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What is the Master of Theological Studies in Latino/a Ministries?

The Master of Theological Studies at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University is an accredited graduate level program consisting of 12 courses and 36 credit hours (12 courses, 3 credit hours each). The Master of Theological Studies is a program that prepares people in pastoral ministry and/or church leadership through a series of courses in the areas of biblical studies, theology, and practice of ministry in a manner that is contextualized to the needs of Latino/a communities.

Who is eligible to enroll in this program?

Anyone who is involved in church ministry and who has completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Where can I pursue the Master of Theological Studies?

Since this is an online program, you can study wherever you are. You only need a computer and internet connection. However, the program also requires students to participate in a 1-week orientation residency, which is completed at the beginning of each academic year at an accessible location for students in the region.

The program is delivered in cohorts of 12-20 students each. There will be 3 cohorts for the next academic year (2021–2022): a cohort of students from El Salvador;  one from Mexico City and surrounding areas; and another with students currently residing in the U.S. If you live in El Salvador, Mexico or the U.S. and are interested in enrolling in our program, contact us!

How long does it take to complete the Master of Theological Studies?

The Master of Theological Studies consists of 12 courses which are completed over the course of 2 years (6 courses per year). Each course is completed online throughout 7 weeks.

Which courses are included in the Master of Theological Studies?

The Master of Theological Studies in Latino/a Ministries consists of the following 12 courses (3 credit hours each):

First Year:

  • Nurturing Spiritual Formation & Character 1
  • New Testament Study 1
  • Old Testament Study 1
  • Biblical Interpretation for Ministry
  • Theology and Ethics of Congregational Life
  • Church in Mission Through History

Second Year:

  • Nurturing Spiritual Formation & Character 2
  • Foundations of Pastoral Care & Counseling
  • Christian World Mission
  • Systematic Theology
  • The Mission of Jesus
  • MTS Summative Project
What kind of financial assistance is available for this program?

American Baptist Home Mission Societies is offering scholarships to students who are members of ABC churches in the US and need financial assistance. Please contact Salvador Orellana at Salvador.Orellana@abhms.org, or Maria Aguilar at Maria.Aguilar@abhms.org

Federal loans are also available for eligible students. Please contact the Financial Aid Office of Eastern University.

When will the program be held in El Salvador, Mexico, and/or the US?

These new cohorts will begin on the following dates:

El Salvador
Residency Week: August 2021, exact week to be determined
Start date for first online course: August 30, 2021

Philadelphia, PA, United States
Residency Week:  January 3-7, 2022 
Start date for first online course: January 10, 2022

Mexico City, Mexico Ciudad de México, DF, México
Residency Week:  End of February, or beginning of March 2022, exact week to be determined 
Start date for first online course: March 7, 2022

How may I receive more information about the Master of Theological Studies in Latino/a Ministries?

For additional information, please contact Dr. Mayra Picos Lee at mtslatinmin@eastern.edu.