What kind of school is MCS? (Is MCS a Bible College?)

Master’s College and Seminary (MCS) is a Pentecostal Christian leadership college – committed to the preparation of credentialed ministers and the training of laypeople for the Western Ontario, Eastern Ontario, Quebec and Maritimes Districts of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. In providing this theological and biblical training, within a practical context, MCS is committed to the distinctive priorities of Pentecostal doctrines, experience, and practice at both the undergraduate and seminary levels. We are biblically-based and teach the Bible as an essential part of our curriculum. Our approach to education has a unique focus on what you can do with your learning as you integrate it into your life and vocation. Our curriculum prepares you for competent Christian leadership.

Is MCS accredited?

Master’s College and Seminary (MCS) is approved by the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Newfoundland and Labrador (PAONL) for the training of candidates for Christian ministry.

MCS operates under a charter provided by the government of Ontario to offer programs of ministerial training and to grant appropriate degrees.

Master’s College and Seminary is accredited by the COA of the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (and/or the U.S. Department of Education).
5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 130,
Orlando, FL 32822
407.207.0808
www.abhe.org

Successfully completed studies at MCS are recognized in full by colleges accredited by the ABHE and students completing baccalaureate degrees are accepted in graduate programs at seminaries. Several Canadian universities grant transfer of credit to their baccalaureate programs.

For additional information regarding graduate/seminary studies or the transferability of credits, contact the Registrar’s Office.

How much does it cost?

When we say MCS is affordable, we mean it! MCS tuition costs less compared to almost all other post-secondary Canadian schools. Our online and Church Hub options also let students massively reduce living expenses by eliminating the need to move or pay dorm fees.

You can find the most recent tuition rates on our college tuition page.

We also have various scholarship opportunities.

What are MCS’s Christian beliefs?

Master’s College & Seminary adheres to the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) statement of faith.

Where can I study with MCS?

You can study with us from anywhere!

Our main administrative hub and campus is located at 2450 Milltower Ct, Mississauga. We have a unique student community that works together to provide a meaningful in-person experience. Learn more about this facility on our campus page.

If you aren’t in the Mississauga area and moving is not an option, MCS has exceptional remote study options:

We offer online classes (see our Distance Education page), as well as the option to study with us at one of our Church Hub Locations.

Can I take courses online?

Yes you can! We offer a flexible and well-developed online learning experience that our students love. You can study fully online from anywhere, with options like livestream classes (join in real time), video-on-demand (watch on your schedule), online video courses, or directed study. These formats are designed to keep you engaged and connected with instructors and other students—not just studying on your own.

If you want a more in-person feel while staying local, undergraduates can also study through a Church Hub—learning online while being mentored and serving in a local church community.

In short: whether you prefer fully online, flexible pacing, or connected Church Hub experience, there are strong options that make it easy to study wherever you are.

Can I complete an entire program online?

Many of our programs can be completed by distance education through a combination of livestream, video on demand (VOD), online video and directed study. Some programs may still require on-campus attendance for portions of the program.

We work closely with students to help them chart a program completion path that works for their situation. This could include some on-campus modules or taking classes at another approved institution for transfer into an MCS program.

For more information see our Distance Education page.

When is the deadline to apply?

MCS’s 6-week terms, frequent modules, and online options mean you can begin studies at multiple points throughout the year.

Students are encouraged to apply at least 3 weeks prior to the start of a term to ensure adequate time to process their application for acceptance, order textbooks and do any required pre-course work. Suggested timelines:

• For a Fall start – Apply by July
• For a Winter start (January) – Apply by early December
• If applying later: All materials must be submitted at least 3 weeks before the term or course begins.

TIP: High school grads, we’ll need your final transcript to complete your application. Just ask your school office to send it to our Admissions Counsellor—but keep in mind they close for the summer in June. It’s best to apply before then, so you don’t have to wait until August to get that last piece sent in!

All our upcoming course schedules as well as the academic calendar for the year are listed on our Courses page.

How do I apply?

The requirements and admissions processes have slight differences depending if you are a new student, a college student, open studies student, and/or an international student. You can find the information on the following pages:

College Student Admissions > Open Studies Student Admissions > International Student Admissions >

Can I transfer credits from elsewhere?

MCS considers transfer credit from a variety of post-secondary institutions. Applicants desiring advanced standing at MCS on the basis of previous work must have official transcripts forwarded directly from the institution where the credits were earned. The Registrar will then determine if a course is comparable to a MCS course. Please see our transfers page for more information.

Does MCS award credit for prior learning experience?

MCS may provide course completion via Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for new college applicants. Suitability of PLAR for course completion is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Can I study with MCS if I’m not from Canada?

Due to several recent changes at our institution, we are pausing international admissions for the upcoming academic year. This means that only Canadian citizens and those with permanent residency can apply. Please revisit our website this fall for the possibility of applying for the following year.

