Thrive in your ministry by earning a theology degree that includes built-in, peer-to-peer moral and academic support through our JDS Ambassador program. Grow your leadership skills by becoming an Ambassador while you are in the master’s in theology program.

Online theology courses allow you to maintain your commitments while you pursue your degree. Take one course at a time — each seven weeks — so that you can manage your master’s in theology studies while you continue to carry out your ministry calling.

Make global connections with students and Spirit-filled scholars from around the world. By earning your theology degree through our partnership, you will cultivate networks in the faith community — deep and lasting connections that can lead to incredible opportunities.

With an average of 15 students or fewer in your online theology courses, you will learn directly from leading Christian scholars. These connections with your professors and peers will help you succeed at JDS and lead into your dynamic future.

As part of the JDS community, you are never on your own. Attend in-person residencies twice a year to meet and develop strong bonds with other JDS faculty, staff, and students. Learn from top ministry leaders from around the world at these inspiring events.

Ask questions, get feedback, and engage in discussions about diverse theological perspectives through Jakes Divinity School Town Halls. These engaging events are scheduled regularly at the discretion of the JDS president.

Be inspired and empowered by JDS founder and chancellor Bishop T.D. Jakes through his exclusive master class sessions. You will learn from him as he shares biblical insights and practical wisdom from his many years of preaching, teaching, and leading.

To learn more about how to apply for the theology degree, visit JDS admissions.

Submit an online application.

• Official college transcripts
  • All official transcripts should be submitted as follows:
    • Physical transcripts can be sent to the address below and must be in a sealed envelope from the school remitting the transcript to be accepted:
      Vanguard University
      School for Professional Studies
      55 Fair Drive
      Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
    • Electronic transcripts can be sent to: spsadmissions@vanguard.edu and admissions@jakesdivinity.org (must be sent from a third-party Safe Sender, such as eScrip or Parchment to be accepted).

• Reference Forms
  • Download and complete the Reference Form.
  • In addition to the forms, two letters of recommendation must be submitted by both a pastoral and academic reference. Email the documents to admissions@jakesdivinity.org with the subject “JDS References – (Your first and last name here)”.
• Personal Statement
  • Write a detailed statement of purpose describing your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree (include vocational reasons), as well as how your faith is related to this decision. Email your personal statement to admissions@jakesdivinity.org.
  • Statement must be a minimum of 250 words.
• Resume
  • Please provide a detailed resume and email it to admissions@jakesdivinity.org with the subject “JDS Applicant Resume – (Your first and last name here)”.

• FAFSA
  • Vanguard’s school code for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is 001293. You can also find general information here.

Core Courses (33 units):

• Systematic Theology: Christology, Anthropology, Soteriology
• New Testament Theology and Exegesis
• Old Testament Theology and Exegesis
• Biblical Exegesis and Expository Preaching
• Systematic Theology: Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology Systematic Theology: Theological Method, Revelation, and Theology Proper
• Seminar in Old Testament
• Christology in the New Testament
• Church and Contemporary Moral Issues
• Theology and Theory of Leadership
• Theology and Ministry in a Post-Modern Context

Elective Courses (12 units):

Old Testament

• Beginning Hebrew I
• Beginning Hebrew II
• Intermediate Hebrew I
• Intermediate Hebrew II
• Old Testament Ethics
• Special Topics
• Individual Study in Old Testament

New Testament

• Beginning Greek I
• Beginning Greek II
• Intermediate Greek I
• Intermediate Greek II
• Parables of Teaching
• New Testament Ethics
• Special Topics
• Individual Study in New Testament

Theology and Ethics

• Special Topics
• Individual Study in Theology and Ethics

Leadership

• History of Spirituality
• Spiritual Formation
• Spiritual Direction
• Change and Strategic Planning
• Team Development and Conflict Management
• Leadership and Character Development
• Mission and Culture in Theological Perspective
• Special Topics

Field Education

• Field Education in Student Ministries
• Field Education in Church Administration
• Field Education in Worship Leadership
• Field Education in Family Life and Small Group Ministries
• Field Education in Pastoral Leadership Ministries

Exit Options (3-6 units):

Integrative Seminar Option
Directed Reading Option

• Exit Option and Design Proposal
• Directed Reading

Master’s Thesis Option

• Exit Option and Design Proposal
• Master’s Thesis

The degree is offered online with some face-to-face opportunities for learning, networking, and hands-on experience. All of Jakes Divinity School students will have face-to-face residency opportunities twice a year. The first is during the International Leadership Summit each spring of a given degree program. Students will arrive on site of the summit the Sunday evening prior and remain for a week until the end of the summit. The second residency will likely take place in Dallas, TX, at Jakes Divinity School in the fall of each year.

PLEASE NOTE: We are not eligible to accept students from the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming in degrees powered by Vanguard University

Does the program allow financial aid?

Yes. You have the option of applying for federal loans, grants and/or scholarships.

How can I apply for Financial Aid?

Complete a FAFSA application and use School Code: 001293 for Vanguard.
Click here to complete a Spanish FAFSA application.

Are there admissions deadlines for financial aid?

Yes. Please refer to the financial registration deadline and academic registration dates made available through your JDS Enrollment and Student Services Coordinator.

Who is eligible for financial aid?

Federal guidelines generally require students to be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units/semester hours to use federal financial aid. Students are not eligible to use federal financial aid (FAFSA) if starting in Module 3 of any semester. If starting in Module 3, students will only be enrolled in 3 units (1 course). Students can still be admitted for Module 3 of a semester and pay out of pocket for tuition.

What is the course format?

Each of our online courses are to be taken 1 class each 7 weeks.
Students are also encouraged to participate in two residencies per year – the International Leadership Summit and the JDS Symposium.

Are there any prerequisites for this program?

Applicants will need to have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in order to be considered for the MAT program.

Can I still apply for the program if I live out-of-state?

Yes. However, our JDS partner school, Vanguard University, does not accept applicants who reside in: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota,  Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. You may contact a JDS Enrollment and Student Services Coordinator to discuss other program options that may fit your needs.