Online Cohorts
Beginning in the spring of 2027, Western Seminary's cohort experience will now be available online to ministry students! A cohort is a small, fixed group of peers with a curator who walks the whole program with you and a ministry mentor who speaks into your ministry application. You don't piece it together on your own—you move through it together, from the first class to the last.
The online cohort will blend weekly Online LIVE classes, yearly on-campus experiences (optional), church-oriented mentorship, and Western’s world-class theological curriculum to help students grow in their gospel-centered vocation. Students will have the option of earning either a MA in Ministry and Leadership or MA (Biblical And Theological Studies).
Credits52–56 |
Years3
|
Director |
OpeningsSpring 2027 |
What Sets This Cohort Apart?
- Enjoy a mix of weekly online interation, church-oriented mentorship, and yearly in-person gatherings (optional).
- Take advantage of our church matching grant to lower your tuition costs up to 40%.
- Journey through your degree alongside the same small group of students from start to finish.
- Build a theological framework that empowers decades of impactful ministry leadership.
- Earn credit within your ministry context with an experienced mentor in ministry (Western will provide a mentor if you need one).
I am thrilled to be leading this cohort as we spend time growing in the gospel, loving Jesus more, and engaging in theological education together.
Andrew Pack, EdD
Cohort Director
Curriculum
See Course Schedule
The courses offered will be a mix of weekly Online LIVE interaction, field mentorship, and yearly in-person (optional) flex courses.
Year One
| Semester One | ||
|---|---|---|
| BT502 | Understanding Biblical Theology | 2 |
| ML501 | Foundations of Ministry Formation | 2 |
| MF501 | Introduction to Theological Study and Ministry Formation | 2 |
| Semester Two | ||
| CS501 | Introduction to Christian Spirituality | 2 |
| BL501 | Interpreting Genesis to Song of Solomon | 4 |
| Semester Three | ||
| BL502 | Interpreting the Prophets and Gospels | 4 |
| BT501 | Hermeneutics | 2 |
Year Two
| Semester One | ||
|---|---|---|
| BL503 | Interpreting Acts to Revelation | 4 |
| ML502 | Transformational Leadership | 2 |
| Semester Two | ||
| CS502 | Practicing Christian Spirituality | 2 |
| TH501 | Theology I: Knowing the Triune God | 4 |
| Semester Three | ||
| TH502 | Theology II: Glorifying the God of Our Salvation | 4 |
| ML506 | Ministerial Ethics | 2 |
Year Three
| Semester One | ||
|---|---|---|
| TH503 | Theology III: Living as the Community of the Spirit | 4 |
| TH/PT514 | Theology of Congregational Worship | 2 |
| Semester Two | ||
| TH/ML531 | Philosophy for Public Theology | 2/4 |
| CH501 or CH502 | Church History | 4/2 |
| Semester Three | ||
| TH526 | Religions of the World | 2 |
| ML507 | Pastoral Apologetics | 2 |
| TH504 | Integrating Ministry and Theology | 2 |
Receive a Church Matching Grant
Western offers a Church Matching Grant for online cohort students, matching contributions from a student's partner church up to 20% of tuition for those enrolled in four or more credit hours per semester. To qualify, the supporting church must have a signed Church Match Agreement on file with the Financial Aid office and submit the matching funds by the agreed-upon contractual date.
In addition to this matching grant, students may also be eligible for need-based aid covering up to 15% of tuition. To apply for the need-based grant, students must submit a Need-Based Grant Application, and the grant amount will be calculated based on the Student Aid Index (SAI).
Learn more on our Financial Aid page and our partnerships page, or request info and our admissions team would love to review your options with you.
Develop Deep Relationships
Cohort students who go through a set of classes as part of their degree program simultaneously for three years. They maintain continuous enrollment as they pursue their master's degree. Online cohort students will also have the chance to come to Portland for an in-person gathering (optional) once a year.
The deep relationships developed in the cohort enable the friendship and trust for mutual growth in knowledge, character, and skills for ministry. The cohort model incorporates real-time discussion on how to integrate the material learned with the personal and ministry lives of students.
Combine Online Classes With Optional In-Person Gatherings
Courses will be offered in three formats:
- Field Courses: These courses involve regular interactions with a ministry mentor to apply your theological education to your ministry context. You may choose your own mentor, or Western will provide one for you.
- Flex Courses: Annual in-person gatherings will be held each summer to promote relationships and mentorship. (For those who can't attend in-person, there will be an opportunity join via Zoom.)
- Foundational Courses: Weekly Online Live classes over Zoom will provide opportunities for interaction with faculty and students.
Learn from Ministry Practitioners
Cohort director Andrew Pack, EdD, has over a decade of pastoral ministry and church planting experience. He will help guide you in applying the insights you gain in the program to the challenges of life and ministry. Teaching will also come from other Western Seminary faculty in their areas of expertise on Bible and theology. You will be able to have discussion with professors as you are equipped for ministry in today’s world.
In addition to the teaching professors, you will also work with an experienced cohort mentor. You may either choose your own mentor, or Western will provide one for you.
Real-World Ministry Application
It is not enough to master content and learn the head knowledge. Transformative theological education encompasses the whole person. This program embraces a holistic educational model that will also include a highly personalized approach to your own formation as a student, a follower of Jesus, and a ministry leader.