Programs of Study

We have various programs designed for students with different backgrounds.

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
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
ST-7103 Apologetics and Ethics

Concentration in Theology (6 credits):

ST-5003 Historical Theology
ST-7003 Contemporary Evangelical Thought

OR

Concentration in Ministry (6 credits):

MI-4002 Mission and Ministry, 2 cr.
MI-4102 Teaching and Preaching in the Church, 2 cr.
MI-5002 Church Leadership, 2 cr.

AND

Electives (6 credits), options:

a. Elective graduate courses as available.
b. Undergraduate courses that qualify as electives: PS-2002, CH-4002, MI-4002, MI-4102, MI-5002, MI-5102, MI-5202
c. Transfer credits from a comparable graduate program

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MA: Extended Master of Arts in Bible and Theology, 60 credits

This program is an option for people with a secular bachelor’s or master’s degree, but who lack required undergraduate theological degree.

The required program before taking any 5000-level (or above) 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

These preparatory courses must be completed with grade B+ or above before taking any graduate level courses.

Required graduate courses for Extended MA are same as above (see MA 48 cr. program).

(*) Required for online students only; Does not count towards 48 or 60-credit requirement.

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Codes:

PS = Professional Skills and Studies
BI = Biblical Studies
ST = Systematic Theology
CH = Church History
MI = Missions and Ministry