORE REQUIREMENTS - 27 CREDIT HOURS

    Biblical Studies - 12 credit hours

    • NT500 Introduction to the New Testament (3)
    • OT500 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
    • Any 600 level OT course (3)
    • Any 600 level BI/NT course (3)

    Church History and Theology - 9 credit hours

    • CH500 Intro to Church History (3)
    • TH502 Intro to Theology (3)
    • Any 600 Level CH/TH Course (3)

    Research and Methodology - 3 credit hours

    • TH510 Theological Research and Methodology (3)

    Thesis or Project - 3 credit hours

    • CQ650 MTS Thesis (3)

    MTS ELECTIVES - 21 CREDIT HOURS

    Core Theological Disciplines Electives - 6 credit hours

    • Must be in one of the core disciplines (BI, OT, NT, CH, TH), chosen in consultation with faculty mentor

    Focus Area Electives - 15 credit hours

    • Must be related to the student’s MTS Focus Area, chosen in consultation with faculty mentor

    MTS NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

    • SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
    • SS602 MTS Mid-Program Review (0)
    • SS702 MTS Final Review (0)

  4. At a Glance

    • $790/Credit Hour
    • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $15,205
    • Average United Aid: $4,123
    • Average External Aid: $2,515

    Average Annual Cost After Aid: $8,567

    *Based on 18 credit hours per year.


    Scholarship Application Process

    United provides multiple scholarship opportunities to defray out-of-pocket costs for students. Learn more about tuition, fees, and scholarships here or contact Student Aid at [email protected].

    1. 1. Scholarship Application
      Contact [email protected] to learn about available scholarships. Continuing students will be notified each year when the scholarship application for the upcoming academic year is available.

    2. 2. Decisions
    3. • Award decisions will be made by the Student Aid Committee.
    4. • Communication regarding scholarship awards will be sent via United email.

    5. 3. Scholarship Acceptance Requirements
      If a scholarship award is received, recipients must do the following to accept and maintain the award:
    6. • Demonstrate appreciation by writing a letter of gratitude to the scholarship benefactor by the date specified on the award letter.

An MTS degree might be for you if you are interested in…

ThD

A degree path for PhD and teaching

Our Faculty

United strives to cultivate an environment where its students may learn and grow. That’s why our outstanding faculty are faithful Christians who are committed to the academic and spiritual growth of every student. Most are ordained, and many have served as pastors, bringing real-world experience into the classroom.

Meet Our Faculty

Begin your journey. Follow God’s call at United.

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Overview

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministries (MACM) supports leadership and service in ministries impacting Christian community, life and practices. From worship to discipleship, deaconship to pastorate, the MACM can equip you for your call.

Learning that fits your lifestyle.

Our flexible options are designed to make high-quality education accessible for working pastors and other professionals, making it possible to earn a degree from wherever you live. Courses are available in four formats. Mix and match to suit your schedule and learning style.

• Traditional on-campus courses meet regularly throughout the semester
• Gathering Weeks on campus in Dayton, Ohio take place in January, June, August and September.
• Online courses can be completed during the semester.
• Live Interactive Virtual Education (LIVE) courses meet simultaneously on-campus and online.

The MACM degree can be completed primarily online in three years.*

*Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Most United Methodist students must complete 1/3 of their degree (15 credit hours) on campus.

Degree Plan

<strong>Biblical Studies</strong> - 6 credit hours

  • OT500 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
  • NT500 Introduction to the New Testament (3)

<strong>History and Theology</strong> - 6 credit hours

  • CH504 History of Christianity 1 (3) or
    CH505 History of Christianity 2 (3)
  • TH502 Introduction to Theology (3)

<strong>Practical Theology</strong> - 9 credit hours

  • PW501 Preparing to Preach (3) or
    PW502 Introduction to African American Preaching (3) or
    PW504 Work of Worship (3) or
    PW510 United Methodist Worship (3)
  • ER501 Foundations for Evangelism (3)
  • ER503 Church Renewal for Mission (3)

<strong>Contextual Ministry</strong> - 6 credit hours

  • CM501 Field Education Unit 1 (0)
  • CM510 Contextual Ministry 1 (3)
  • CM511 Contextual Ministry 2 (3)
Requirements

