United Methodist Requirements for Ordination

Full scholarship support for all United Methodist students

We offer full-tuition scholarships to all United Methodist students who enroll in any of our four master’s degree programs in the Spring 2026 or Fall 2026 semester with a 3.0 undergrad GPA. This applies to full- and part-time enrollment and across modalities, whether attending in person on campus or remotely through HyFlex education.

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 United Methodist pathway fulfills 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). Required BGTS and ACOS courses are included in our United Methodist MAPT degree pathway that includes the courses fulfilling requirements for ordination. 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). Required Certificate in Deacon Studies courses are included in the United Methodist MAPT degree pathway that includes the courses fulfilling requirements for ordination. 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.