M.A. in Ministry and Leadership

 Not yet a student? Please visit our degree program page for more information about Western Seminary's Master of Divinity program.

Executive Summary

If you have been admitted to the M.A. in Ministry and Leadership program and hope to use a combination of distance education, traditional campus, and possibly in-ministry hybrid courses to complete your degree, it is typically helpful to develop a plan that will ensure you use your time and resources wisely in the selection of your courses. There are a wide variety of study tracks for the M.A.M.L. and we encourage you to ensure that you use the planning worksheet appropriate to your program.

OPEN TRACK - Program Planning Worksheet

For each required core course, check your planned delivery modality, and either the semester in which you have taken the course or in which you plan to take the course. For example:

Discipline	Course	CR	CLL		In-Min		Campus	Sem
Spiritual Formation	SFS 501	2 CR
(6 CRs)	SFS 502	2 CR
	SFS 504	2 CR
Biblical Studies	DBS 506	4 CR
(16 CRs)	BLS 501	4 CR
	BLS 502	4 CR
	BLS 503	4 CR
Theological Studies	THS 501	4 CR
(16 CRs)	THS 502	4 CR
	THS 503	2 CR
Open Track Ministry and Leadership Studies: 26 Credits
Core Studies	DIS 501	2 CR
(12 CRs)	DMS 501	2 CR
	DMS 506...	2 CR
	OR PCW 513	2 CR
	EMS 505	2 CR
	PTS 504	2 CR
	PTS 505	2 CR
Open Track Required	MFM 500	2 CR
(6 CRs)	MFM 501-4	2 CR
Recommended Electives	DMS 502	2 CR
(8 CR)	MCS 510	1 CR
	MCS 511	1 CR
	MCS 513	1 CR
	MCS 514	1 CR
	PCW 511	2 CR
	PTS 503	2 CR
	PTS 507	2 CR
	PTS 508	2 CR
	PTS 510...	2 CR
	OR PCW 515	2 CR
Open Electives		2 CR
Total	Required	60 CR	My Total

Graduate Studies Diploma

 Distance-Deliverable Graduate Studies Diploma 

Western Seminary is increasingly aware of the great number of men and women in Christian service who wish to continue their biblical, theological and ministry studies while serving full-time in their church or parachurch setting, or for whom the distance from a seminary campus makes regular classroom participation difficult or impossible. The 30-hour Graduate Studies Diploma is an ideal option which is deliverable in its entirety by distance education. You are able to study with Western’s distinguished faculty and with other Western Seminary students while remaining in your local church or ministry context.

Introduction

Students studying in the Graduate Studies Diploma program by distance education may choose any of the above-described program options. Students may also select from available distance education course options, or “mix and match” distance courses with on-campus classes or intensives to complete the 30-hour program requirements.

For individuals who desire more directed approach, Western Seminary’s Center for Lifelong Learning suggests a course of study that can be completed entirely by distance education within seven consecutive semesters (2 1/3 years). This 30–hour diploma design includes 22 credit hours in ministry foundations with 8 total hours in a biblical, theological or ministry studies concentration of our choice. For more information about this program design option, please contact the Western Seminary Center for Lifelong Learning.

7-Semester Distance Education Graduate Studies Diploma

Graduate Studies Certificate

Western Seminary offers the short and flexible Graduate Studies Certificate (GSC) program for individuals who desire limited and focused theological training for graduate credit, and who are interested in receiving a certificate (as opposed to a diploma or degree) upon completing their course of study. Since these credits could also subsequently be applied to diploma or degree programs (depending upon the specific curricular requirements for each), the GSC is also suitable for those who wish to enroll in seminary without making the commitment required for these longer programs. GSC students are able to select the discipline in which they will take most (or all) of this coursework.

Students who wish to pursue this type of program, but on an enrichment basis, should take the Advanced Studies Certificate offered by the Center for Lifelong Learning.

Admission Requirements
Students entering the certificate program for credit are expected to present a baccalaureate degree and give evidence of Christian faith, character, promise, and maturity. The same admission standards, materials, and procedures as for the M.Div. program are required. Applicants who seek admission, but who do not meet admission requirements, may seek special consideration from the Admissions Committee.

Graduate Studies Certificate Requirements
To earn a certificate for credit a student must complete 16 credit hours of study with a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. Students, with advisor consent, will choose one concentration area of at least 8 credits grouped around a common discipline or theme, and the remaining hours (up to the required 16) as open electives. Students anticipating or considering later applying these credits towards a 30-hour Graduate Studies Diploma or a master’s degree (M.A. or M.Div.) should consult with their advisor to ensure that credits earned in the certificate program will apply toward their future degree program.

The 16-hour Graduate Studies Diploma (GSC) is fully deliverable by distance education. You are able to study with Western’s distinguished faculty and with other Western Seminary students while remaining in your local church or ministry context.

Available Distance GSC Options
Students studying in the Graduate Studies Certificate program by distance education may choose any of the following program options. Students may also select from available distance education course options, or “mix and match” distance courses with on-campus classes or intensives to complete the 16-hour program requirements. For maximum design flexibility, the GSC Open Track program option permits students to choose, in consultation with their program advisor, from the full range available distance education courses. Students anticipating or considering later applying these credits towards a 30-hour Graduate Studies Diploma or a master’s degree (M.A. or M.Div.) should consult with their advisor to ensure that credits earned in the certificate program will apply toward their future degree program.