United Methodist Requirements for Ordination
As requirements for United Methodist ordination evolve, MTSO offers options, guidance, and scholarship support.
Scholarship Support for United Methodist Students
The cost of your theological education is manageable at MTSO, and we are committed to supporting your academic goals. United Methodist certified candidates for ministry are eligible to receive a full-tuition scholarship. MTSO has excellent scholarship options for those who are still exploring the candidacy process, too. Also, students can be part-time or full-time and be scholarship eligible.
Fulfilling Educational Requirements for Ordination in the United Methodist Church
The Master of Divinity degree fulfills United Methodist requirements for ordination as an elder or deacon. The Master of Arts in Public Theology fulfills United Methodist requirements for deacon ordination.
Students who are interested in the Basic Graduate Theological Studies (BGTS) or the Certificate in the Advanced Course of Study (ACOS) should pursue our Master of Arts in Public Theology (MAPT). All of the required BGTS and ACOS courses are included in our MAPT degree. In addition, degree-seeking students are eligible for MTSO scholarship support. Certificate students are not eligible for scholarship support.
Students who need the United Methodist Certificate in Deacon Studies should pursue the Master of Arts in Public Theology (MAPT). All of the Certificate in Deacon Studies courses are included in the MAPT degree. The MAPT degree fulfills educational requirements for ordination as a deacon. In addition, degree-seeking students are eligible for MTSO scholarship support. Certificate students are not eligible for scholarship support.
Students who need just a few classes to complete their educational requirements for ordination in the United Methodist Church can enroll as non-degree students.
Students who have completed some of the classes required for ordination or who have a graduate theological degree that does not fulfill ordination requirements can contact the admissions department to explore transfer evaluation options.
Online Educational Options for United Methodist Students
In January 2023, the University Senate of the United Methodist Church approved a policy change to allow a student seeking United Methodist ordination to earn their Master of Divinity fully online from approved schools. Previously, a student seeking United Methodist ordination was required to earn at least one-third of their seminary degree through campus-based courses.
Some annual conferences may still decide to limit the percentage of online courses that their candidates can take as a part of their graduate theological education. Prospective students should consult with their annual conference as they are working through their candidacy process. If your annual conference requires in-person classes, here are options for meeting that requirement.
MTSO offers options for online, in-person, and hybrid education. Visit our HyFlex page to learn about how our synchronous classes work.
Let's discuss your options
We will work with you to chart a path that meets ordination requirements and fits your life. To get that conversation started, drop us an email at admissions@mtso.edu.