Frequently Asked Questions

What Do You Believe?

In addition to the historic and global faith expressed in the Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed, we confess a Mere Protestant Statement of Common Belief.

What Degrees Do You Offer?

Emmaus offers program tracks for a variety of students.

Professional Certificate:

Our Certificate of Foundational Ministry (CFM) is designed to be our most accessible program for those interested in theological studies without the cost or academic rigor of our other degree programs.

Undergraduate Degrees:

For undergraduate studies, Emmaus offers both an Associate of Divinity (ADiv) and an integrated Bachelor of Divinity to Master of Ecclesial Theology (BDiv/MET) track, which allows undergraduate students to move towards our advanced Masters program through their undergraduate studies.

Graduate Degrees:

Emmaus offers a Master of Christian Ministry and a Master of Theological Studies with concentrations in Biblical Languages, Theology and Culture, Church History, Biblical Counseling, and Ministry and the Christian Life.

For those who have completed Emmaus’ BDiv, MCM, MTS, or an equivalent theological master’s degree, Emmaus offers a Master of Ecclesial Theology (MET). The MET is a practitioner’s research degree, built around the application of theology in and for the church.

Explore our full list of Academic Programs.

Why Don't You Offer an MDiv?

You may have noticed in our degree programs above that there is no MDiv track at Emmaus. While this is the degree most people associate with seminary, we have chosen to go in a different direction. The rigor and proficiency of MDiv programs have decreased in recent years as many seek to be more accommodating to those seeking shorter programs of study. Rather than cheapening what an MDiv means, we have opted to instead offer a track for the MATS to MET. We believe that these programs together offer a robust formation of theology, biblical languages, and deep application in the church. They constitute roughly the same length of study you would find in an MDiv program (88–94 Credit Hours), but with outcomes we would put up against any MDiv in the country.

How Much Do Classes Cost?

Emmaus’ Certificate of Foundational Ministry is $100/credit hour.

Emmaus Degree Programs (ADiv, BDiv, MCM, MTS, and MET) are $200/credit hour. Less than a third of the price of most seminary programs.

Course Audits (lecture only, no assignments or credit) are $100/course.

How Much Work Can I Expect?

A typical expectation for a graduate level course is 1,000 pages of assigned readings and 12 pages of written assignments in addition to the course lectures. Our Certificate, Associate, and Bachelor programs each require less than these amounts, while our MET program moves towards a final thesis assignment and requires significantly more in its reading and research seminars.

Are Classes Online?

For those unable to attend in person, Emmaus strives to facilitate local hubs where 3 or more students attending the same course are able to join the live lecture remotely via video conference.

Additionally, once a semester, all students gather together in Cleveland for one weekend of Communio Intensives—a time of eating, worship, and learning in community together, integrated with your course studies and wider ministry. This deepens the bonds shared between Emmaus faculty and students.

How Can I Find or Start a Local Hub?

Local hubs (at least 3 students joining live lectures remotely via video conference) are hosted by local churches in cities and regions beyond the site of live instruction. When you apply, we look to pair you with other students who may be near you, if possible. If you have a group of students in your church or region, you can make a note in your application or email us directly to form a hub. Many of our degrees overlap such that Certificate, Undergraduate, and Master students can all participate in the same hub. All you need is a stable internet connection and computer with audio/video capabilities.

Are There Scholarships Available?

Yes! One of our strongest convictions, at the core of Emmaus, is that training should be accessible. For this reason, we have partnered with local churches and individuals to provide scholarships and financial aid. Partial and Full Scholarships are available and fulfilled according to need. If you are able, we encourage all students to speak with their own church and networks first to see if there are funds available before applying for general aid and scholarships.

How Can My Church or Business Partner with Emmaus?

To discuss how you can help further the mission of Emmaus, email us today. Partnerships can include prayer, student-mentorship, financial giving, hosting a local hub, scholarships, and more.

Where and When Do Classes Meet?

Courses meet in local churches across our region. As we week to embody formation, we encourage those within driving distance to attend course lectures in person, and others to meet in hubs whenever possible. Courses typically meet one day a week across the 14 week semester. Generally, these are one night a week from 7–9pm, but we also offer some courses during the day, cycling from semester to semester. Students may apply and enroll at any time. Learn more about our embodied model here.

What if I have More Questions?

You can email us to find a time to talk further.