WRS continuously assesses how our students are meeting learning outcomes and how programs can be shaped to foster improved learning. A learning outcome is defined as a statement describing the knowledge, skills, values, dispositions, attitudes, and/or experiences that students should acquire through completion of a course or program of study. Intended learning outcomes are stated in measurable terms. Faculty develops measurable learning outcomes for students, implements plans to support students in meeting these outcomes, and assesses what students have learned, the means by which they learned, and the effectiveness of the learning process. The primary purpose of assessment is for use by faculty and administration to continuously reflect on and refine their courses, programs, and supports for student learning. Student Learning Outcomes are posted on the course information/syllabus for each course and are likewise used to evaluate the success of the course at the conclusion of instruction.
Below are some examples of how we track our quality of education and the means for continual assessment and improvement.
Statistics of students and Graduates:
70% of our graduates are actively engaged in current ministry as pastors, missionaries, or church workers.
Over the past 20 years 35% of our students completed their program of study within 3 years. Over the same period 55% of our students have completed their program of study within 4 years.
53% of our graduates entered the pastoral ministry, and 13% are involved in other full-time Christian ministries. Most of the rest of our graduates are engaged in volunteer church work.
19% of our graduates went on to pursue additional advanced degrees from other institutions.
Student Evaluations:
In our course evaluations 99% of students rate their class/professor as Excellent or very good.
In our course evaluations 98% of students mention how our small class size has contributed to their learning.
Faculty and Administration Evaluation:
Faculty and Administration explore ways to use IT equipment to enhance classroom learning.
Faculty members review the most recent texts in their field of teaching and regularly update student text assignments as required.
Faculty and Administration also regularly discuss improvements to syllabi and grading to enhance the overall student learning experience.
Student Feedback:
- "My WRS courses have provided many tangible benefits to my service in the church. The OT courses have made clearer to me the value of the kingdom of God as a guide to holiness for Christians. In particular, my study of the law and prophets has brought to my attention the value God places on justice between man and man, in addition to justice between God and man. Further, as I have studied the confessional standards and Calvin's Institutes as a guide to theology, I have seen the immense value of these works as helpful tools and devotional aids. My sermon and Sunday school preparation has also benefited greatly from the background, context, purpose and interpretive history of the Scriptures. Finally, my appreciation for the value of the Psalms and Proverbs as guides to personal piety has grown immensely. Because of all this, I love my Lord more deeply and desperately and his church more dearly."
- "My short time studying at WRS has helped me gain a more deeper understanding in church history. I find it very edifying to see where the church has come from and what challenges it has faced. In addition, I have found a deeper appreciation of the Reformed tradition that I hold so dearly."
- "My training at WRS excited me for formal biblical studies. I was able to immediately begin using my newly acquired skills and knowledge for use in the church. But it also drove me to continue my academics for a PhD in Biblical Studies after graduation. WRS prepared me well for both the practical use of biblical studies for personal and church life, as well as a solid foundation for doctoral studies."
- "Many seminaries or Christian universities today pride themselves on giving their students the best Christian education in order to equip those going into the ministry with the tools and knowledge they need for success. While I know there are several fine schools out there that are able to thoroughly equip men and women for the different ministerial callings, sadly it seems that the world of Christian education is abandoning the fundamental and foundational necessities that are needed to even be considered Christian.
Western Reformed Seminary is not one of those schools. WRS truly and thoroughly equips its students for the ministry. There is much I appreciate about Western Reformed Seminary. For one, its foundation is the authority of Scripture. The recognition that truth is revealed to us and defined by God. The faculty seeks to not just educate students but to help mold them, shape them, and hold them to the incredibly high standard that the Bible requires of a minister. This is the thing I think I most appreciate about the seminary.
The faculty is made up of pastors who live up to the standards that the Bible holds them to, not just morally (though that is of the utmost importance) but intellectually as well. Each professor is an expert in the field that they teach ensuring the highest quality education is given to the students.
The reputation of WRS is reflected in its graduates which are made up of pastors, teachers, professors, missionaries, and more. Not only do the professors care about the students who attend and want to see them succeed, but more importantly they want Christ to be honored in the education provided. It is an institution that requires much, but through it all encourages and equips the students with the tools needed to be successful.
For me, this is what I look for in a seminary and why I appreciate WRS. Their foundation is Scripture and obedience to the expectations and standards it places on ministers; a staff that is well trained and equipped to teach the material that is needed; and a long line of graduates who are using and applying the skills and knowledge they acquired from their time at the seminary. I am very blessed to be there."