Making It Work

Can I live on campus?

Very few seminaries can offer the quality, variety and affordability of on-campus housing options that MTSO students enjoy. Options include efficiency and one-bedroom apartments for singles as well as one- and two-bedroom townhomes for families. We also have students who live elsewhere in Ohio - and surrounding states such as Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania - who enjoy the hospitality of MTSO's residence hall one to three nights per week. Housing details are here.

Dunn Dining Hall offers healthful, delicious lunch options - featuring food grown at our own Seminary Hill Farm - for both on-campus residents and commuters.

Can I afford it?

MTSO offers exceptionally generous scholarships, up to full tuition plus stipends. Aid is available for full- and part-time students. Learn more here.

Can I attend remotely?

We employ HyFlex (short for “hybrid-flexible”) education, through which classes are taught in person and remotely via Zoom – both at the same time. A typical class includes an instructor and some students together in a classroom, joined by other students who participate remotely. MTSO’s state-of-the-art classroom technology brings everyone together for meaningful interaction in real time.

What if I'm not United Methodist?

You'll find students and faculty representing 19 denominations and faith traditions, drawn by a strong ecumenical spirit. They know MTSO has the people, connections and resources to prepare them for leadership and ordination in their own churches. Among those represented are:

• United Methodist Church
• United Church of Christ
• Mennonite Church USA
• Presbyterian Church USA
• Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
• Non-denominational
• African Methodist Episcopal
• Baptist
• Unitarian Universalist (see our UU House of Studies page)

What if I am United Methodist, but not from Ohio?

You'll find the best of the United Methodist connectional system at MTSO. Students representing 14 annual conferences study together on our campus.

How does somebody my age fit in?

You won't find a better, more invigorating blend of ages and life experiences than MTSO's student body offers. That's important. Effective intergenerational communication is vital in real-world ministry. You'll experience it here every day.

Yet you're virtually assured of finding peers in your age group. These are the ages of our master's students as of Spring Semester 2022:

• 27 percent are under 35.
• 42 percent are 35-49.
• 31 percent are 50 and over.

What about someone with my background?

There is no "typical" MTSO student. We have counted among our students an automotive engineer, a VP of public policy for a non-profit group, a partner in a Big Four accounting firm and a former state legislator.

Some of our students came to MTSO straight from their undergraduate studies. Others came to broaden their skills in ministries they had already begun. And a good number are finally pursuing a long-deferred dream of serious religious inquiry.

What if I have more questions?

Let's talk. Email us or call us at 800-333-6876.