Online M.A. (Biblical and Theological Studies) Debuts!
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Western Seminary is pleased to announce that the 64-hour Online Master of Arts (Biblical and Theological Studies) is now open for enrollment. For the first time students - regardless of location - will be able to pursue an online degree program that reflects the unique ethos and values of Western Seminary. Distance learning is not new to Western Seminary. We were pioneers in the development of quality distributed learning opportunities beginning in the early 1980's and have since developed some of the most advanced delivery and student support systems available among ATS accredited seminaries. Similarly, Western has offered the MABTS degree program at its Portland, San Jose and Sacramento campuses for many years. The program builds a strong understanding of theology rooted in a thorough investigation of the scriptures, with an eye toward gospel-centered transformation. When paired with a powerful online delivery option, we believe the MABTS will help to meet the ministry training needs of a new, global, community of Western Seminary students. The Center for Lifelong Learning Becomes the "Online Campus"
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Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request our new Online MA (BTS) Brochure!For More Information Time Budgeting Tool |
Course Mentors Are Now Course Instructors!
In the 1980s and 90s, when our distance education program was still in its infancy, we referred to those supporting our courses as “graders.” In that era, that really was all they could do; the technology had not yet developed to provide the interaction and support that is now both possible and expected. With the advent of the Internet, learning management systems and broadband connectivity, we gradually introduced the concept of the course “mentor,” not because this was the only aspect of the role we valued, but because we sought to address one of the dominant critiques of distance education, that it is non-relational and impersonal.
Moodle Classroom Training Opportunities
As you have almost-certainly noticed, Western Seminary is increasingly requiring that students engage our Online Distance Education Learning Centers or Campus Online Classrooms. We recognize that for some of our students – including some of our very best students – these new tools create stress as they are challenged to learn new technology systems and approaches to learning.
We want to help you become comfortable with, though perhaps not enamored of, these new learning resources. We know that the sooner you are able to focus fully on your course rather than on support or delivery systems, the more comfortable you will be with the more extended use of the new toolset. That is why, in the early weeks of the summer 2013 semester, the Online Campus will host campus and online training opportunities to “show you the ropes” and to answer your questions about the effective use of our Moodle Learning Centers and online classrooms.
Marketplace Opens!
Many generations of students have trained here at Western Seminary with great pride. After all, God has done great things through their time with us. In that school pride, we often have folks ask if there is any way to purchase Western Seminary apparel or gear that highlights the place they’ve trained. Now, we can answer that question with a resounding “yes”!
Western Seminary is pleased to announce the launch of the Western Seminary Marketplace!
From backpacks, beanies, polo shirts, to iPad cases, shoppers can select a product and then choose from images that specify their campus location, or announce that they are an alumnus, or sport a collegiate block letter version of our logo for a more vintage feel. The shopper gets to customize their product to their satisfaction, and a portion of each purchase will be benefit the seminary and our students. We hope that you will let other Western Seminary alumni and all of our friends know of this exciting new opportunity.