Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary

Arlington, Tennessee, United States · Est. 1971

About

Official

Baptist theological seminary in Tennessee offering accredited degrees focused on biblical leadership and missions.

  • Founded in 1971 as 'School of the Prophets' in Louisiana; moved to Tennessee in 1975
  • Located in Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee (moved to new campus in 2026)
  • Offers 39 accredited degree programs: associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees
  • Aligned with conservative Southern Baptist Convention theology; independent operation
  • Distinctive low-cost, donor-supported tuition model with debt-free graduation emphasis
  • Multiple campuses including online, Northeast Campus (Schenectady, NY), and prison education programs

Academics

Mid-America offers 39 fully accredited degree programs through the Seminary and Mid-America College, ranging from associate to doctoral levels. Graduate programs include Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees in specializations such as Biblical Counseling, Missiology, Apologetics, Theology, and Worship, as well as Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Ministry programs. Undergraduate degrees are offered through Mid-America College as Associate, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees. All programs are available fully online as of 2015.

History & Leadership

Founded in 1971 by Dr. B. Gray Allison, the seminary has had only two presidents in its 50+ year history. It began in Louisiana as the 'School of the Prophets,' moved to Little Rock in 1972 with 28 students and four professors, relocated to Memphis in 1975, and expanded to larger campuses in South Germantown (1996), Cordova (2006), and Arlington (2026). The institution established a Northeast Campus in Schenectady, New York (1987) and expanded to prison education programs in Arkansas (2019) and Colorado (2021).

Distinctives & Mission

Mid-America emphasizes biblical inerrancy, expository preaching, and the Great Commission. The institution is known for donor-supported, low-cost tuition enabling debt-free graduation, practical missions programs providing real-world ministry experience, and accessible faculty active in local churches. In 2019, the seminary acquired the Institute for Nouthetic Studies from Dr. Jay E. Adams, establishing itself as a leader in biblical counseling training.

Accreditation

Mid-America is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and diplomas.

Founded
1971
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationBaptist (conservative Southern Baptist Convention aligned; independent operation)
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources