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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: Guatemala City, Guatemala; Philadelphia, PA, United States; and Monterrey, México.

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
  • Introduction to Homiletics
  • 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. The Scholarship is called Latin American Baptist Seminary Scholarships (LABS). Visit the LABS website for more information, or contact Alexzandria.Sanchez@abhms.org and Juliana.Herrera@abhms.org

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

These new cohorts will begin on the following dates:

Guatemala City, Guatemala
Orientation residency week: August 18-22, 2025
Start date for the first online course: August 25, 2025

Philadelphia, PA, United States
Orientation residency week: January 5-9, 2026
Start date for the first online course: January 12, 2026

Monterrey, México
Orientation residency week: March 9-13, 2026
Start date for the first online course: March 16, 2026

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.