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Master's Programs

Master of Theological Essentials

The Master of Theological Essentials is a 36 credit-hour program that provides a foundation for Christian thought.

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Master's Programs

Master of Theological Essentials

The Master of Theological Essentials (MTE) provides a foundation for Christian thought. Students learn the biblical story from Genesis to Revelation, develop essential theological skills, and apply those skills in a ministry environment.

36 Credit-hours
The MTE is a 36 credit-hour degree focused on core theological fields.
Locations

The MTE is available at all of Gateway’s campuses and through Gateway Online.

Stackable
All of the required courses of the MTE can be applied to Gateway’s other master’s programs.
This degree is also offered as a diploma
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Course Requirements
These courses make up the theological core of all of Gateway’s other master’s degrees which allows students to transfer the MTE’s required 36 credit-hours to another master’s program before or after completing the degree.
Old Testament Introduction I & II
New Testament Introduction I & II
Christian Theology I or II
Baptist Heritage & Practice
Christian Ethics
Theological Field Education
Church History I & II
Biblical Hermeneutics
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Financial Aid
Financial aid at Gateway Seminary begins with the commitment of the Southern Baptist Convention to quality theological education.
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Why a Master of Theological Essentials?

The MTE does not attempt to prepare student for a specific vocational role in the church, but seeks to provide the biblical and theological foundation needed for all ministry. In addition, the MTE degree requirements intentionally overlap with several 2-year specialized master’s degrees (MACE, M.G.E., M.A.I.S., M.A.C.C., M.T.S.) and with the M.Div., allowing a student who completes the M.T.E. to then progress to several degrees which provide focused vocational ministry preparation. The M.T.S. is intended to equip students to establish a baseline foundation for ministry leadership.

The MTE will enable students to:

  • Exhibit an introductory graduate-level understanding of the Bible’s content, contexts, structure, and message; and demonstrate the ability to conduct solid research with a goal of properly applying the Bible to modern life.
  • Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Christian historical, theological, and ethical frameworks commonly held in the believers’ church tradition to sustain ministerial leadership to God’s glory.
  • Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Christian ethical framework commonly held in the believers’ church tradition to sustain ministerial leadership to God’s glory.
  • Understand and establish appropriate life and ministry focus, priorities, and boundaries.
  • Identify and affirm God’s shaping of the student as to calling, ministry giftedness, strengths and growth edges, and personality dynamics.
For more information about the MTE, use these links to access our Academic Catalog.
Degree Description
Course Listing

Gateway Seminary will consider applicants lacking an accredited undergraduate degree for admission to its basic master’s degrees. A student must request admission under this provision in writing through the Office of Enrollment and may initiate this request only after all qualifying criteria have been met:

  • Applicants must demonstrate their ability to do graduate-level work by entering the Seminary as a diploma student and by completing at least 15 hours of Gateway Seminary coursework required in the master’s degree sought (at least 6 hours of introductory courses in New Testament, Old Testament, history, or theology) with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Electives, transfer credits and ADVANCE courses may not be used to satisfy this requirement.
  • This provision will not be granted to previous students who graduated with diploma degrees.