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Admissions

A PRACTICAL SEMINARY EXPERIENCE BY THE CHURCH, FOR THE CAdmissions QRcodeHURCH

Since day one, training the next generation of leaders for the Church in a practical fashion has been our primary mission. The educational model we have been working to perfect since 1892 aims to mold to the needs of the student rather than ask you to fit the mold of a standardized curriculum.

We work to empower students to become thought-activists who can not only process their ideas but convert them into real actions. As a result, of this real-world focus, we have found our programs give virtual students the ability to learn and thrive in the collegiate atmosphere in ways they may have been under-served elsewhere.

We are committed to doing real ministry, in real-time, in a real context, leaving you with real skills to change the culture and build the Kingdom.

Become the Christian leader you were meant to be. Enroll now in Payne Theological Seminary.

 

Student Life

There is a low student-teacher ratio at Payne Theological Seminary. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who assists the student with decisions about course selections and course loads as the student matriculates.

Campus Life

The seminary believes that spiritual formation involves community. There is a code of conduct that emphasizes respect for all persons and their personal property. It is expected that all members of the seminary community observe this code.

Spiritual Life

All members of the seminary community are encouraged to participate in chapel programs. Distinguished preachers and scholars from outside the seminary community are invited to participate in these programs. The chapel is open on a regular basis for prayer.

Admission Process

Master of Divinity

  1. Complete an online application at sis.payneseminary.edu.
  2. Submit a $50 application fee, which can be mailed in the form of a check, money order, or online by credit card.
  3. Submit official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
  4. Submit two (2) letters of recommendation – one from the applicant’s pastor or denominational official and one from other persons, preferably college professors, who are familiar with the student’s academic ability. For students who have been out of school for more than five (5) years, one of the letters should be from a supervisor at their place of employment or the equivalent.
  5. Submit a written 750-1,000 word essay  on the subject, “What Is The Value Of A Theological Education To Me?” Included in the essay should be the motives for entering the Christian Ministry and those persons, influences and religious experiences that led to choosing a church-related vocation.

Deadlines
Rolling Admission – Candidates for our MDiv program are invited to submit their applications to the Seminary anytime to be considered for admission.

Requirements
The Master of Divinity program typically follows an undergraduate program of related study or an equivalent.

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Doctor of Ministry

  1. Have 3 years of ministry experience, an MDiv degree or equivalent.
  2. Complete an online application at sis.payneseminary.edu, and submit a $50 application fee, which can be mailed in the form of a check, money order, or online by credit card.
  3. Complete a background check.  Please go to sis.payneseminary.edu and click on Academics; scroll down to the Doctor of Ministry section and click Background Check.
  4. Submit an official transcript from the institution where the Master of Divinity degree was obtained.
  5. Submit two (2) letters of recommendation – A pastor or denominational representative and a colleague, a former professor, or other professional.
  6. Submit a typewritten 750-1,000 word essay, define your personal and professional goals particularly related to your current ministry context, and describe how the Doctor of Ministry degree will help you to achieve those goals.

Deadlines
Candidates must apply by July 15 of each year for admission into the fall cohort and December 1 for the spring cohort.

Requirements
The Doctor of Ministry program is designed to be completed following an M. Div. degree or equivalent.

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Master of Arts in Religious Leadership

  1. Complete an online application at sis.payneseminary.edu.
  2. Submit a $50 application fee, which can be mailed in the form of a check, money order, or online by credit card.
  3. Submit official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
  4. Submit two (2) letters of recommendation – one from the applicant’s pastor or denominational official and one from other persons, preferably college professors, who are familiar with the student’s academic ability. For students who have been out of school for more than five (5) years, one of the letters should be from a supervisor at their place of employment or the equivalent.
  5. Submit a written 750-1,000 word essay on the subject, “What Is The Value Of A Theological Education To Me?” Included in the essay should be the motives for entering the Christian Ministry and those persons, influences, and religious experiences that led to choosing a church-related vocation.

Deadlines
Rolling Admission – Candidates for our Master of Arts in Religious Leadership program are invited to submit their applications to the Seminary anytime to be considered for admission.

Requirements
The Master of Arts in Religious Leadership program typically follows an undergraduate program of related study or an equivalent.

Read More

More Information

Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fee Schedule (MDIV)
Tuition & Fee Schedule (MARL)
Tuition & Fee Schedule (DMIN)
Payment Plan

Financial Aid

Awards – Payne offers awards to outstanding students. Please check with the Financial Aid Office for applications, criteria and deadlines for awards.

Payne Scholarships

Loans – Low-interest loans are available to students who are attending college at least half time. Repayment begins six months after you graduate or drop below half time. You must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to gain eligibility for Federal loans. Annual Loan Limits for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans have been set by the federal government and are based on your dependency status and year in school.

Work Study – Students who are eligible for Federal Work-Study are able to apply for on-campus jobs. Eligibility for this need-based program is determined by the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students earn wages and receive paychecks as part of their financial aid. At Payne, there are a limited number of on-campus jobs available each school year. Student-Worker Applications should be submitted to the Business Office.

FASFA – https://fafsa.ed.gov/
Department of Education – http://www.ed.gov/

Contacts

Admissions – Dr. Deborah Brown

Director of Admissions and Recruitment

(937) 971-2855
admissions@payneseminary.edu

Office Hours
M-F 9am to 5pm

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Services

(855) 831-7411
financialaid@payneseminary.edu

Office Hours
M-F 9am to 5pm

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“I just love all the historical context of the school Glory to God”

James Combs

“The Africentric exposure through the lens of Professors, and resources used at the Seminary are remarkable.”

Dianne Faust

Why Choose Payne Theological Seminary?

Spiritual

Education founded on the Word of God.

CULTURAL

Rich history of African American ethos weaved through our programs.

ACCESSIBLE

Giving you the ability to complete your degree online.

LIBERATIVE

Build advanced leadership skills with emphasis on social justice.

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  • 1230 Wilberforce-Clifton Road

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    Wilberforce, OH 45384
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (937) 376-2946

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