Academics

Sacred Inquiry, Rigorous Study

Our programs are designed to form the whole person — mind, heart, and character — for faithful service in the church and the world.

Download the Program Catalog (PDF)

Our Programs

Bachelor's degrees
$3,500
Master's degrees
$5,000
Doctorate degrees
From $5,500

Scholarships are available upon request.

M.DIV

Master of Divinity

A comprehensive foundation for pastoral leadership, focusing on original languages, systematic theology, and spiritual formation.

  • Pastoral Leadership
  • Biblical Languages
  • Systematic Theology

Program Requirements

Degree level
Graduate
Degree length
3–4 years · 90 credits
Tuition
$5,000
Admission prerequisites
  • —Accredited bachelor's degree
  • —Active involvement in a local congregation
  • —Pastoral or ministry reference
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Interview with the admissions committee

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Master of Divinity
M.A.T.S.

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Designed for those seeking a deep academic engagement with the scriptures for teaching or further research.

  • Biblical Exegesis
  • Historical Theology
  • Research Methods

Program Requirements

Degree level
Graduate
Degree length
2 years · 48 credits
Tuition
$5,000
Admission prerequisites
  • —Accredited bachelor's degree
  • —Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
  • —Demonstrated academic writing ability
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Academic writing sample (10–15 pages)

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Master of Arts in Theological Studies
M.DIV-2.5

Master of Divinity (2.5-Year Track)

An accelerated, cohort-based track for ministry leaders who need the breadth of the M.Div in a condensed format, culminating in a dissertation or applied ministry project.

  • Accelerated Format
  • Dissertation or Project
  • Pastoral Formation

Program Requirements

Degree level
Graduate
Degree length
2.5 years
Tuition
$5,000
Admission prerequisites
  • —Accredited bachelor's degree
  • —Active involvement in a local congregation
  • —Pastoral or ministry reference
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Interview with the admissions committee
  • Dissertation or project proposal

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Master of Divinity (2.5-Year Track)
CERT

Certificate in Christian Ministry

A focused program for lay leaders, deacons, and ministry volunteers seeking structured theological training.

  • Lay Leadership
  • Practical Ministry
  • Short-Term Format

Program Requirements

Degree level
Undergraduate
Degree length
1 year · 18 credits
Tuition
Available upon request
Admission prerequisites
  • —High school diploma or equivalent
  • —Current service in a local church or ministry
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Pastoral reference

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Certificate in Christian Ministry
TH.D

Doctorate of Theology

An advanced research degree for scholars pursuing original contribution in theological disciplines and academic teaching.

  • Advanced Research
  • Theological Writing
  • Academic Preparation

Program Requirements

Degree level
Doctoral
Degree length
3–5 years · 60 credits
Tuition
$11,570
Admission prerequisites
  • —M.Div or equivalent master's degree
  • —Research language competency (Hebrew, Greek, or modern research language)
  • —Comprehensive examinations prior to candidacy
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Dissertation research proposal
  • Academic writing sample (20+ pages)

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Doctorate of Theology
EDD

Doctorate of Christian Education

A practice-oriented doctoral program forming leaders in curriculum design, discipleship, and educational ministry.

  • Curriculum Design
  • Discipleship
  • Educational Leadership

Program Requirements

Degree level
Doctoral
Degree length
3 years · 54 credits
Tuition
$8,250
Admission prerequisites
  • —Master's degree in ministry or education
  • —Three years of ministry or education experience
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum design portfolio
  • Applied project concept paper

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Doctorate of Christian Education
D.MIN

Doctor of Ministry

A practice-oriented doctoral program for seasoned ministry leaders seeking advanced reflection, research, and skill development for faithful and effective service.

  • Ministry Leadership
  • Applied Research
  • Dissertation Required

Program Requirements

Degree level
Doctoral
Degree length
2.5 years · Dissertation Required
Tuition
Available upon request
Admission prerequisites
  • —Accredited master's degree in ministry or theology
  • —Five years of vocational ministry experience
  • —Ministry or academic reference
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Master's degree verification
  • Ministry résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Dissertation research proposal

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Doctor of Ministry
B.R.S.

Bachelor of Science — Religious Studies

An undergraduate foundation in biblical studies, Christian history, and practical ministry for emerging leaders.

  • Biblical Foundations
  • Christian History
  • Practical Ministry

Program Requirements

Degree level
Undergraduate
Degree length
4 years · 120 credits
Tuition
$3,500
Admission prerequisites
  • —High school diploma or equivalent
  • —General education core (transferable credits accepted)
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Official high school or college transcripts
  • One letter of recommendation

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Bachelor of Science — Religious Studies
PH.D

Doctorate of Philosophy in Christian Ministry

A research doctorate equipping seasoned ministers to reflect theologically and lead with depth across ministry contexts.

  • Ministry Research
  • Theological Reflection
  • Leadership Formation

Program Requirements

Degree level
Doctoral
Degree length
3–5 years · 60 credits
Tuition
$8,250
Admission prerequisites
  • —Master's degree in a ministry discipline
  • —Five years of vocational ministry experience
  • —Doctoral research methods coursework
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Ministry résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Research proposal

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Doctorate of Philosophy in Christian Ministry
C.PSYD

Doctorate of Philosophy in Christian Psychology

An integrative doctoral program exploring psychology, spiritual formation, and pastoral care from a Christian worldview.

