FAQs

As a new institute for theological study, we are actively pursuing full accreditation. The private Council for Higher Education Accreditation, via their affiliate, the Association of Theological Schools, conducts the review.

Accreditation is a rigorous process, which requires that a set of eligibility criteria be met prior to applying for membership. In the Fall 2023 YTI was pleased to have met the initial requirements for application. After a review of YTI’s application, ATS returned an overwhelmingly positive report. The school’s programs are well-crafted for a contextualized and innovative theological education, its faculty and staff are competent to lead the institution, its facilities are more than sufficient to carry out its vision, and its financial business is in order.

The report further specifies that in order fully to meet the standards for accreditation, YTI needs to continue to focus on increasing enrollment in our master of arts program. This is aligned with YTI’s own goals, as it has always been an integral part of the vision of YTI to create and sustain a learning community.

YTI is encouraged by this report and will, at the invitation of ATS, re-apply in the Fall of 2025. Until that time, we will continue to conduct our programs in accordance with the high standards outlined in the publications of ATS.

We offer a Master of Arts degree in seven different concentrations: Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, Christian Studies, Christian Theology, Visionary Leadership, Adventure Studies, and Arts & Theology.

Our Diploma of Christian Theology program delivers a basic, yet thorough, foundation for ministry. A Diploma can also be earned as part of our EQUIP program, which presents a series of eight courses in a cohort model at partner local churches.

Courses are offered from September through May each year in Fall, Winter and Spring terms.

Students can take most courses online, attending on-campus classes via our live online video feed. A few practical courses may only be taken in person, however. So, while a student cannot earn a degree online, a majority of required classes can be taken online.

YTI has eighteen faculty members (including full- and part-time) and five staff members serving students on our Bozeman campus and in Bellingham, Wash.

The teacher-to-student ratio at YTI is about 1:6. This ratio allows for deeper conversations between teacher and students and more focused attention on topics of the day.

We accept students from across the U.S. and countries around the world.

Graduates embark after their YTI education equipped to minister in a variety of roles, whether shepherding a congregation, guiding a nonprofit ministry, or leading with love in a business organization. We challenge our graduates to strive for innovation in whatever occupation they choose, whether as a pastor, educator, engineer, or other professional.

After students graduate, YTI offers advice and support as they look for a job. Though we don’t provide job placement services, our relationships with many ministries and organizations often provide leads on career opportunities.

Here at YTI, we place a concentrated effort to keep tuition low by having a central campus and an emphasis on endowment giving. Many other seminaries cost significantly more than YTI and students often leave with nearly $80,000 of student-loan debt. At YTI, tuition and fees average around $9,000 annually, for a total of $27,000 for a three-year master’s degree.

Yes, YTI does offer tuition scholarships for students in our Master of Arts program. Once you are accepted, you are automatically considered for a scholarship based on your GPA and financial needs.

Yes. Many students balance full-time work and their YTI studies. Certain classes are only offered during the day, while others may only be available at night. We work to accommodate our students’ schedules whenever possible.

The Bozeman area has a robust rental market, with prices that range from around $998 for one-bedroom apartments to $1,400 for two-bedroom apartments.

To apply to a master’s program, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or foreign university equivalent is required, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall. Applicants who are not native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency.

For the Diploma of Christian Theology program, a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.

Two references are to be included in application for admission to a master’s program.

One reference from a pastor is required in applications for the Diploma of Christian Theology program.

Upon completion of your application, you will receive an email within 24 hours letting you know next steps, your acceptance status and more. You can also call our office at 406-404-1600 for specific questions related to your application.

No, YTI is not connected to, affiliated with or endorsed by a particular church or organized religion. Instead, YTI embraces a church that is inclusive and encompassing, while affirming Christ-based values, teaching and beliefs through the primary use of scriptures. We are intentionally nondenominational and prepare students with education and learning that reach beyond singular church beliefs.

At YTI, our mission is to help students and communities experience deeper, more meaningful and stronger connections to God. Our values place God first, while we’re courageous and kind in our ideas and beliefs as we build leaders in today’s church.

Simply put, there is no school that is doing what YTI is doing. YTI has designed a curriculum that crosses interfaith boundaries and allows for authentic human connections. YTI understands that while everyone is on their own journey of faith, church and spirituality, we are here to help bridge differences by encouraging a civil discourse around the conversation of God and life.

Bozeman has become a gathering place for people who are fiercely independent free thinkers with a love for the outdoors. Bozeman and its surrounding terrain provide inspiration and connection through natural wonders and God’s handiwork, from the snowcapped peaks of the Bridger Mountain Range to the geological wonders in nearby Yellowstone National Park. We’re building our campus here because it’s a place that welcomes open discussions and self-reflection and inspires higher learning founded in a strong sense of community.

We encourage our students to become part of the Bozeman community. Outside of your studies, there are endless hiking trails, fly-fishing destinations, community festivities, sporting events and volunteer opportunities.

Yes. Bozeman is the fastest-growing micropolitan area in Montana and has nonstop airline service to 18 destinations in the United States, many of which are hubs to international locations. In addition, Bozeman is located on Interstate 90, making it easy for travelers to access the city by car or plane.