Where can you pursue graduate studies in theology at a major university, study with outstanding Mennonite professors, interact with students from many faith traditions - and have your tuition fully paid?
Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo have established a new partnership in Graduate Theological Studies which provides all these benefits. This partnership was approved by the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies (OCGS) on March 14, 2008. The Master of Theological Studies degree will now be conferred conjointly by the college and the university.
Grebel’s Academic Dean, Jim Pankratz, commented:
This new partnership has many practical benefits for our students. All full time students in the program will receive full tuition scholarships and other financial support, excellent health insurance and access to graduate student housing. Theological Studies students will be able to take courses in other departments within the University of Waterloo or other Ontario universities. It will be easier for them to transfer credits to other graduate schools, including Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS).
This new partnership and OCGS approval also provides provincial funding for the Theological Studies program.
This is another example of the strong relationships and excellent cooperation between Grebel and the University,
said College President Henry Paetkau.
While the new partnership with the University of Waterloo is in its first year, the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program at Grebel is celebrating its 20th year. This two-year interdisciplinary program prepares students for ministry, further graduate work, or provides personal enrichment. The program draws on the college’s academic strengths in Theological Studies, Music, Peace and Conflict Studies, Mennonite studies and the Arts.
On April 13, 2008 the college honoured thirteen students who are graduating with their MTS degrees this spring. They are the largest graduating class ever, and bring to seventy the total number of graduates. About half of all grads are in ministry, one quarter have entered or completed doctoral studies in theology, and one quarter are in a variety of professions.