Individuals pursuing a Master of Divinity degree and desiring ordination in the UMC should enroll at a seminary approved by the University Senate of the UMC.
https://www.gbhem.org/education/university-senate/list-approved-schools
No more than one half (50%) of your coursework may be online per The Florida Annual Conference guidelines. Note this is less than what most seminaries allow. Hybrid classes count as residential coursework.
The Basic Graduate Theological Studies (BGTS) as defined by paragraph 324.4 of The Book of Discipline are required for all candidates for Deacon and Elder. These are seminary level courses and must be completed at a seminary listed by the University Senate of the UMC.
The BGTS include seven 3-credit courses in Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History, Mission of the Church in the World, Evangelism, Worship/Liturgy; and three 2-credit courses in United Methodist Doctrine, Polity and History. These may be taken as two 3-credit courses if all 3 subject areas are covered. The Florida Conference also requires a 3-credit course in Preaching for those on the Elder Track.
Those eligible to apply for Provisional Membership must have half of their Master's education and BGTS Courses complete.
Please feel free to use the forms below to assist you in completing the required coursework.
Schools approved for Spanish MDiv programs: United, Fuller (main campus only), and the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico.