Styles of Distance Education
Western Seminary has created three distinct styles of distance education to meet your needs. You can select the style that works best for you, or opt to take classes from two or all three of the styles, depending upon your situation and qualifications.
Standard Center for Lifelong Learning Classes. The Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) is a department that is dedicated to serving our distance education students. They offer a wide variety of classes - theology, Bible, spiritual formation, church history, coaching, pastoral care to women, etc. Most of these classes are in DVD-ROM format.
Hybrid Classes. Some students learn best when they have face-to-face contact with a professor during the course. If that's you, then you might consider registering for a hybrid class. Hybrid students receive DVD-ROM materials and complete their class much in the same way that standard CLL classes are completed. However, once or twice during the semester a professor travels to the hybrid location for a live classroom session. We currently have hybrid locations in Reno, Tri-Cities, Seattle, Grants Pass, and Bakersfield. You can opt to attend a hybrid class at one of these locations, or if you're aware of at least ten other students in your area you might be able to start a hybrid location in your city. You cannot receive residential credit for a hybrid class.
In-Ministry Classes. Many of the students at Western Seminary are already involved in full-time ministry. They have the privilege of immediately applying to ministry what they're learning in the classroom. Western has capitalized on this fact with our unique in-ministry track, which is specially designed for men and women employed in a ministry. Special requirements exist for admission to the in-ministry track, but if you are employed in a ministry you should consider looking into it.