Degree & Admission Requirements

Degree Requirements

  1. Complete the entire degree plan requirements listed for the MACM.
  2. Complete all course credits applied toward the MACM degree within ten years of the awarding of the degree, in keeping with the standards set forth by the Association of Theological Schools.
  3. Participate in United’s Contextual Ministry Program, which includes:
    • Attendance at one Contextual Ministry retreat in early September
    • Completion of two Contextual Ministry courses over one year
    • Participation in a professionally facilitated ministry group
    • Ministry in a church or community site in your area

To fulfill residency requirements for The United Methodist Church, United Methodist students must complete 1/3 of the degree (15 credits) on campus. Dayton, Intensive, and hybrid courses count toward this requirement. For ordination requirements, please check with your own judicatory.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA

Learn more about the application process

Tuition & Financial Aid

United provides multiple scholarship opportunities to defray out-of-pocket costs for students. Learn more about tuition, fees, and scholarships here or contact Student Aid at [email protected].

Tuition & Fees Overview: Master of Arts in Christian Ministries

  • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*
    $14,910

  • Average Student Aid
    United Aid – $4,451; External Aid – $1,969

  • Average Annual Cost After Aid
    $8,490

  • Average Program Total After United & External Aid*
    $26,861

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Contact Information

  1. United's Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree provides a strong academic foundation for further graduate study or growth in religious understanding. Through the study of the Bible, the historic faith and theological traditions, expand your knowledge for the life and witness of the Church today.

    Learning that fits your lifestyle.

    Our flexible options are designed to make high-quality education accessible for working pastors and other professionals, making it possible to earn a degree from wherever you live. Courses are available in four formats. Mix and match to suit your schedule and learning style.

    • Traditional on-campus courses meet regularly throughout the semester
    • Gathering Weeks on campus in Dayton, Ohio take place in October, February, and July.
    • Online courses can be completed during the semester.
    • Live Interactive Virtual Education (LIVE) courses meet simultaneously on-campus and online.

    The MTS degree is available fully online, fully on campus or through a combination of online and on-campus study. Take classes in traditional, hybrid or intensive formats at our campus in Dayton, OH, or complete coursework from wherever you live via online or LIVE course options.

    Flexible Curriculum

    With 27 core credit hours and 21 elective credits, gain a strong foundation and add electives that equip you to follow God’s call. Your ministry can be enriched by focused study in the areas of Church History and Theology or Biblical Studies.

  2. Degree Plan - 48 Credit Hours

    MTS CORE REQUIREMENTS - 27 CREDIT HOURS

    Biblical Studies - 12 credit hours

    • NT500 Introduction to the New Testament (3)
    • OT500 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
    • Any 600 level OT course (3)
    • Any 600 level BI/NT course (3)

    Church History and Theology - 9 credit hours

    • CH500 Intro to Church History (3)
    • TH502 Intro to Theology (3)
    • Any 600 Level CH/TH Course (3)

    Research and Methodology - 3 credit hours

    • TH510 Theological Research and Methodology (3)

    Thesis or Project - 3 credit hours

    • CQ650 MTS Thesis (3)

    MTS ELECTIVES - 21 CREDIT HOURS

    Core Theological Disciplines Electives - 6 credit hours

    • Must be in one of the core disciplines (BI, OT, NT, CH, TH), chosen in consultation with faculty mentor

    Focus Area Electives - 15 credit hours

    • Must be related to the student’s MTS Focus Area, chosen in consultation with faculty mentor

    MTS NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

    • SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
    • SS602 MTS Mid-Program Review (0)
    • SS702 MTS Final Review (0)

  4. At a Glance

    • $790/Credit Hour
    • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $15,205
    • Average United Aid: $4,123
    • Average External Aid: $2,515

    Average Annual Cost After Aid: $8,567

    *Based on 18 credit hours per year.


    Scholarship Application Process

    United provides multiple scholarship opportunities to defray out-of-pocket costs for students. Learn more about tuition, fees, and scholarships here or contact Student Aid at [email protected].

    1. 1. Scholarship Application
      Contact [email protected] to learn about available scholarships. Continuing students will be notified each year when the scholarship application for the upcoming academic year is available.

    2. 2. Decisions
    3. • Award decisions will be made by the Student Aid Committee.
    4. • Communication regarding scholarship awards will be sent via United email.

    5. 3. Scholarship Acceptance Requirements
      If a scholarship award is received, recipients must do the following to accept and maintain the award:
    6. • Demonstrate appreciation by writing a letter of gratitude to the scholarship benefactor by the date specified on the award letter.

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