Don't settle. Connections provides a path to ministry that's not either/or.

You crave a full and immersive theological education, with the invigorating challenges of a classroom and the camaraderie of a campus community. But it doesn't seem like there are enough days in your week, and you can't afford to spend four or five years finishing your Master of Divinity degree.

We created Connections for you. There's nothing else quite like it in theological education.

You'll connect on campus.

Once a week, we'll gather for Tuesdays Together, when you as a Connections student will participate in up to four classes. Through this weekly contact, you'll know your professors and fellow students, and you'll be accountable for staying on top of assignments. Beyond the classroom, our Tuesdays Together feature chapel to foster spiritual formation, along with community lunch and generous breaks where you'll engage with our diverse community.

You'll connect from home.

For each of your courses, on-campus time will be augmented by hybrid online learning. The professors you're with on Tuesday will be leading your online component as well – at a time that works best for you. This hybrid approach brings you the best of two worlds: the continuity of regular on-campus classes, along with the accessibility and enhanced learning made possible by online methods.

You'll find it accessible, not easy.

The Connections M.Div. is designed to help you channel your hard work, not avoid it. Your seminary owes you and the people you're preparing to serve something more than a piece-of-cake master's degree. You'll need discipline, commitment and perseverance. What Connections offers is a chance to apply those things without mothballing the rest of your life.

The three-year schedule on this page spells it out.

This schedule shows the entire program from start to finish, including six semesters along with brief January and Summer terms. (Those seeking United Methodist ordination will have a slightly different mix of classes. Check out a UM chart here.) Want more detail? Visit our registrar's page to see complete class schedules.

Please note: Connections is designed for students beginning seminary in the Fall Semester with no prior transfer work. If you're starting in the Spring Semester or with transfer credits, please contact the admissions office for a more detailed explanation of Connections.

Cross-Cultural Immersion brings a wider perspective to your preparation for ministry.

One of the unique things about MTSO's Connections M.Div. is the required two-week Cross-Cultural Immersion trip. This is a transformative component of our program, and it will enhance your preparation for ministry in amazing ways. We offer two cross-cultural trips per year. Recent destinations include Cuba, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel/Palestine, Korea and India.

Here are more answers about Connections.

Now that you've read this overview, you might want to delve into our collection of FAQs, which address the nitty-gritty.

Let's talk.

The Connections M.Div. offers you real education and real community – and it all fits with your real life. When you're ready to discuss making your ministry a reality, get in touch.

Call us: 800-333-6876

Email us: admissions@mtso.edu

Request an information packet. We'll mail one right out.

Check out this three-minute video. See MTSO through the eyes of its people:

https://vimeo.com/59747622 (404)