Ecotheology Studies
At AMBS, we care deeply about our interactions with the natural environment God created. We care for creation as part of being disciples of Jesus Christ, as an essential facet of our commitment to peace and justice.
As an expression of this commitment, we offer courses in Ecotheology that can be accessed in multiple ways:
Try a course as a guest student!
Ecotheology offerings in in 2026–27 include:
- Practical Theology of the Climate Crisis, an online course in Semester One
- Ecological Hermeneutics, a campus/blended course in Semester Two
- Spiritual Practices: Water of Life, a synchronous online course in Semester Two
- Spiritual Practices: Faithful Living in Climate Change, a synchronous online course in Summer Term
Graduate Certificate in Ecotheology (distance-friendly)
Through this 21-credit-hour Graduate Certificate in Ecotheology (GCE), students explore ecological concerns across theological disciplines to increase their effectiveness in practicing ecological justice. Students can complete the program part time over two years — either fully online or through a combination of in-person and online courses. Learn more
Master of Arts: Theology and Peace Studies: Ecotheology concentration (campus-based)
The Ecotheology concentration of the 52-credit-hour Master of Arts: Theology and Peace Studies (MATPS) prepares students for leadership in peacebuilding with a specialty in ecotheology. Students study biblical and theological foundations for peacebuilding and explore ecological concerns across theological disciplines. Students can complete this campus program over three years of full-time study or several years of part-time study.
Master of Divinity: Peace Studies: Ecotheology major (distance-friendly)
The Peace Studies: Ecotheology major in the 80-credit-hour Master of Divinity (MDiv) offers an in-depth exploration of ecological concerns across theological disciplines, preparing students for peacebuilding ministries with a focus on environmental sustainability in congregations, church organizations, service placements and academic settings. Students can complete this major over four years of full-time study or over six and a half years of part-time study through either the MDiv Campus program or the distance-friendly MDiv Connect program.
Tracks of study for MATPS and MDiv students
Students in the MATPS Ecotheology concentration or the MDiv Peace Studies: Ecotheology major can choose from two tracks: one that is centered around AMBS courses, and one that includes an intensive semester of study at Goshen (Indiana) College’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center in Wolf Lake, Indiana.
Track One
Track One consists of the following courses:
- Earthkeeping
- Ecological Hermeneutics
- Practical Theology of the Climate Crisis
- Spiritual Practices: Water of Life
- Spiritual Practices: Trees of Life
- Spiritual Practices: Faithful Living with Climate Change
- History, Theology, and Ethics elective
Track Two
Track Two consists of a 15-week residency at Goshen (Indiana) College’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, a 1,189-acre nature preserve in Wolf Lake, Indiana, in which students live in intentional community with a mix of graduate and undergraduate students.
During this immersive semester, you’ll engage in field-based research, ecological restoration and community-focused projects, all while living in environmentally conscious student housing. This unique experience is designed to build leadership skills in community development around environmental sustainability that is grounded in practical experience. and expand your understanding of environmental justice, sustainability policy, and the vital connections between people and place. (Learn more on Goshen College’s site)
The coursework in Track Two includes three four-credit hour courses over 15 weeks taught by Merry Lea professors and staff:
- Integrated Social and Ecological Systems
- Empowering Sustainable Communities
- Community Leadership Experience in Sustainability
Students in Track Two will also take Earthkeeping and Spiritual Practices: Water of Life or Spiritual Practices: Trees of Life at AMBS.
Course formats
Courses will be offered in various formats:
- Asynchronous online courses, in which students complete weekly online assignments on their own time
- Synchronous online courses, in which students meet at specific times via videoconference
- Campus/blended courses, in which students at a distance join students on campus in Elkhart at specific times via videoconference
Ready to take the next step?
We’re excited to walk alongside you as you take each step on your journey. Together, we can experience the transformative presence of God in the work of being leaders for God’s reconciling mission in the world.
Why seminary?
“In my favorite course from seminary, Earthkeeping, Malinda [Berry] facilitated really amazing learning opportunities among an incredibly international and intercultural group of both online and in-person students. Discussing creation care in such a diverse community was an unparalleled experience.”
Isaiah Friesen of Saint Paul, Minnesota (MDiv 2024)
Yes, you can afford seminary!
AMBS’s low base tuition rate
+ generous need-based financial aid
+ scholarships for full- or part-time student
+ church matching grants
= an affordable seminary degree
Meet the AMBS Admissions Team
From your first inquiry about seminary study to your transition from applicant to student, we’re here to help you.
