Turner Theological Seminary began as a department of Morris Brown College in 1894, nine years after the Board of Trustees first voted approval on September 23, 1885. The Reverend T. G. Steward, D.D., a former United States Army chaplain, was elected the first dean of Theology. In the interim, The Reverend E. L. Chew was also elected, but The Reverend E. W. Lee, a former principal who was subsequently elected president of Morris Brown College, was the first to serve as dean of Theology. Twelve persons constituted the first student body.
The name, Turner Theological Seminary, was approved in 1900 in honor of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner who was the resident bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and senior bishop of the denomination at that time.

The Seminary remained on the campus of Morris Brown College until 1957 when a building was acquired at 557 Mitchell Street. The Trustee Board of Morris Brown College authorized Turner Theological Seminary to become a founding constituent of Interdenominational Theological Center in 1958 under the leadership of Bishop William Reid Wilkes, Sr. Dr. George A. Sewell was appointed director/dean.

The Seminary received its own charter in 1975 and its first separate Board of Trustees was elected. Those who followed Dr. Sewell as deans have included Dr. Josephus R. Coan, Dr. Cecil W. Cone, I, Dr. George L. Champion, and Dr. Clayton D. Wilkerson. Dr. Daniel W. Jacobs, Sr. has served as dean since 1985. During his tenure the Frederick Hilborn Talbot Hall was erected and the enrollment has more than doubled.

Turner Theological Seminary remains committed to its motto "For a Prepared Ministry" in keeping with the aim of its founders to be "an institution for the preparation of young men and women for every department of Christian work." Her graduates can be found in all areas of the church: college and seminary teachers and presidents, pastors, presiding elders and bishops, as well as civic and political officials.