Grebel Cooperative MTS-MDiv Sequential Degree Arrangements

This page provides an overview of information and procedures for students interested in completing a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree at Grebel/University of Waterloo, and then proceeding to complete a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). Read the news release.

I. The Basic sequence:

1. Student applies for admission to MTS program at Grebel/University Waterloo.
2. Student completes MTS (Applied Studies) at Grebel (16 courses), including, ideally, three AMBS courses.  The MTS degree is awarded conjointly by Grebel and University of Waterloo.
3. Student applies for admission to MDiv program at AMBS.
4. Up to 13 of 16 courses may be transferred.
5. Three courses may be taken at AMBS (online or on campus) while a student is a Grebel MTS student (see II.8).  These courses will count towards the MTS degree, and will also be applied towards an MDiv at AMBS.  Thus, it is possible that all 16 MTS courses (=48 hours) will be counted towards an MDiv degree.
6. Student completes MDiv at AMBS either through MDiv Connect or through MDiv Campus.
7. Upon completion, MDiv degree is awarded by AMBS.

II. Further information:

1. Admission to Grebel/Waterloo and AMBS are separate processes.  There is no guarantee that admission to one implies admission to the other.
2. A Grebel MTS student interested in sequential degrees is eligible for all Grebel scholarships during their MTS program.  For example, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, studying full-time, with Fall registration, is receives full-time tuition scholarships for up to six terms of study.
3. Grebel/UW and AMBS use different systems of calculating academic requirements/ course credit. Grebel follows UW’s system of counting courses (a one term course that meets 3 hours per week for 12 weeks = 0.5 credit.)  All Grebel courses have the same weight.  The MTS program requires 16 courses (=8.0 credits)
4. AMBS uses an hour-based system of course weight.  An individual course leads to 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours or 4 hours of credit.  The MDiv (Campus or Connect) requires 80 hours.
5. Meeting MDiv requirements depends not only on the total course credits transferred, but on taking Grebel courses that fulfill specific course requirements for the MDiv at AMBS.  Grebel courses should be chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor to ensure that these requirements are being met.
6. Students may pursue these sequential degrees even if they are not able to transfer the maximum number of courses.
7. In addition to the 8 required courses for MTS Applied Studies, students interested in the AMBS MDiv studies are strongly advised to take the following MTS courses:

• TS 635 Christian Ethics
• TS 684 Pastoral Care
• TS 751 Worship, Ritual, and Ministry; or TS 651 Christian Worship
• TS 755 Preaching

Students will work closely with their advisor to choose the remaining three elective courses.

8. During their MTS studies, Grebel students may register at AMBS as visiting students for up to nine credit hours (=3 MTS courses).  These will most often be online courses.  Such courses will apply towards the MTS degree and also be credits at AMBS (i.e. they are not included in the 39 hours of maximum transfer credit).  Only courses with a weight of 3 hours or 4 hours can be applied towards MTS requirements.  3 hour and 4 hour courses are equivalent to 1 courses (0.5 credit) at Grebel.
9. Grebel students taking AMBS online courses receive several discounts—tuition is discounted 50% and may be paid in Canadian dollars at par.
10. Some Grebel courses (e.g. TS 755 Preaching) may be offered on campus at Waterloo and may be taken for AMBS credit.  [More information to come.]
11. AMBS offers Grebel students completing the MTS degree a tailored and expedited admissions process. AMBS will waive the normal application fee.  AMBS will require the following from applicants in addition to a reduced application package and visa-related documents:

• their most recent transcript (admitted students would hold a provisional admission status until AMBS receives the final, official transcript from Grebel showing the degree is conferred)
• letter of standing from the Grebel Dean or the Director of Theological Studies
• evaluation summaries of their supervised ministry or internship courses
• a sample academic paper of at least 8 pages or 2,800 words in length demonstrating the student’s best work
• financial aid documentation from AMBS.

12. Students enrolling in either the MDiv Campus or Connect will need to secure international student visas in order to study at AMBS, including hybrid courses. AMBS will be responsible for assisting in this process.  Because of the regulations around these visas, students should plan to enroll in a hybrid course 3 times per year in order to ensure the visa remains valid over the course of the program.  Missing a hybrid term will require that a new visa be secured.
13. Students will typically enroll in the MDiv program with a major in Pastoral Ministry or Christian Faith Formation.
14. Students enrolling in MDiv Connect program (distance study which requires three weeklong visits to AMBS per year) will study part-time and could complete the remaining 30 hours in 3 – 4 years, depending on student availability and course scheduling.
15. Students enrolling in MDiv Campus program in Elkhart, Indiana must do so a full-time basis to meet visa regulations. A full-time student could complete 30 hours in 1.5 academic years, or possibly as little as 12 months depending on course scheduling and load.
16. Questions about the AMBS admission process, degree requirements, visa rules, costs, financial aid, etc., should be directed to the AMBS Assistant Dean and Registrar, Scott Janzen.