Subscription-Based MATS Program Details
Whether you have worked in ministry for a long time or you are just beginning your journey, this innovative new approach offers you customizable learning pathways. Engage in personalized mentorship — which will help you grow both academically and holistically — as you set your own pace to progress through structured coursework tailored to your individual needs. This dynamic, interactive online learning environment will also give you the opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency in ways that recognize your prior knowledge and experience — no matter where you are in your ministry career.
This format is designed to enhance your learning experience by providing greater flexibility, mentor-driven guidance, focus on real-world competency, and affordability.
For just $399 per month, your subscription includes all coursework, fees,* learning resources, and faculty support toward earning your MATS. You can take up to 12 credit hours per semester, allowing you to complete your degree on your schedule.
For your convenience, this fee will be automatically charged each month (starting on the date you first subscribe, and then monthly on that date thereafter) using the payment method you provide upon enrollment.
Financial Aid
Due to the significantly discounted nature of this program format, financial aid is not available. See the chart below for examples of the cost savings possible with this format.
The MATS comprises 36 credit hours. Under the previous pricing model of $545 per-credit-hour, the MATS cost was $19,620 plus fees. Below is an illustration** of estimated degree costs for the subscription-based format, based on the number of credit hours taken at a time each semester.
| Courseload Per Semester (in credit hours) | Number of Semesters | Approximate Number of Months | Estimated Total Degree Cost |
| 12 | 3 | 12 | $4,799 |
| 9 | 4 | 16 | $6,384 |
| 6 | 6 | 24 | $9,576 |
| 3 | 9 | 36 | $14,364 |
*Some fees, such as the graduation fee, are not included in your subscription.
**The table above is for illustrative purposes only. The exact number of months that encompass each semester varies based on term start and end dates. Estimated total degree cost may also vary depending on when you subscribe to the program. Pricing is subject to change.
Before enrollment, please review the following important information regarding financial aid and payment policies.
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is not eligible for:
Title IV federal financial aid, including Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and Federal Graduate PLUS Loans
State-funded grants or scholarship programs
VA or military education benefits
Alternative Payment Options
Students are responsible for funding their education through any combination of:
Personal payments
SEU payment plans
Employer tuition reimbursement
External scholarships
Other non-federal financial aid sources
Refund & Payment Policies
Students are expected to review and understand the institution’s monthly subscription cost, refund policies, and payment deadlines. All financial obligations associated with the program are the responsibility of the student.
Failure to pay the monthly subscription fee will result in loss of access to course(s) and the inability to continue in the program until payment is made.
How to Apply for the Subscription-based MATS
Visit SEU.edu/apply, and follow the prompts for master’s degrees, choose “Competency-Based Education (CBE)” and then select “Online”. Contact your enrollment counselor with any questions about the application process.
FAQs
CBE is an educational philosophy that emphasizes demonstrating proficiency in essential skills and knowledge rather than simply completing coursework. It combines guided learning with practical application, allowing students to progress as they apply their understanding in real-world ministry contexts. By prioritizing not only skill development but also personal growth and leadership formation, CBE is as much a formational journey as it is an academic one.
A competency is a clearly-defined ability, skill, or knowledge area that a student is expected to develop and demonstrate through their learning. Competencies outline what a student should be able to do upon successful completion of a course or program. The benchmarks used to determine a student’s level of competency are called proficiency indicators.
Your faculty mentor (FM) — who is matched to you based on your goals and current proficiency level — will work with you to create your personalized course plan. Your FM will also evaluate your work, determine your competency levels as you progress, and provide guidance and encouragement along the way.
A context mentor (CM) is an informal, non-university-appointed mentor who provides real-world guidance to you within your specific ministry or professional setting. You are encouraged to seek out a mentor in your own ministry environment who can offer practical, hands-on insight related to your field. Examples may include an experienced member of your organization’s leadership team, an executive or senior pastor, or a community leader with whom you have already established a level of rapport. While not required, context mentors are strongly encouraged.
The School of Divinity, housed within the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology at SEU, is accredited by The Association of Theological Schools (ATS). This new MATS format follows the Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE) framework of ATS. This framework emphasizes outcome-based learning, practical application, and mentored formation to prepare students for ministry leadership.
ATS has approved SEU to offer CBE-based programs. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), SEU’s main accreditation body, has also approved this program.
This program offers you customizable learning pathways, meaning you can set your own pace while progressing through structured coursework that is tailored to your individual needs. This dynamic, interactive online learning environment will also give you the opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency in ways that recognize your prior knowledge and experience — no matter where you are in your ministry career.
You’ll also be able to engage in personalized mentorship, which will help you grow both academically and holistically.
Yes! One of the most exciting aspects of this program format is its flexibility and customizability. Once you have subscribed, you can go at your own pace — as quickly or as spaced out as you prefer.
While traditional financial aid is not available for this program, the monthly subscription fee is significantly discounted.