If you are active in ministry, desire to deepen your theological foundation and sharpen ministry skills, yet can not access seminary training due to distance or time, Western Seminary now offers a fully accredited graduate degree, tied to a unique schedule option,specifically designed for you. Not only will you complete your education by means of a customized schedule and distance learning options, your current ministry will dovetail with the curriculum, giving you direct integration of knowledge and practice.

Who Qualifies?
You must serve at least halftime in a ministry position and maintain this ministry status while taking In-Ministry courses. In addition, approval is needed from your direct ministry supervisor. You must also meet Western Seminary's general criteria for admission.

How Does the Schedule Work?
Half of your courses are completed on campus through the compressed
In-Ministry offerings (see schedule online); remaining credits may be
completed through distance learning courses or via week-long intensives. A
single 2-credit In-Ministry course spans 2 1/2 days. Most classes are scheduled in pairs allowing a student to limit time on campus to 1 week. Combining pre-class reading (three weeks in advance) and post-class projects (frequently integrated into your ministry), you can earn four credits each semester by spending just one week on campus.

What Degree Will I Earn?
The In-Ministry Option is designed to meet requirements for the M.A. in Specialized Ministry degree. See the column at the right for a program overview. The credits may also be applied toward the residential requirements for the M.Div. degree, though other on-campus courses may be required to complete the Master of Divinity program.

Will the Courses be Relevant to My Ministry?
Only people presently engaged in ministry attend these courses, so the work will be contextualized to your needs. Relevance is intrinsic to the program: You prepare for these classes while engaged in ministry, you gain insights in class from professors and peers, then you return home to assess and apply your new knowledge.

How Much is Tuition?
Tuition is set by the campus where the class is taken (posted online). However, if your church is, or becomes, a supporting church, or if you are on staff at a Conservative Baptist church or partnered organization, you may qualify for a significant tuition reduction.

How Do I Start?
You can download a Masters Level Application for Admission (PDF) from our main seminary website: www.westernseminary.edu/Downloads. Return your completed application, along with the application fee and required documentation, to the campuses nearest your location.