Frequently Asked Questions

What Do You Believe?

In addition to the historic and global faith expressed in the Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed, we confess a Mere Protestant Statement of Common Belief.

What Degrees Do You Offer?

Emmaus offers program tracks for a variety of students. These include:

Professional Certificate:

Our Certificate of Foundational Ministry (CFM) is designed to be our most accessible program for those interested in theological studies without the cost or academic rigor of our other degree programs.

Undergraduate Degrees:

For undergraduate studies, Emmaus offers both an Associate of Divinity (ADiv) and a Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv) track, which also allows students to move towards advance standing in our ThM program through their undergraduate studies.

Graduate Degrees:

Emmaus offers a Master of Arts in Ecclesial Theology (MAET), a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS), and a Master of Divinity in Ecclesial Theology (MDiv)—our standard ministry degree.

Postgraduate Degree:

For those who have completed Emmaus’ BDiv, MAET/TS, MDiv, or an equivalent theological master’s degree, Emmaus offers a Master of Ecclesial Theology (ThM). The ThM is a practitioner’s research degree, built around the application of theology in and for the church.

Doctoral Degree:

For those who have completed at least 64-hours of a theological master’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrated competence in biblical Greek and Hebrew, Emmaus offers a Doctor of Ecclesial Theology (ThD). The ThD is a a substantial research degree in service of the church. Situated between a PhD and DMin, the Emmaus ThD is not beholden to the academy, but speaks to it. The Emmaus ThD is offered in partnership with the Center for Pastor Theologians. Want to know more? Check out these articles from the CPT: What is a Doctor of Ecclesial Theology? and What is the Difference Between a PhD, a DMin, and a ThD?

Explore our full list of Academic Programs.

How Much Do Classes Cost?

Emmaus’s Certificate of Foundational Ministry (CFM) is $100/credit hour.

Emmaus Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Programs (ADiv, BDiv, MAET, MATS, MDiv, and ThM) are $200/credit hour.

Emmaus's Doctor of Ecclesial Theology (ThD) is $300/credit hour.

Course Audits (lecture only, no assignments or credit) are $100/course.

For reference, the average cost of seminary is more than $1,100/credit hour, according to the Association of Theological Schools. Even after scholarships, the national average is still nearly $800/credit hour, which makes Emmaus more than 75% cheaper than most seminary programs.

In addition to the tuition rates above, there is also a per-semester enrollment fee which covers the cost of Communio Intensive meals and digital library costs, which includes required course texts as well as a wider research database. For certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs, this is $100 per semester, and $50 per semester for audit students. For postgraduate and doctoral students, the fee is $150 (ThM) or $200 (ThD) per semester, respectively. The difference in cost is set according to the access and use of additional research resources.

Are Scholarships or Financial Aid Available?

Yes! One of our strongest convictions, at the core of Emmaus, is that training should be accessible. In addition to keeping our tuition rates as low as we are able, we have also partnered with local churches and individuals to provide scholarships and financial aid. This includes tuition discounts ranging from 25–100% for all church-endorsed students of Partnering Churches. Partial and Full Scholarships are available and fulfilled according to need. If you are able, we encourage all students to speak with their own church and networks first to see if there are funds available before applying for general aid and scholarships.

How Much Work Can I Expect?

A typical expectation for a graduate level course is 1,000 pages of assigned readings and 12 pages of written assignments in addition to the course lectures. Our Certificate, Associate, and Bachelor programs each require less than these amounts (usually about 2/3 of the graduate requirements). The ThM and ThD programs each move towards a final thesis (50–100 pages) or dissertation (150–250 pages), respectively, and require significantly more in their reading and research seminars.

Are Classes Online?

Emmaus is committed to the idea that theological formation is best when it is an embodied experience. For this reason, our courses are not available in a traditional online format. Students are expected to join all class meetings live, in person or by distance synchronously through video conference.

For those unable to attend in person, Emmaus strives to facilitate local hubs where 3 or more students attending the same course are able to join the live lecture remotely via video conference. If a hub is not possible, students may join remotely.

Additionally, at the end of each semester, all students gather together in Cleveland for one weekend of Communio Intensives—a time of eating, worship, and learning in community together, integrated with your course studies and wider ministry. This deepens the bonds shared between Emmaus faculty and students.

How Can I Find or Start a Local Hub?

Local hubs (at least 3 students joining live lectures remotely via video conference) are hosted by local churches in cities and regions beyond the site of live instruction. When you apply, we look to group you with other students who may be near you, if possible. If you have a group of students in your church or region, you can make a note in your application or email us directly to form a hub. Many of our degrees overlap such that Certificate, Undergraduate, and Graduate students can all participate in the same hub. All you need is a stable internet connection and computer with audio/video capabilities.

How Can I or My Church Partner with Emmaus?

Emmaus exists to serve the church. We know we can't do this alone. Partnerships can include prayer, student-mentorship, financial giving, hosting a local hub, scholarships, and more. Additionally, we want these partnerships to also be of great benefit to our church partners and advocates. Learn more about church partner benefits, how to pray, and how to partner here. To find a time to discuss how you can help further the mission of Emmaus in a more detailed way, please email us today.

Where and When Do Classes Meet?

Courses meet in local churches in Cleveland and beyond. As we seek to embody formation, we encourage those within driving distance to attend course lectures in person, and others to meet in hubs whenever possible. Courses typically meet one day a week across the 16 week semester. Generally, these are either one night a week from 7–9pm, or one afternoon a week (e.g., 1–3pm), cycling from semester to semester. Students may apply and enroll at any time. Learn more about our embodied model here.

What if I have More Questions?

You can contact us to find a time to talk further.