Programs

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) 3yr. Program

The standard course of preparation for the gospel ministry or related callings is the Master of Divinity program. This is a professional degree which provides the tools necessary for expositing and applying the Scriptures and prepares the pastoral candidate for the ecclesiastical requirements for ordination.

The M.Div. curriculum involves a balanced study of the two testaments in the original languages, complemented by an intensive study of systematic theology broken down into its various sub-branches. Also included are studies in modern ecclesiastical events and issues as well as a survey of church history. Rounding out the curriculum is the practical training received from the Christian Ministry department.

  1. Standard program - 100 hrs.
  2. Basic Greek included - 106 hrs.

*Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.)

The Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Divinity programs are identical in their shared curriculum and in their requirements. Therefore the B.D. is a professional degree program designed to prepare mature students for various types of Christian service.

Should a B.D. graduate from WRS ever submit evidence of having completed another bachelor degree, his B.D. may become eligible for upgrade to the M.Div.

Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.) 3yr. Program

The M.R.E. curriculum involves a balanced study of the two testaments in the original languages, complemented by an intensive study of systematic theology broken down into its various sub-branches. Also included are studies in modern ecclesiastical events and issues as well as a survey of church history. Rounding out the curriculum is the practical training in biblical counseling and in Bible teaching. This program is for students who desire a thorough seminary education without seeking to be ordained into the gospel ministry.

  1. Standard program - 99 hrs.
  2. Basic Greek included - 105 hrs.

*Bachelor Religious Education (B.R.E.)

The Bachelor of Religious Education and Master of Religious Education programs are identical in their shared curriculum and in their requirements. Therefore the B.R.E. is a academic degree program designed to prepare mature students for various types of Christian service apart from the ordained ministry.

Should a B.R.E. graduate from WRS ever submit evidence of having completed another bachelor degree, his B.R.E. may become eligible for upgrade to the M.R.E.

Master of Biblical Studies (M.B.S.) 2yr. Program

The Master of Biblical Studies is self-descriptive. The student will cover all the categories of biblical literature and derive exegetical tools for continuing study of the Bible. By taking an emphasis either in the Old Testament or the New Testament, the student will begin to master Hebrew or Greek.

The day-time Masters programs involve two years of full-time study, including a student thesis/project. The day-time Masters provides the elements necessary for Christian service or further graduate study without requiring the student to take an extra year of professional M.Div. studies in the fullest preparation for the gospel ministry.

  1. Old Testament emphasis - 68 hrs.
  2. New Testament emphasis - 65 hrs.
  3. New Testament emphasis (with Basic Greek) - 69 hrs.

Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) 2yr. Program

The Master of Theology focuses on the philosophy of the Christian faith. Its two emphases are Systematic Theology, covering the great doctrines of Christianity; and Historical Theology, covering the development and events surrounding the advance of the Christian faith.

The day-time Masters programs involve two years of full-time study, including a student thesis/project. The day-time Masters provides the elements necessary for Christian service or further graduate study without requiring the student to take an extra year of professional M.Div. studies in the fullest preparation for the gospel ministry.

  1. Systematic Theology emphasis - 66 hrs.
  2. Historical Theology emphasis - 66 hrs.

Master of Christian Ministry (M.C.M.) 2yr Program

The Master of Christian Ministry trains students for Christian service. It does not supply all the standard tools for the ministry which the M.Div. does. Rather, it focuses on professional training without the full complement of theological and language studies. The Church Ministry emphasis offers training in the challenges and opportunities of church leadership. On the other hand, the Biblical Counseling emphasis offers a battery of courses in counseling philosophy and methodology that is distinctly biblical in its approach.

The day-time Masters programs involve two years of full-time study, including a student thesis/project. The day-time Masters provides the elements necessary for Christian service or further graduate study without requiring the student to take an extra year of professional M.Div. studies in the fullest preparation for the gospel ministry.

  1. Church Ministry emphasis - 66 hrs.
  2. Biblical Counseling emphasis - 65 hrs.
  3. Missions emphasis - 69 hrs.

Master of Religious Studies (M.R.S.)

For non-ministerial candidates desiring graduate theological training, WRS offers a Master Religious Studies. This program is designed so that a student attending two evening classes per week can complete the course in three years. One may enter the evening school in any term. Unlike the other Masters degrees, the M.R.S. is designed to be terminal degree for evening school students only. Substitutions for the required courses are permitted only with faculty approval.

Students holding the M.R.S. who desire to continue their studies toward another WRS degree may transfer the courses they have taken which have identical course numbers to those required in their new program. The other M.R.S. courses (#143, #243, #341, #342, and #441) will be considered as elective credit.

(Terminal degree) - 34 hrs.