Our History

Founded in 1925 by Walter B. Hinson as the Portland Baptist Bible Institute, Western Seminary became a graduate-level institution in 1927. In 1944, the seminary acquired its current campus in Portland. Over the years, Western has expanded its footprint, including campuses in Northern California, with recent consolidation into San Jose.  

Western was a pioneer in offering the Doctor of Ministry degree and launched the Global Campus in 1981. Other innovations include cohorts in multiple locations, including the Bay Area, Tulsa, and Orange County, California, and other flexible scheduling options. Today, Western ranks in the top 10% of ATS-accredited seminaries in North America.