Programs of Study

We have updated our program requirements in June, 2025. This page contains old requirements.

Please contact office if you are an existing student and are unsure how the program update affects you.

First Certificate in Theological Studies, 18 credits

This program is designed as a basic theological training program for any applicant. The program is both comprehensive and concise, and thus builds effectively a foundation for church ministry, while at the same time prepares for further studies in the area.

Required courses:

PS-1002 Orientation to Online Studies, 2 cr. *
ST-1002 Bible and Its Interpretation, 2 cr.
BI-1103 Old Testament Survey, 3 cr.
BI-1303 New Testament Survey, 3 cr.
ST-2004 Christian Doctrine, 4 cr.
MI-4002 Mission and Ministry, 2 cr.
MI-4102 Teaching and Preaching in the Church, 2 cr.
MI-5002 Church Leadership, 2 cr.

A student can continue directly to the Diploma program after obtaining this certificate.

(*) Required for online students only; not required if studying in a local branch program. Does not count towards 18-credit requirement.

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Undergraduate Studies

DipTh: Diploma in Theological Studies, 50 credits

This program is a basic theological education program for people with very little or no ministry experience, and with no previous undergraduate education.

A student can continue directly to Bachelor of Theology program after completing the Diploma program.

Students who are starting their theological education and preparing for full-time ministry should apply to this program (instead of the 1st Certificate, see above).

Required courses:

PS-1002 Orientation to Online Studies*
ST-1002 Bible and Its Interpretation, 2 cr.
BI-1103 Old Testament Survey, 3 cr.
BI-1203 Beginnings and History in OT, 3 cr.
BI-1303 New Testament Survey, 3 cr.
BI-1403 The Life and Teaching of Jesus, 3 cr.
MI-1010 Internship I - Discipleship, 10 cr.
ST-2004 Christian Doctrine, 4 cr.
BI-2003 Acts and Paul, 3 cr.
BI-2203 Wisdom and Prophecy in OT, 3 cr.
BI-2502 General Letters & John, 2 cr.
PS-2002 World Religions, 2 cr.
MI-2010 Internship II - Leadership, 10 cr.
NN-X00X Electives, 2 cr. (if needed for 50 credits)

A student can continue directly to BTh programs after obtaining this certificate.

(*) Required for online students only; not required if studying in a local branch program. Does not count towards 50-credit requirement.

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BTh: Bachelor of Theology, 90 credits

This program builds on the Diploma program, adding courses that move a student to more professional direction. With appropriate local mentoring a student can be prepared for associate pastor position.

Courses added to the Diploma program are as follows:

BI-4103 The Bible as History, 3 cr.
BI-4203 Biblical Theology, 3 cr.
CH-4002 Church History, 2 cr.
ST-4102 Primer to Apologetics and Ethics, 2 cr.
MI-4002 Mission and Ministry, 2 cr.
MI-4102 Teaching and Preaching in the Church, 2 cr.
MI-5002 Church Leadership, 2 cr.
MI-4010 Internship III - Teaching and Preaching, 10 cr.
NN-X00X Electives, 16 cr. (or as needed)

A student can't apply directly to this program. BTh program starts with Diploma level courses (see above). If one has a 2-year theological degree outside of WWES he or she must apply for a Certificate, 2nd Bachelor, or MA program.

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2ndBA: Second Bachelor in Bible and Theology, 30 credits

This program is designed for persons with a previous undergraduate degree in a non-theological subject area. The program consists of the core studies in Bible and theology, thus equipping a student for teaching ministry and ecclesiastical leadership, as well as for further studies in Bible and theology.

Required courses:

PS-1002 Orientation to Online Studies*
ST-1002 Bible and Its Interpretation
BI-1103 Old Testament Survey
BI-1303 New Testament Survey
ST-2004 Christian Doctrine
MI-4002 Mission and Ministry
PS-2002 World Religions
CH-4002 Church History
ST-4102 Primer to Apologetics and Ethics
MI-4102 Teaching and Preaching in the Church
BI-4103 The Bible as History
BI-4203 Biblical Theology
MI-5002 Church Leadership

Courses listed in a suggested order of study.

A student can continue directly to MA program after obtaining this certificate.

(*) Required for online students only; not required if studying in a local branch program. Does not count towards 50-credit requirement.

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Graduate Studies

MA: Master of Arts in Bible and Theology, 48 credits

This program is designed for persons with a theological undergraduate degree (BTh, BA).

The goal of the program is to equip the student with broad Biblical/theological knowledge and prepare for teaching or further academic work in an ecclesiastical field. MA courses (5000+ level) are 3 credits each.

Required for a new student:

PS-1002 Orientation to Online Studies*

Required courses (36 credits):

PS-5003 Orientation to Theological Studies
BI-5003 Introduction to the Old Testament
BI-6003 Old Testament Theology
BI-5103 Introduction to the New Testament
ST-7103 Apologetics and Ethics

BI-6103 New Testament Theology
BI-7003 Historical Jesus
BI-7103 Paul's Theology
ST-5103 Systematic Theology I
ST-5203 Systematic Theology II
ST-5303 Systematic Theology III
MI-6003 Theology and Practice of God's Mission

Concentration in Theology (6 credits):