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About the Theological Studies Program

Why Study Theology at Cedarville?

Are you interested in integrating a ministry focus into your current career or aiming to serve more effectively in your local church as an elder, teacher, small-group leader, ministry team lead, or even pastor? Maybe you're just eager to deepen your knowledge of the Bible for personal growth. Whatever the reason, an online master's degree in theological studies from Cedarville University can help you reach your goal.

Through the theological studies master's program, one of four concentrations under the Master of Theological Studies, you'll be equipped for vocational leadership and ministry. Your coursework will feature an innovative, relationship-rich, and theologically grounded approach. The program is ideal for those currently in ministry seeking further training, as well as those who have completed a degree in another field and are now pursuing biblical, theological, and practical skills for lay ministry.

This 36-credit hour program — including 15 hours of core Bible and theology courses and 21 hours dedicated to specialized ministry training — is offered in a convenient, fully online format and can be completed in as little as one calendar year. You can choose to take classes part time to fit your personal schedule. A limited number of in-class delivery courses may also be available. The program is highly flexible and affordable.

Choose Your Pathway to the Theological Studies (MTS) Degree

  • Traditional Pathway: You'll complete 100% of your degree through Cedarville's courses.
  • Partnering Pathway: You'll complete 25% of your degree on-location with an approved ministry partner. Schedule a phone appointment with us to learn more.
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What Sets Cedarville Apart?

  • Biblical Worldview
    All courses are built on the solid foundation of Scripture.

  • Online and Accelerated
    All courses are offered in an online format, 1- and 2-year completion options.

  • Affordable
    Cedarville’s online ministry programs are competitively priced with available financial aid.

Program Overview

Theological Studies (MTS) Program Highlights

Biblical and Practical — The perfect blend of biblical theology and practical application, leadership training and servant ministry, and classroom discussion and real-world experience.

Flexible — Can be completed online in as little as one year, with full- or part-time options to meet your specific needs.

Strong Foundation — Core classes set a foundation in theology and ministry, including:

  • Old Testament Overview
  • New Testament Overview
  • Systematic Theology I
  • Systematic Theology II
  • Introduction to Biblical Theology

What Can You Do With a Degree in Theological Studies?

The master’s degree in theological studies is designed to give a broad range of ministry preparation for many ministry opportunities. Graduates of our online graduate theology programs are currently serving in a variety of roles ranging from senior pastor, campus pastor, and discipleship pastor to cross-cultural missionary, lay leader, and college ministry director.

Opportunities for Theology Master's Students

As part of your online theology degree program, you will have multiple opportunities to shape ministry philosophy and personal ministry skills.

Character Colloquium (traditional pathway) — Over the course of two semesters, you will meet with the program director of the MTS - Theological Studies program for a time of prayer and discussion related to ministry and life.

Applied Ministry Training (partnering pathway) — You will apply what you've learned in coursework as you serve with your partner ministry.

Admission, Costs and Aid, Start Dates

Admission Requirements — The first step in your graduate school journey at Cedarville is to apply for admission.

MTS Admission Requirements

Costs and Financial Aid — Your decision to pursue quality, Christian graduate education represents a valuable investment in your career and professional development. To assure your degree is also affordable, Cedarville graduate programs are competitively priced and can be supplemented with a variety of financial aid.

MTS Cost Information

Program Start Dates — Applications are accepted throughout the year, and you can enroll and begin classes in August, October, January, March, May, or July.

FAQs

What is the difference between Cedarville’s MDiv and MTS degrees?

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degrees both contain a Bible and theology core with practical ministry training. The primary differences between the two degrees are program length and teaching format.

  • The MTS degree is 36 hours, and the MDiv degree is 60-79 hours, depending on previous coursework. The additional hours in the MDiv program provides space to include the study of the Bible in Greek and Hebrew, while the MTS does not have language requirements.
  • The MTS is online, while the MDiv is a residential program.
  • The MTS has four concentrations that allow you to customize your degree to your ministry goals:
    • Biblical Counseling
    • Biblical Leadership
    • Theological Studies
    • Worship and Theology
  • The MDiv has eight tracks:
    • Academic Ministry
    • Biblical Apologetics
    • Biblical Care and Counseling
    • Missions
    • Pastoral Ministry
    • Women's Ministry
    • Worship and Theology
    • Youth and Family Ministry

Can I work full time while getting my MTS?

