Eden offers full-tuition scholarship for Master of Divinity exploratory year

Eden Seminary’s Board of Trustees has acted to expand the “Explore Scholarships” so that women and men from any denomination can explore a theological education and a vocation in church leadership.  The Explore Scholarship is a full tuition scholarship for any student who enrolls fulltime in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree program.  The expanded scholarship builds on the success of a program available to students in the United Church of Christ denomination in the 2012-2013 academic year.  Beginning in the fall of 2013 the Explore scholarship is now available to students of any denomination.

“For many people, this is a dream come true,” said the Rev. Carol Shanks, director of admissions at Eden. “We are removing that initial roadblock of finances to help people address their deep yearning to learn more about God and their faith. Having that year to explore theological education will help them discern just how important this call is on their life.  They will then know, ‘I can do this.’ This is a life-giving opportunity.” 

The Explore Scholarship is available to all full-time first year students in the M.Div. degree program.  To qualify for the degree program, prospective students must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a 2.7 GPA or above and be a person of faith involved in a church community.  First-year students must also participate in contextual education, sometimes referred to as field education.  Contextual education students work 10 hours a week with an Eden approved site and participate in a ministry seminar group for theological reflection.

“There are no strings attached to the Explore Scholarship,” said Shanks. “We are confident that what you learn with the Eden community will go with you and continue to bear fruit in your life.  If after a year of study you choose not to continue at Eden, there is absolutely no further obligation.”

Eden’s student body currently consists of women and men from approximately 18 denominations. Fifty percent of Eden students are women, with student ages ranging from the 20s to the 60s. Eden is a school of the United Church of Christ and is an Open and Affirming seminary .

For more information or to begin the application process, please contact the Office of Admissions, at (314) 918-2501.