MTS-Moody Merger Frequently Asked Questions

Below are listed some frequently asked questions regarding the merger of Michigan Theological Seminary with Moody Bible Institute.  If your question isn't addressed below, please click here to submit a question for the Academic Dean or the Chaplain.
Has MTS merged with Moody?
The boards of both Michigan Theological Seminary and Moody Bible Institute (MBI) have approved the merger of the two institutions.  The agreement is worded to make the merger effective on January 1, 2010.  Until then Michigan Theological Seminary will continue to have its current legal status.

How does the merger affect the corporate status of MTS?
Michigan Theological Seminary will change its name to Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School–Michigan (the graduate school in Chicago now has the name, Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School).  It will be a fully owned subsidiary of MBI of Chicago.  Its Board of Directors will be the same as the Board of Trustees of MBI.

Are degrees offered in Michigan still authorized by the State of Michigan?
Yes, and they will continue to be.

What will be the name of the Michigan Campus?
The present MTS will become Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School–Michigan, and may be referred to with shorter titles: MTS–Michigan, MTSGS–Michigan, Moody Seminary–Michigan, or Moody Theological Seminary–Michigan.

How does the merger affect the degree programs and requirements?
There will be no immediate change to any of the degree programs or requirements.  The two faculties are working on a joint curriculum for the Master of Divinity that is expected to become effective Fall, 2010.  But that curriculum has not been finalized or approved yet.  The other degrees and the Certificate program are at the moment unaffected, although there may be minor changes to them starting Fall 2010, depending on any change in configuration to the shared core courses in the M.Div.

What happens to our status of accreditation?
Upon the merger becoming effective, MTS–Michigan will be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which is the regional institutional accreditor for both Illinois and Michigan.  MTS—Michigan will continue to have its accreditation with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).  Earlier this year, the faculty and Board of Michigan Theological Seminary decided not to continue our accreditation with Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).  As a result, we have relinquished continuing affiliation with TRACS.  You can find more information on the HLC approval of the merger on Moody's announcement page.

Is the accreditation the same on both campuses?
No, it is not.  Currently MTSGS-Chicago is accredited by HLC.  Upon the merger becoming effective, MTS–Michigan will be accredited by both HLC and ATS.  The Chicago campus will pursue ATS accreditation separately, but the merger does not transfer it to that campus.

When will distance learning become available?
We expect some courses will become available in Fall 2010, or if possible, sooner.  This is dependent on the revised combined curriculum, the suitability of existing courses for that curriculum, and the development of new ones.

How does the merger affect tuition and fees?
There is no change in Winter or Spring 2010.  The tuition and fee rates for the next academic year will be announced by Spring 2010.

How does the merger affect financial aid and student loans?
Title IV federal loans will discontinue effective January 1, 2010.  However, students are encouraged to apply for scholarships and, if necessary, loans that may be available through banks.  Our financial aid personnel are available to advise and answer questions in this regard.

Is there a new student handbook?
There will be a new student handbook common to both graduate campuses.  However, until that is published, the current MTS student handbook will be in effect.

What will be the institutional name on degree diplomas?
Those graduating in May 2010 can request to have Michigan Theological Seminary on their diploma.  Otherwise, the new name will appear on all diplomas.

We will hold a brief Q&A session as chapel on Monday, November 30.  Please click here to submit a question for the Chapel Q&A.