If you are already a permanent resident of Canada and wish to apply for the upcoming academic year, please email us at info@mcs.edu for details.

For more information please see our International Students page.

Do you accept homeschooled students?

Yes! Master’s College & Seminary accepts homeschooled students. Please see our Admissions Policies on what you need to do to apply.

Can I study at MCS if I’m from a different denomination?

Master’s students come from various Christian backgrounds, not only from the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Our curriculum will prepare you for competent Christian leadership broadly. If your denomination is not Pentecostal, we will still work with you so you graduate ready to serve. If you don’t have a specific denomination, you will still graduate ready to serve but may need to do additional training with a denomination after you graduate.

Can I apply for a student loan?

Financial Assistance may be available to those who qualify. See our Financial Assistance section on our Tuition & Fees page.

What courses are coming up next?

You’ll find the most up-to-date course schedule in the document on our college courses page.

What programs do you offer?

More information on our undergraduate programs are listed on the college programs page, and the graduate programs available through our partnering seminary can be found by visiting Horizon Seminary’s website.

How long will it take to complete a program?

It depends on your pace and which program you choose. While we do offer 1-year programs, most students finish a program in about 3–4 years when studying full-time. If you study part-time, it may take longer—but you’ll have the flexibility to move at a pace that fits your life.

Because Master’s College & Seminary offers flexible options like online and module courses, you can often adjust your schedule along the way and stay on track toward completing your program.

Can I study part-time?

Yes! You can absolutely study part-time at MCS. You’re free to take fewer courses each term and build a schedule that fits your life—whether that’s work, family, or other commitments.

Many students combine part-time studies with our flexible formats, like online courses or module classes, so they can keep moving forward at a pace that works for them.

Can I work and study at the same time?

We encourage students to work part-time while studying even full-time at MCS. Our term structure introduces a lot of flexibility (e.g., except during modules, there are no Friday classes).

Do you offer night classes?

While MCS doesn’t offer in-person evening lectures at this time, that doesn’t mean you can’t complete your courses in the evenings! We’ve designed our course formats to give you flexibility in other, often more convenient ways.

Our online learning options let you choose what works best for your schedule—whether that’s joining classes by livestream, watching lectures later with video-on-demand, or taking fully online courses you can complete throughout the week.

We also offer module courses, with the in-class portion completed in a short period (one week only, Monday-Friday). This allows you to plan your studies around work, family, or other commitments, instead of juggling multiple classes at once.

Together, these options make it possible to build a schedule that fits your life.

How do modules work?

A module is a course that allows you to fit the classroom instruction portion of the course into just 5 days, typically Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm. Following the classroom portion, you have six weeks to complete assignments and coursework.

Modules are a great option if you have limited time to spend in the classroom!

What student events do you offer?

Being a college student at MCS has many benefits for your spiritual, emotional, and social health. MCS provides the opportunity to gather together in community for worship and other social events. College students who are taking two or more courses or are working towards graduating from a program of studies at MCS are expected to participate in the various meetings and events. Learn more on our student support page.

Does MCS have a dorm?

Prior to our move in 2024, we found that many of our students preferred the flexibility, independence, and cost-savings of living off-campus, so we did not build dorms in our new building.

Our campus in Mississauga is one of the most accessible locations for the majority of our constituency in Ontario. It is just off of Highways 401, 403, and 407. It has plentiful and safe parking and is close to transit routes. A recent study said that more than 80% of Ontario students who enroll in post-secondary education attend a school within a two-hour drive of home.

How does MCS measure student learning?

MCS uses Competency-Based Education (CBE). This is an approach to education that requires students to demonstrate they’re actually competent in the knowledge and skills needed for real-life Christian leadership. There’s no “just passing”; you are actually prepared for Christian life and ministry.

Do you accommodate students with disabilities?

MCS is committed to providing safe and inclusive learning environments which equalize the opportunity for students with disabilities to meet the requirements of the institutions, programs, and courses. The application for Academic Accommodations begins with a student disclosing a medical diagnosis or professionally documented learning disability during the application process. Enroled students may contact the Director of Academic Success. All Academic Accommodations shall adhere to the Guiding Principles listed in the Student Handbooks. Please reference our Student Support page for more information.

How do I audit a course?

Most MCS courses can be audited (with a few exceptions). To get started, you’ll need to apply and be accepted as an auditor before registering.

As an auditor, you don’t complete assignments for credit, but you are expected to do the required reading and come prepared for class discussions. You’ll pay only a fraction of the course cost, and you’re encouraged to attend regularly—either in person or by Zoom—and participate alongside other students. If you are unable to attend a class, you should notify the professor. If space is limited, credit students are given priority and auditors may be waitlisted.

You can audit up to two courses per year. If you decide to switch from auditing to taking the course for credit, you have until the end of the next semester to complete the required work.

To apply as an auditor, please email info@mcs.edu to request the link. Once we have received and approved your audit application you will be contacted to confirm your course registration.