Programs

Prepare for ministry within a Supportive academic community

Master Degrees

  • In-Residence
  • Online
  • Spanish

87

Credits

Master of Divinity

Our Master of Divinity program prepares men and women for ordained ministry. The MDiv also gives foundational training for ministries in mission, social service, evangelism, education, pastoral care, chaplaincy, and theological research.

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87

Credits

Master of Divinity Dual Track

The MDiv-MSW Dual track degree program can prepare you for professional ministry where Christian theology and faith meet the pain and struggle of human life. You will learn to integrate the theory, knowledge, and skills required of pastors and social workers as they seek to be instruments of grace and peace.

 

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87

Credits

Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity

Offered in partnership with Hope College, students save both time and money compared to the typical 7 years it takes to complete a bachelor of arts and master of divinity degree separately.

Learn more about Vita Scholars

42

Credits

Master of Arts in Christian Studies

The Master of Arts in Christian Studies is our most flexible degree program. Half of the 42 credits needed to earn this degree are electives. That means YOU decide what interests you and where you want to focus your learning.

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42

Credits

Maestría de Artes en Estudios Cristianos

La Maestría de Artes en Estudios Cristianos ofrece una amplia selección de cursos que preparan estudiantes para un liderazgo cristiano reflexivo y competente en una amplia gama de entornos vocacionales.

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42

Credits

Master of Arts in Disability and Ministry

The MA in Disability Ministry is a theological degree to help church and lay leaders incorporate the gifts of people with disabilities in a variety of ministry settings

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42

Credits

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

Students will engage the Bible through the study of biblical languages and explore deep themes, narratives and original context of the bible. This degree can be completed in as little as two years or as little as one course per semester to fit within the students existing family and work commitments.

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42

Credits

Master of Arts in Theology

For Christian writers, teachers, or pastors who desire to deepen their theological and scriptural knowledge.

Western Theological Seminary’s Master of Arts in Theological Studies is designed to provide resources for you to be formed throughout Christian leadership and service as you deepen your theological knowledge.

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69

Credits

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers the most contemporary, research-based training while, at the same time, remaining deeply rooted in a longstanding Christian soul care tradition.

 

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25

Credits

Master of Theology

The Master of Theology is a ten month program designed for scholars who wish to pursue a program beyond the Master of Divinity.

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MEET THE FACULTY

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Dr. Kristen Deede Johnson

Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs
G.W. and Edna Haworth Professor of Educational Ministries and Leadership

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Dr. Alberto La Rosa Rojas

Interim Director of the Hispanic Ministry Program, Assistant Professor of Theology and Ethics

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Dr. Benjamin T. Conner

Professor of Practical Theology, Director of the Center for Disability and Ministry

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Dr. Chuck DeGroat

Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality, Interim Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, Executive Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

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Dr. David Komline

Professor of Church History, Coordinator for Strategic International Initiatives, Director of the Masters of Theology (ThM) Program

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Dr. David L. Stubbs

Professor of Ethics and Theology, Co-Director of the Hope-Western Prison Education Program

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Dr. Elizabeth Pennock

Director of the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, Associate Professor of Counseling

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Dr. Han-Luen Kantzer Komline

Marvin and Jerene DeWitt Professor of Theology and Church History

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Dr. J. Todd Billings

Gordon H. Girod Research Professor of Reformed Theology

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Dr. John Brogan

Associate Academic Dean, Professor of New Testament, Director of the MDiv and MA Programs

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Dr. Keith Starkenburg

Director of the Vita Scholars Program
Interim Associate Dean

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Dr. L.S. Carlos A. Thompson

Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry and Disability Theology and Director of the Friendship House, and Student Accessibility Coordinator

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Dr. Madison N. Pierce

Associate Professor of New Testament

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Dr. Ron Rienstra

Professor of Preaching and Worship Arts, Director of Worship Life

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Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst

Richard C. Oudersluys Associate Professor of World Christianity

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Dr. Sue A. Rozeboom

Professor of Liturgical Theology

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Dr. Suzanne McDonald

Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology

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Dr. Tim Basselin

Director of Field Education and Student Life

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Dr. Travis West

Associate Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament

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Dr. Wesley Hill

Associate Professor of New Testament

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Dr. Winn Collier

Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Christian Imagination, Director of the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination

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Rev. Dr. Carol Bechtel

Professor of the Old Testament

Apply

APPLICATION PROCESS

Our application process is all online. Create an account, select your degree program, fill out the required form and wait for an email. Have questions? Email us at admissions@westernsem.edu.

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1.

Create an Account

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2.

Fill out an application

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3.

Upload  written Materials

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4.

Request letters

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5.

Submit Your Application

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Watch your email

AccrediTations

Western Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. The M.Div., D.Min., M.A. and Th.M. degrees are approved by the ATS. WTS is approved for a Comprehensive Distance Education Program. Copies of the ATS standards and the accreditation process are available for review at the registrar’s office. A copy of Western’s current accreditation certification is also available for review at the registrar’s office
The Commission contact information is:

The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
10 Summit Park Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
ph: 412.788.6505
fax: 412.788.6510
www.ats.ed

WTS Accreditation Visit:

Western Theological Seminary is hosting a comprehensive evaluation visit for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools Commission on Accrediting on November 6-9, 2023.

The purpose of this visit is to verify that the school meets all applicable Commission Standards of Accreditation.

Comments regarding how well the school meets those standards and/or generally demonstrates educational quality may be sent to accrediting@ats.edu at least two weeks before the visit.

Comments may also or instead be sent in writing to Dr. John Brogan, Associate Academic Dean, Western Theological Seminary, 101 E. 13th St., Holland, MI 49423 or email john.brogan@westernsem.edu. All comments will be shared with the onsite evaluation committee.

Contact US

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Drew Brown

Director of Admissions

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Keith Reynolds

Associate Director of Recruiting and Admissions

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Krista Greendyke

Recruiting and Admissions Operations Administrator

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The seminary does not discriminate in admissions, employment, and educational programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, disability, height, weight, genetic information, and other prohibited characteristics in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.

As a religious institution, the seminary reserves the right to make employment and hiring decisions on the basis of religious criteria, based on the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and various relevant statutes.

For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and complaints of discrimination, contact:

Rayetta Perez, Title IX Coordinator

101 East 13th Street, Holland MI 49423

Rayetta@westernsem.edu

616 392.8555 x103

Inquiries and complaints may also be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.