Masters Degree and Certificate Admission Requirements


    Admission to MTSO is based on several factors, including undergraduate academic performance, personal references, fitness for ministry, gifts and graces, and personal background. While there is no required undergraduate major for seminary preparation, a course of study that includes a broad representation of studies in human experience is recommended.

Applying to Methodist Theological School in Ohio


    Applicants will submit the following materials to:

Admissions Office
Methodist Theological School in Ohio:
3081 Columbus Pike
Delaware, OH 43015
Application Form
    The completed online Application Form, or the completed paper Application Form. A nonrefundable $35 application fee is required for all paper applications. Follow the application instructions, apply online, download an application form, or download an occasional student application.

Official Transcripts
    Official transcripts from each college, university or graduate school attended. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate institution is required. Only transcripts mailed directly to us from another school are considered official. ALL coursework completed at the college level or higher requires documentation on an official transcript to be received in the Office of Admissions. Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale).

Résumé or Curriculum Vita
    A current résumé or curriculum vita.

Three Reference Letters
    Three letters of reference, addressing personal, academic and spiritual qualities. See below for specific reference requirements for each degree program. Occasional applicants are not required to submit references with their applications. Download a reference form.

Reference Letter Requirements:

    Academic: an undergraduate or graduate instructor familiar with your ability to be successful in academic work. This reference letter should be provided on the letterhead of the referee’s institution.

    Personal: This should be a reference from someone who can attest to your personal qualities that will make you an excellent candidate for the program to which you are applying. This reference may be a member of the clergy.

    Professional: This should be an academic, clergy, or lay supervisor familiar with your work habits and vocational responsibilities.

Master of Divinity**
- One academic reference
- One professional reference
- One personal reference, who is a member of the clergy

Master of Theological Studies
- Two academic references
- One personal or professional reference

Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries
- One professional reference
- One academic reference
- One personal reference

Master of Arts in Christian Education
- One professional reference
- One academic reference
- One personal reference

Master of Divinity/Master of Theological Studies
- Two academic references
- One personal reference, who is a member of the clergy

Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries
- One academic reference
- One professional reference
- One personal reference, who is a member of the clergy

Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Christian Education
- One academic reference
- One professional reference
- One personal reference, who is a member of the clergy

   **If an M.Div. applicant has been out of school 10 or more years, he or she may substitute the following for the required Academic  Reference:
        - Two professional references
        - One personal reference, who is a member of the clergy

In addition, applicants who do not have an academic reference must submit a 1500-200 word essay on a topic to be assigned by the Director of Admissions. This will be emailed as a document attachment to admit@mtso.edu or a hard copy may be mailed to the Admissions Office.

Written Statement
    A written statement on your reasons for pursuing a graduate theological education at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Please prepare and submit a statement explaining your rationale for seeking a graduate theological degree at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. What is your understanding of the level of commitment that this will require? Please include a statement of your vocational goals and how you came to decide on those goals. (1000 words minimum, 2000 words maximum). This can be submitted through the online application form, emailed as a document attachment to admit@mtso.edu or a hard copy may be mailed to the Admissions Office.

Background Check Authorization Form
    A background check takes place after all other admission requirements are satisfied. An offer of admission is contingent upon the results of the background check. Download the background check authorization form.

For MACM Applicants only:
    MACM candidates will be required to have an interview with the director of the MACM program. This interview will be scheduled after the Application Form has been submitted.

International Students:
    

   International students have additional application requirements. International students are required to complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language. MTSO’s TOEFL score requirement is 85 for the Internet test, 223 for the computer-based test or 563 for the paper-based test. Scores must be sent directly from the reporting agency to Methodist Theological School in Ohio (Institution Code 1540). International students are also required to submit complete documentation of financial resources available to support study and living expenses at MTSO.
   International applicants are required to begin their application process at least one year in advance of their anticipated date of enrollment. For Fall admission consideration, international applicants must have their files completed by January 1. International Students should visit http://www.mtso.edu/international for document downloads.




The Application Process:


      Applications are accepted at Methodist Theological School in Ohio on a rolling basis. After all materials have been received and reviewed by the Admissions Committee, the Director of Admissions will inform applicants of the committee���s decision. Offers of admission are contingent upon the successful completion of any admission requirements pending at the time of application, and a satisfactory background check. Accepted applicants will be asked to confirm their intention to enroll by submitting a $100 tuition deposit.

    All materials submitted in support of an application for admission to any degree program are considered the sole and confidential property of MTSO and cannot be returned or provided to third parties. In order to permit the writing of thoughtful references without fear of recrimination, applicants do not have access to admissions files.

    We reserve the right to deny admission to any applicant whose personal actions are deemed to be detrimental to our community or whose academic performance is below requirements. We also reserve the right to determine, in our sole judgment, whether an applicant is a suitable candidate for a specific degree program or for the vocation which the program represents.

    Accepted students may apply for scholarships, financial aid, student work study employment and on-campus housing. Click here for a Campus Housing Application.

 


Doctor of Ministry Admission



Email admissions at
admit@mtso.edu or call 800-333-6876 with any questions.