Truett Seminary Reports Record Spring Enrollment
WACO, Texas (February 17, 2025) Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary continues to experience growth, setting a new spring enrollment record by reaching 403 students. This surpasses the previous spring enrollment record of 399 set in 2009.
“Taken together, theological schools in North America are facing declining enrollments, even as Truett has in the past,” noted Truett’s Dean Todd D. Still, PhD. “Thus, we are grateful for and encouraged by the enrollment growth we have experienced in recent years, including all-time enrollment records both in the fall of 2024 and the spring of 2025. While enrollment is both an art and a science and often defies predictions, I am heartened that increasing numbers of students—and the congregations, denominations, and organizations with whom they are affiliated—are looking to Baylor’s Truett Seminary for a high-quality, affordable, and trustworthy theological education. I am hopeful and prayerful that this trend will continue over time.”
The Seminary’s growth can be particularly noted in its Master of Divinity (MDiv) program and online Master of Arts (MA) in Theology and Sports Studies. In spring 2025, Truett enrolled 17 new MDiv students—six in Waco, nine in Houston, and two in San Antonio—tripling MDiv enrollment from spring 2024, when six MDiv students enrolled solely at the Waco campus. Meanwhile, enrollment in the online MA in Theology and Sports Studies nearly doubled, growing from 16 students in spring 2024 to 31 in 2025, with students representing 15 states and three countries.
Other key areas of growth can be seen through educational opportunities made available through the Seminary’s extension campuses. Truett in Houston enrolled 44 students this semester, a 16 percent increase from last spring. Similarly, the San Antonio campus grew by 30 percent, enrolling 17 students this semester. Both campuses offer residential learning opportunities for the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, and Master of Theological Studies degrees. In addition, conversations regarding the offering of the Doctor of Ministry degree in both Houston and San Antonio are currently taking place.
“Truett offers exceptional graduate theological education,” said Toby Osburn, EdD, assistant dean of Student Services. “From sites in Waco, Houston, and San Antonio, to Monday-only scheduling options, to evening classes, to a fully online degree in Theology and Sports Studies, Truett offers accessible choices that allow increasing numbers of students to remain in their home communities and serve their local churches.”
Reflecting Truett’s long-standing commitment to affirming women called to serve in and alongside Christ’s Church, 40 percent of the Seminary’s incoming class are female. Enrollment among women grew by seven percent over the prior spring term. Additionally, Truett’s student body now represents 26 different denominations from 34 states and 25 countries, reflecting the Seminary’s expanding reach both nationally and globally.
Truett’s Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program, which provides pastors with advanced training for effective ministry, saw a 10 percent increase in enrollment this spring compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the PhD in Preaching program, recently accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), enrolled 16 students this semester. This growth further strengthens Truett’s commitment to theological scholarship and ministerial leadership.
With record-setting enrollment and a growing global reach, Truett Seminary remains dedicated to equipping students with the theological education and practical training needed to serve faithfully in an ever-changing world.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.
ABOUT GEORGE W. TRUETT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
George W. Truett Theological Seminary is an orthodox, evangelical, multi-denominational school in the historic Baptist tradition embedded into Baylor, a Christian R1 University. Truett’s mission is to equip God-called people for gospel ministry in and alongside Christ’s Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Baptist World Alliance, Truett Seminary provides theological education leading to the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts in Contextual Witness and Innovation, Master of Arts in Theology, Ecology and Food Justice, Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies (online), Master of Theological Studies, Doctor of Ministry, and PhD in Preaching. In addition to a number of distinctive programs, institutes, and centers, Truett Seminary also offers joint degrees through Baylor University school/college partnerships in social work, business, law, music, and education. Besides its flagship Baugh-Reynolds Campus in Waco, the Seminary also has locations in Houston and San Antonio. Visit the Truett Seminary website to learn more.