Methodist Theological School in Ohio

Methodist Theological School in Ohio
Type Private
Established 1956
Affiliation United Methodist Church
President Jay Rundell, M.Div.
Students 137[1]
Location Delaware, Ohio, United States
40°15′13″N 83°03′36″W / 40.253695°N 83.060077°W / 40.253695; -83.060077Coordinates: 40°15′13″N 83°03′36″W / 40.253695°N 83.060077°W / 40.253695; -83.060077
Campus Suburban, 70 acres
Website Methodist Theological School in Ohio

The Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO) is a graduate theological school and seminary in Delaware, Ohio. MTSO is one of the 13 official seminaries of The United Methodist Church.

MTSO is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools of The Higher Learning Commission and is also accredited the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada to provide post-baccalaureate professional and academic degree programs to educate persons for the practice of ministry and for teaching and research in the theological disciplines.[2]

In addition to The United Methodist Church, MTSO students represent over 20 other Christian denominations and other faith perspectives.

History

In April 1958, 48 members of the Provisional Organization for the Establishment of a Methodist Theological School in Ohio signed a document laying the groundwork for the construction of a new educational institution on 70 hillside acres in Central Ohio.

In 1959, $4 million had been raised for the project. In 1960 the first classes met on the new campus.

Rev. John W. Dickhaut was named as the first president of MTSO and Van Bogard Dunn was appointed as the first academic dean. Dickhaut served as president for 22 years. In 1963, the first graduating class of MTSO was all-male and included one African-American graduate. The first female graduated from MTSO in 1964.

During the 1960s, MTSO established a legacy of focus on issues relating to social justice. Many of the faculty and students protested racial discrimination in the United States during these years. In 1973, MTSO joined Trinity Lutheran Seminary and the Pontifical College Josephinum to form the Theological Consortium of Greater Columbus. In 1981, MTSO named Rev. Buford A. Dickinson as the successor to Dickhaut as the president. Dickinson served for five years and was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Norman E. "Ned" Dewire, who would serve for 20 years.

Rev. Jay Rundell was named the fourth president of MTSO on July 1, 2006, and serves as president of the institution.[3] Dr. Valerie Bridgeman is the interim-academic dean.[4]

Academics

MTSO offers studies in multiple disciplines within the field of theological education. These include Biblical Studies, Pastoral Counseling, Historical Studies, Evangelism, Practical Theology, Theological Studies, the Study of Religion, Inter-Religious Relations, and Wesleyan Studies.

Students are required to engage in contextual education including field education, supervised internships, clinical pastoral education (CPE) units, and cross-cultural trips.

Faculty

MTSO currently has 18 members of the faculty.

Campus

The MTSO campus is 70 acres (280,000 m2). Facilities on the campus include:[5]

  • Alford Centrum
  • Burgett Preaching Chapel
  • Dewire Residence Hall
  • Dickhaut Library
  • Dunn Dining Hall
  • Gault Hall
  • Helen Werner Apartment Building
  • Kleist Manor Apartments
  • Werner Hall

Outdoor facilities include a chapel, labyrinth, and walking trails. In 2013, MTSO announced a sustainability initiative that will make MTSO's campus more environmentally responsible.

Degree programs

  • Master of Divinity (MDiv) [6]
  • Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries (MACM) [Clinical Counseling Track Suspended as of Spring 2017]
  • Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
  • Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MAPT)
  • Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Non-Degree Programs

  • Course of Study School in Ohio [7]
  • Certificate in Advanced Course of Study [8]
  • Certificate in Basic Theological Education
  • Certificate in Deacon Studies

Lecture Series

  • The Schooler Institute on Preaching
  • Williams Lectures on Theology

Notable alumni

References

  1. As of Fall 2017. "Fall 2017 Data - Full-Time Enrollment". Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  2. "Accreditation - MTSO". MTSO. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  3. "History - MTSO". MTSO. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  4. "Valerie Bridgeman - MTSO". MTSO. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  5. "Campus Map and Photos - MTSO". MTSO. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  6. "Master's Degree Programs - MTSO". MTSO. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  7. "Course of Study School of Ohio - MTSO". MTSO. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  8. "Academic Programs and Degree Requirements - MTSO". MTSO. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
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