Welcome to East Texas Theological Seminary  (ETTS)!


Hello and blessings! - You’ve just found a place where your passion for faith and learning can flourish, accessible from anywhere in the world. At ETTS, we’re all about building connections, inspiring growth, and making learning exciting—all online!

About Us - We offer Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral Programs in Theology, Ministry, Leadership, and Counseling. Our programs are designed to fit right into your busy life, helping you advance your education without missing a beat. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge, boost your leadership skills, or become a supportive counselor, we've got you covered.

Our Story - In 2007, Dr. Jessie Biles felt a powerful call to start a seminary in Northeast Texas. After praying and consulting with his mentor, Bishop Roderick Mitchell, the vision for East Texas Theological Seminary (ETTS) was born. With the help of Dr. Maurice McMillion and Pastor Dennis Traylor, ETTS officially started on February 9, 2008. Our first classes kicked off in January 2010 at Shady Grove Baptist Church with over thirty students. Today, we’re still growing strong!

Welcoming Our New Dean - We’re excited to welcome Dean Eric Anthony Brown to the ETTS family! Dean Brown brings fresh ideas and a passion for making our online learning experience more engaging and enriching. His leadership is set to take our programs to new heights.

A Message About Our President, Jessie Biles - Guiding ETTS with vision and dedication is our president, Rev. Dr. Jessie Biles. His leadership ensures our community stays vibrant and our programs remain cutting-edge and relevant. Dr. Biles' commitment to excellence keeps us at the forefront of online theological education.

Accreditation & Exemption - We’re proud to be accredited by the National Bible College Association and operate under Texas guidelines for religious exemption. This shows our commitment to providing top-quality, faith-based education.

Our Promise to You - When you join ETTS, you become part of a family that values diversity, open dialogue, and supports each other’s faith and learning journey. We’re here to challenge, support, and celebrate with you every step of the way.

Program Overview - Semester Schedule

  • Fall Semester: August - December (Registration: March - May)
  • Spring Semester: January - May (Registration: October - November)

Bachelor's Degree - 20 Months ($2,000, $100/month)

  • Biblical Studies, B.A.: Dive into the depths of the Bible, exploring its historical contexts and modern-day applications.
  • Christian Leadership, B.A.: Equip yourself for leadership roles in churches and organizations with a focus on strategic management and spiritual guidance.
  • Christian Counseling, B.A.: Gain foundational skills in biblically informed counseling practices.

Master's Degree - 20 Months ($2,500, $125/month)

  • Ministry, M.Min.: Enhance your skills in pastoral care, homiletics, and church administration.
  • Theological Studies, M.A.: Deepen your understanding of theology, ideal for advancing academic careers or enriching personal faith.
  • Christian Leadership, M.A.: Develop skills for impactful, ethical leadership within various organizations.
  • Christian Counseling, M.A.: Prepare for counseling roles, integrating psychological science with Christian principles.

Doctoral Degree - 30 Months ($3,000, $100/month)

  • Theology, Th.D.: Engage in advanced theological research to contribute original insights into theological studies.
  • Christian Leadership, D.C.L.: Prepare for high-level leadership roles with a focus on strategic skills and ethical decision-making.
  • Christian Education, D.C.Ed.: Elevate your expertise in Christian education, focusing on curriculum development and leadership.

Start Your Journey With Us - Our mission is to prepare you for impactful roles in ministry and leadership, grounded in strong evangelical and inclusive principles. We believe in equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

We’re excited to welcome you to our family. If you have any questions, send us an email at EastTexasTS@gmail.com, call us at 831.ASK.ETTS (275.3887) and be sure to connect with us on social media, at East Texas TS.


Competitive, affordable tuition rate so that furthering education is within reach for all




Online courses offer flexibility and convenience for working professionals and students with busy schedules.