Graduate School of

Theology

College of Biblical Studies

The Graduate School of Theology explores the depths of faith and history, sharing knowledge and activating understanding to shape the world in significant ways. A theology degree at ACU teaches you how to ask powerful questions and gain wisdom and insight in pursuit of truth. Faculty are world-renowned scholars and teach from their faith and professional experience to equip you with the skills of ministry and scholarship, serving as mentors and offering models of success to inspire you in your career.

The Graduate School of Theology explores the depths of faith and history, sharing knowledge and activating understanding to shape the world in significant ways. A theology degree at ACU teaches you how to ask powerful questions and gain wisdom and insight in pursuit of truth. Faculty are world-renowned scholars and teach from their faith and professional experience to equip you with the skills of ministry and scholarship, serving as mentors and offering models of success to inspire you in your career.

Main Content

On-Campus Master’s Degree Programs

Three books open on a desk

The Graduate School of Theology offers multiple master’s degrees and degree tracks to equip students to pursue their God-given passion and calling. You may choose from the comprehensive Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree, a Master of Arts degree or a Master of Theological Studies with several unique areas of study.

Online Master’s Degree Programs

A student studying in the library, Graduate School of Theology

ACU offers four of its Graduate School of Theology degrees in an online format. Whether God is calling you to a new ministry, to expand your theological education for your current vocation or to deepen your spiritual life, our online degree programs offer both the gift of theological study and the flexibility of the online learning format.

Doctoral Degree Programs

M. Div Student reading Bible

The Doctor of Ministry degree at ACU offers four unique tracks for ministry professionals seeking to deepen their practice through theological reflection and the refinement of ministry skills. Students are able to remain rooted in their home and ministry context for most of their doctoral studies, gathering for residential coursework just twice a year in Abilene, Texas or Melbourne, Australia.

Online Certificates

The Graduate School of Theology now offers graduate certificates to equip students to pursue their God-given passion and calling.


The mission of the Graduate School of Theology is to equip men and women for effective missional leadership for ministry in all its forms and to provide strong academic foundations for theological inquiry. It is within this framework that the Graduate School of Theology has set its purposes:

  • to prepare men and women for effective work in a variety of ministry settings;
  • to provide specific ministry skills in the areas of preaching, teaching, worship, missions, pastoral counseling, congregational ministry, youth and family ministry, children’s ministry, church leadership, spiritual formation, and program development;
  • to provide adequate academic foundations to students in the various theological disciplines including textual studies, biblical languages, church history, and historical theology;
  • to provide an academic and interpersonal environment by which the theological disciplines can be integrated one with another as well as with the students’ ministry skills and their personal spiritual development.

Accreditation:

Abilene Christian University’s Graduate School of Theology is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada to award its master’s and doctoral degrees.

Contact the Commission on accrediting at 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275 or call 412-788-6505 for questions about accreditation.

GST Diversity Statement:

Genesis 1:27 reminds us that all of humanity bears the image of God. Though diverse in color, ethnicity, creed, sexual orientation, and gender, the entire human community reflects the image of God and should be treated with love. Exemplifying our belief in that truth, ACU’s Graduate School of Theology seeks to build a community that embraces mutual respect, inclusion, equality, and diversity. In order to honor the diverse perspectives of our members, we believe in the robust exchange of ideas among our community of students, staff, and faculty. We aspire to respect each other and honor God by our actions, thereby creating a place of belonging for each member of our community.