Austin Seminary Partners with Huston-Tillotson University to Offer Accelerated Pathway for Students Called to Ministry

Building on their long-standing partnership, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (Austin Seminary) and Huston-Tillotson University (HT) have collaborated to offer an innovative pathway for students seeking advanced degrees in preparation for ministry. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlines a seamless pathway for students to complete a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree within six years. This new endeavor reflects Austin Seminary’s commitment to guiding the next generation of Christian leaders who can build bridges that connect us to each other and make an impact where God calls them.

“This new MOU builds on the eighty-year relationship between Huston-Tillotson University and Austin Seminary to educate Christian leaders for service to the church and the world,” said The Reverend Dr. Margaret Aymer, vice president for academic affairs and academic dean at Austin Seminary and co-author of the agreement. “We are excited to facilitate the formation of young leaders from our neighboring faith-based institution of higher education, and to help ease the financial burden that becomes a barrier for too many.”

The program provides students with higher educational opportunities and services in pursuit of completing the academic requirements for ordination in many denominations of the Christian church, including The United Methodist Church, United Church of Christ, and African Methodist Episcopal denominations. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to expanding academic opportunities and cultivating future leaders for ministry and service,” said Dr. Michael L. Hirsch, dean of the HT College of Arts and Sciences and co-author of the agreement. “We are proud to offer a dynamic accelerated pathway that allows students to deepen their theological education.”

Under the terms of the agreement, students will complete a minimum of three years of core curriculum and major coursework at HT before applying to Austin Seminary during their junior year. Students accepted into the program will transition to Austin Seminary to complete the three-year MDiv curriculum, with the first 30 credits of graduate coursework transferring back to HT to fulfill their undergraduate degree requirements. Upon completing the requirements of each institution, students will receive either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree from HT and an MDiv from Austin Seminary.

“As two faith-centered institutions, this partnership advances our respective missions to equip leaders who can infuse church and society with the vibrancy derived from the gifts of diversity,” said Austin Seminary President José R. Irizarry. “We hope this program will serve as a launchpad for expanded and ongoing collaboration between these two institutions, which stand as historical pillars of quality education in the city of Austin.”

Aymer celebrates the growing partnership with HTU as an enriching collaboration rooted in mutual learning and shared purpose. “We hope to continue to learn from one another and to grow together as we pursue our mutual callings, and we look forward to welcoming young people from Huston-Tillotson to our seminary campus.”