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M.T.S. in Modern
& American Christianity
Complete this short form to learn more about our M.T.S. in Modern & American Christianity program. ACU’s Office of Graduate Programs will reach out shortly to discuss your interests and answer your questions.
Program Structure
What To Expect
These are the important details you will need to keep in mind as you prepare your application and degree plan.
You will have the opportunity to dive into research projects with guidance from experienced historians, and perhaps even present your findings at meetings of regional and national scholarly societies, as well as submit materials for publication.
This M.T.S. in Modern and American Christianity program also is solid preparation for those interested in pursuing a Ph.D.
Required Hours
Program length: 2 years
Credit hours: 48
2024/2025 tuition per credit hour: $798
Example Coursework
Issues in Global Christianity
History of Christianity in America
Advanced Restoration History
Research Problems
Department
Application Deadlines
Fall Priority: April 24
Fall Standard: August 10
Summer & Spring: Please contact ACU’s Graduate School of Theology (gst@acu.edu or 325-674-3732)
Frequently Asked Questions
Outcomes
Research Sources
Graduates will have critical facility with the most important primary sources and issues of scholarly discussion in biblical studies, theology, or church history.
Research Methods
Graduates will have ability to use the best current methods of research in one of the following disciplines: biblical studies, theology, or church history.
Original Research
Graduates will demonstrate ability to produce scholarly contributions in their field of study.
Admission Requirements
- A completed application and application fee;
- An official transcript of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent.
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
- Two letters of recommendation (may be submitted through the online application);
- A reflective essay (purpose statement) 3-5 pages typed, double-spaced (see guidelines here),
- Complete an academic writing assessment
Dr. Wes Crawford
Associate Dean
Director Center for Restoration Studies
Assistant Professor
Graduate School of Theology
Office: 290 Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB)
(325) 674-3748
twc99a@acu.edu
The ACU Graduate School of Theology (GST) has a number of ways to help you pay for your education. Listed below are various forms of financial aid that can be awarded and applied for when attending the GST.
As always, we are glad to help answer your questions. Feel free to contact us at gst@acu.edu with any questions or concerns.
Scholarships
The GST offers scholarship assistance to residential master’s students based on prior academic record, financial need and potential for ministry and further academic research. Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and are re-evaluated at the end of each school year. Scholarship awards are made as applications are completed, and the amounts are determined based on the strength of each application. To apply, complete and submit the GST
Scholarship Application form found on the Graduate Financial Aid web page.
Student Loans
- Federal Direct Loans
- The Federal Direct Loan program consists of unsubsidized loans and is awarded regardless of demonstrated need.
- Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan (GRAD PLUS)
- This loan can be used to supplement other financial aid, such as the Federal Direct Loan. Repayment of this loan begins within 60 days after the entire loan has been disbursed. The GRAD PLUS Loan is subject to in-school deferment but it is not automatic. Deferment can be granted by the lender after providing proof of at least half-time enrollment.
Note: To qualify for federal aid, students must be enrolled at least half-time in the semester for which they are seeking aid. For master’s programs, full-time enrollment is defined as 9 credit hours per semester and half-time as 6 credit hours. For the D.Min. program, full-time is defined as 6 credit hours per semester and half-time as 3 credit hours.
Graduate Assistantships
A number of Graduate Assistantships are offered at Abilene Christian University on a competitive basis.
Graduate Assistants (GA’s) fall into three categories according to major responsibilities: academic support, including clerical work; research; and teaching.
Upon employment, GA’s are given a letter clearly stating responsibilities, remuneration and the expectations of the department and of the professor to whom they are assigned. In the GST, GA’s are required to work 7.5 hours a week and are paid an hourly wage.
ACU Employee Tuition Benefit Program
This benefit program applies to all full-time and half time employees at ACU and is designed to help employees, and their immediate family, obtain additional education. ACU employees, their spouses, and children are eligible to receive a discount on their tuition.
Church Match Scholarship
Church congregations may send up to a $500 scholarship per academic year for a full-time master’s student (9 hours for graduate students) to ACU, and the funds will be matched. The congregation must send the scholarship check with the completed Church Match Scholarship form (inquire at the GST for this form). This scholarship is available for Fall and Spring semesters only, and forms should be sent with the scholarship check from the congregation between June 1 and September 1 for the Fall semester, or between December 1 and February 1 for the Spring semester.
Loretta and V.W. Kelly Scholarship
Students who graduate from ACU with their undergraduate degree and stay at ACU to receive their graduate degree may be nominated by an ACU Faculty or Staff member for the ACU Alumni Association’s Loretta & V.W. Kelly Scholarship.
The Crutcher and Vickie Scott Foundation Scholarship
Students who are currently a minister at an Abilene area church can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must submit an application and two recommendation forms in order to be considered for this scholarship.
Lynn and Carolyn Anderson Endowed Scholarship
This endowed scholarship provides additional funds to D.Min. students as a way of supporting ministers in the ongoing practice of ministry. Dr. Lynn Anderson was a member of ACU’s inaugural D.Min. cohort in 1987. His and Carolyn’s remarkable ministry to congregations and to ministers is honored by gifts from the Anderson family and many others. Awards are based on character, academic ability, and financial need, and are used to encourage and promote diversity in the program when applicable.