New Accelerated MBA Partnership for Cedarville, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Cedarville University has announced a new partnership with Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College.
Cedarville University has announced a new partnership with and (MBTS/SPURGEON), a Southern Baptist institution located in Kansas City, Missouri, to offer an accelerated pathway for business students, ministry students and graduates to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
This innovative partnership aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel in leadership while maintaining a strong commitment to Christian ministry. The flexible, accredited Cedarville MBA program offers a unique opportunity to study business through a biblical lens, emphasizing excellence in personal standards, stewardship of resources, leadership with a servant’s heart and kingdom influence.
“The partnership between Cedarville and MBTS is more than just an academic agreement — it’s an investment in the kingdom,” said Dr. Thomas White, president of Cedarville University. “When two rivers converge, their impact multiplies, creating a stronger current that reaches farther and deeper. In the same way, when two like-minded institutions come together, the effect is not merely additive but exponential. This collaboration will empower students to be strategic leaders and thoughtful servants, preparing them for greater impact in both ministry and the marketplace.”
SPURGEON Accelerated MBA Pathway
Under the terms of the MOU, SPURGEON undergraduate business students will be given guaranteed admission to Cedarville’s MBA program and the opportunity to take up to two MBA courses as part of their undergraduate curriculum. These students will also be able to transfer up to six MBA credit hours toward their undergraduate business degree requirements. Additionally, SPURGEON students will receive a 15% tuition discount for any Cedarville MBA course under the Cedarville Partner program.
“I am grateful to announce this new partnership between Cedarville University and Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College,” said Dr. Jason Allen, president of MBTS and Spurgeon College. “We have so much in common with Cedarville University, and I am excited that some of our students will now be able to pursue their MBA through them. In our ever-changing cultural context, being adequately equipped to be a light for Christ in the workforce is no small matter. This new partnership allows our students to do just that.”
MBTS MA/MTS/MDiv + Cedarville MBA
The agreement also extends to MBTS students pursuing a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Theological Studies (MTS) or Master of Divinity (MDiv). These students will have the opportunity to add an MBA to their educational and ministry preparation, equipping them with business skills that will be beneficial in leadership roles within church organizations, non-profits or other ministry contexts.
For those already engaged in ministry, adding an MBA to an MDiv offers an opportunity to combine theological depth with practical business knowledge, which can be vital in church leadership and organizational strategy.
“Having an MBA alongside an MDiv can make a tremendous difference in how pastors and ministry leaders approach the organizational side of church leadership,” said Dr. Jeff Haymond, dean of the Robert W. Plaster School of Business. “Strategic thinking, entrepreneurial approaches to church planting and effective management of missions are all areas where an MBA provides invaluable skills that complement ministry training.”
Long-Standing Partnership
Cedarville and MBTS have a long history of collaboration that has benefited students from both institutions.
“God has been exceedingly gracious to both Midwestern and Cedarville, blessing our efforts to train students who are committed to biblical truth and Gospel proclamation,” said White. “This partnership not only strengthens our shared mission but creates tangible opportunities for students, allowing them to pursue their God-given callings with greater efficiency and impact.”
For more information about Cedarville University’s MBA program and this new partnership with Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.