  • Psychology & Faith
  • Spiritual Formation
  • Pastoral Care

Program Requirements

Degree level
Doctoral
Degree length
4 years · 66 credits
Tuition
$14,750
Admission prerequisites
  • —Master's degree in psychology, counseling, or ministry
  • —Supervised pastoral care or clinical hours
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Statement of integrative research interest
  • Background check

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Doctorate of Philosophy in Christian Psychology
PH.D-PUB

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) by Publication

A Ph.D. by publication is a postgraduate research degree that's based on research you've already undertaken and had published before enrolling with FTS.

  • Research-Based Degree
  • Peer Mentorship
  • Published Dissertation

Program Requirements

Degree level
Doctoral
Degree length
3 years · 36 credits
Tuition
$26,570
Admission prerequisites
  • —Master's degree or equivalent
  • —Three conferred PhD holders serving as peer-mentors throughout the entire cohort
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Master's degree verification
  • List of published research works
  • Three conferred PhD holder references as peer-mentors
  • Dissertation archival and publication agreement

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) by Publication
D.C.P.

Doctor of Church Planting

The Doctor of Church Planting (D.C.P.) is an advanced academic degree designed for individuals passionate about starting and leading new Christian churches.

  • Church Planting
  • Missional Leadership
  • Ecclesial Formation

Program Requirements

Degree level
Doctoral
Degree length
2.5 years
Tuition
$5,500
Admission prerequisites
  • —Master's degree or equivalent
  • —Experience in church leadership or planting
  • —Ecclesial or pastoral reference
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Church planting vision statement
  • Ecclesial or pastoral reference

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Doctor of Church Planting
D.C.G.W.

Doctor of Christian Grant Writing

The Doctor of Christian Grant Writing is an advanced professional degree designed for individuals passionate about combining their Christian faith with the skills of grant writing and fundraising.

  • Grant Writing
  • Fundraising Strategy
  • Faith-Based Development

Program Requirements

Degree level
Doctoral
Degree length
2.5 years
Tuition
$5,500
Admission prerequisites
  • —Master's degree or equivalent
  • —Experience in nonprofit, ministry, or development work
  • —Professional writing sample
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Grant writing or fundraising sample
  • Professional or development reference

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Doctor of Christian Grant Writing
D.DIV

Doctor of Divinity

The Doctor of Divinity (D.Div.) is a prestigious doctoral degree in the field of Christian ministry and leadership. It is designed for individuals who have already attained a high level of theological education and experience and desire to further develop their knowledge, skills, and spiritual formation for advanced leadership roles in ministry.

  • Ministry Leadership
  • Spiritual Formation
  • Advanced Theological Study

Program Requirements

Degree level
Doctoral
Degree length
2 years
Tuition
$30,000
Admission prerequisites
  • —Master's or doctoral degree in ministry, theology, or a related field
  • —Significant ministry leadership experience
  • —Demonstrated record of advanced theological education
Application checklist
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement of faith and calling
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Ministry résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Statement of advanced leadership and formation goals
  • Highest degree verification

Scholarships are available upon request.

Apply for the Doctor of Divinity

Course Previews

A sample of the courses offered across our programs. Full course listings and syllabi are provided upon admission.

BIB 501Fall · 3 Credits

Hebrew Exegesis I

An introduction to biblical Hebrew grammar and syntax, moving quickly into guided translation of narrative passages from Genesis and Ruth.

BIB 512Spring · 3 Credits

Greek Exegesis of the Gospels

Close reading of selected passages in the Synoptics and John, with attention to textual criticism, discourse structure, and preaching application.

THE 520Fall · 3 Credits

Systematic Theology I

Revelation, the doctrine of God, and creation, examined through scripture, the ecumenical creeds, and the Reformation confessions.

HIS 530Spring · 3 Credits

The Church in the Patristic Age

The witness of the early church from the apostolic fathers through Chalcedon, reading Athanasius, Augustine, and the Cappadocians in translation.

MIN 545Fall · 3 Credits

Homiletics: Preaching the Text

Workshop-based training in expository preaching — from exegetical outline to delivery — with peer and faculty review of recorded sermons.

PSY 610Summer · 3 Credits

Foundations of Christian Psychology

An integrative survey of psychological theory, spiritual formation, and pastoral care from a Christian anthropology.

EDU 620Spring · 3 Credits

Curriculum Design for Discipleship

Designing, sequencing, and assessing formation curricula for congregations, schools, and lay leadership pipelines.

RES 700Fall · 3 Credits

Doctoral Research Methods

Research design, theological writing, and dissertation proposal development for Th.D, Ed.D, and Ph.D candidates.

Areas of Focus

Biblical Studies

Rigorous engagement with the Old and New Testaments in their original contexts.

Original Languages

Hebrew and Greek instruction that opens the text for deeper exegesis and teaching.

Historical Theology

Learning from the church's two-thousand-year witness across cultures and continents.

The Fellowship Theological Seminary library