Yes, the accessible and asynchronous format of delivery allows you to engage the coursework when it is most convenient for your schedule. Most of our students continue in their current jobs while completing the degree program.

What practical experiences can I expect from the MTS?

The MTS has practical experiences and assignments built into the coursework. Each of the tracks in biblical counseling, biblical leadership, ministry, and worship and theology have some type of capstone that provides the opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills to a ministry situation.

Why should I pursue a graduate ministry degree from Cedarville?

Cedarville University has unwavering doctrinal convictions, a well-designed program, and highly engaged faculty. When we say that Cedarville exists “for the Word of God and Testimony of Jesus Christ,” that is not a tagline — that is the heartbeat and mission of the University. Flowing from our heartbeat is the commitment to help train ministry leaders, and we have designed both the MDiv and the MTS carefully to ensure that they provide high-quality, accessible training. Our faculty members are personally committed to this endeavor, so they are very engaged with students both inside and outside of learning environments. Our faculty are also actively engaged in research and scholarship. For students who pursue the residential MDiv, they will have the opportunity to engage with peers in more than 175 undergraduate and graduate disciplines, a true microcosm of the churches where they will lead and serve in the future.

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Listen as Cedarville's president, Dr. Thomas White, discusses how our graduate programs can help you steward your God-given talents for His glory.

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Program Curriculum

You will complete 36 credit hours, including 15 credits in the Master of Theological Studies core and 21 credits in specialized ministry courses.

Access a helpful overview of the MTS degree, and discover how each concentration can prepare you uniquely to use your gifts for ministry impact.

Sample courses:

  • Christian Apologetics
  • The Church and God’s Mission

Program Format and Related Programs

Cedarville offers both graduate and undergraduate programs, with flexible completion options. You may also want to consider these related programs as you consider the degree or program that is a best fit for you.

Program Level and Format

  • Graduate
  • Online
Students in Wiersbe library

From Our Students:

  • One of the most memorable and shaping aspects of my online graduate ministry degree was its relational component. The online community was made up of a broad spectrum of students: men and women, young and old, professionals and stay-at-home parents. The online forums and discussions were filled with lively interaction and constant encouragement. The professors were engaging and available. I was known, respected, cared for, and, most importantly, prayed for. I'm so grateful for Cedarville’s online graduate ministry program. Every class has impacted the way I teach, serve, lead, and worship.
    Matt Otto, Ministry '21 – Lead Pastor of Faith Baptist Church (Mount Vernon, Ohio)
    Matt Otto smiling and holding Bible
Learn About Career Services

Program Contacts

Photo of Trent Rogers

Trent Rogers, PhD

Dean of SBTS, Associate Professor of NT and Greek

Contact

Photo of Michael McKay

Michael McKay, PhD

Director, Associate Professor of Biblical Theology

Contact

Photo of Maggie Hess

Maggie Hess

Director of Graduate Recruiting - Nursing and Ministry Programs

Contact

Program News

  • Trent Rogers preaching in chapel 1920

    Go Big or Go Home

    Growing up in the rural countryside near Lafayette, Indiana, Dr. Trent Rogers, the Dean of the School of Biblical and Theological Studies and Associate Professor of New Testament and Greek at Cedarville University, has always embraced the mindset of giving his best or not bothering at all.
  • MBA student

    Cedarville University Partners With State Convention of Baptists in Indiana

    The Graduate School at Cedarville University has established a new partnership with the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana (SCBI) that will offer higher educational opportunities for members of SCBI. The agreement allows SCBI members to receive a 15% discount on any of Cedarville’s online graduate programs or the residential Master of Divinity degree.