The Advanced Studies Certificate is a non-credit program which may be taken for audit (pre-requisite: BA/BS) or enrichment (pre-requisite: high school diploma/equivalent). This is a great option for women who either do not desire graduate credit or who do not meet the prerequisites to receive graduate credit.

The ASC-PCW program provides focused training in ministry for women to increase their understanding, sharpen ministry skills, and become stronger leaders and more sensitive shepherds. It offers a balance of pastoral care for women, leadership development, biblical teaching, and program planning. The many changes in society and the church challenge us to reevaluate ministry effectiveness. This program prepares students to serve more effectively in church, parachurch, or community ministries to women.

Learning Units are awarded instead of academic credit. 1 LU is earned per 1 semester hr. The Advanced Studies Certificate in Pastoral Care to Women will be awarded to those students who successfully complete the program, earning 18 Learning Units (18 hrs); 16 LU's will be comprised of courses (and approved seminars), the last 2 LU's will be the final PCW Integrative Project. Suggested reading, reflection, and connection assignments will be included for each course, however there will be no required written assignments until the Final Project. Most assignments may be completed within your local arena of ministry. Participation in approved seminars will also count toward LU’s.

Specialized Courses (8 hrs / 8 LU's)

PCW 511 Pastoral Understanding of Women (2 hrs, 2 LU's)* recommended
PCW 512X Women in Pain, Part I (2 hrs, 2 LU's)* part I or II recommended
PCW 512Y Women in Pain, Part II (2 hrs, 2 LU's)*
PCW 513 Women in Leadership (2 hrs, 2 LU's)* recommended
PCW 514 Building Relational Ministries for Women (2 hrs, 2 LU's)*
PCW 515 Develop and Deliver Life-Changing Messages (2 hrs, 2 LU's)
THS 572 Theology of Women in Ministry (2 hrs, 2 LU's)

Restricted Electives (8 hrs / 8LU's)* (This may include courses listed above that are not required as well as approved seminars; other courses or seminars with Advisor approval only.)
BLS 501 Genesis - Song of Solomon (4 hr; 4LU)*
BLS 502 Prophets - Gospels (4 hrs, 4 LU's)*
BLS 503 Acts- Revelation (4 hrs, 4 LU's)*
SFS 501 Dynamics of Spiritual Life (2 hrs, 2 LU's)
DBS 506 Learning to Interpret Scripture (4 hrs, 4 LU's)*
DIS 553 Women in Mission (2 hrs, 2 LU's)*
THS 501 Theology I (4 hrs, 4 LU's)*
THS 502 Theology II (4 hrs, 4 LU's)*
THS 503 Theology III (4 hrs, 4 LU's)*
PCW 521 Develop Life-Changing Bible Study Curriculum (2 hrs, 2 LU)

Seminars (limited to 4 LU's maximum)
Women's Center for Ministry - select events
AACC Conference - National
Women of Faith - National
Leadership Summit for Women - Elmbrook Church, Brookfield, WI

Final Integrative Project (2 hrs/2 LU's) required

Totals:
8 LU's - Specialized Courses
8 LU's - Restricted Electives
2 LU's - Final Integrative Project
18 LU's - TOTAL

*Online Courses - available through Western Seminary Online Campus
For more information on online courses, contact Mark Baker at the Online campus: 1.800.893.8567 or mbaker@westernseminary.edu

Note: The ASC-PCW is a non-credit program and does not apply toward seminary degree requirements. Admission to the Advanced Studies Certificate in Pastoral Care to Women program requires a one-time, non-refundable $50.00 application fee payable at the time of registering for the first class.

Non-Credit Application form

Apply through the Women’s Center for Ministry:

503.517.1931 or 877.517.1800 ext 1931 or wcm@westernseminary.edu