Programs

Degree Programs

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

This is a professional degree which provides the tools necessary for expositing and applying the Scriptures. This three-year, full-time program of study will prepare the student for a lifetime of effective service. The student will be prepared for ordination to the gospel ministry in the Bible Presbyterian Church and other likeminded denominations. The student will be equipped to be a pastor, church planter, educator, or missionary.

The minister is, first and foremost, an under-shepherd of the Lord, a preacher of the Word of God. Expert knowledge of Scripture is a basic prerequisite. The M.Div. program provides a strong basis for biblical exposition through a detailed study of Hebrew and Greek and biblical exegesis. The student will study at great length the English Bible, its contents, background, and theology. Systematic theology organizes biblical teaching into the vital doctrines of the faith, and historical theology is an essential field, showing how God has brought the church through the centuries to the place it is today.

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.

Standard program - 100 hrs.
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.

Standard program - 99 hrs.
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 (M.B.S.) program concentrates on the biblical text. By taking an emphasis either in the Old Testament or the New Testament, the student will begin to master Hebrew or Greek. The Old Testament emphasis includes Hebrew language and exegesis classes, while the New Testament emphasis includes Greek language and exegesis classes. This program relates to the mission of WRS “by providing graduate education and training for their ministers, missionaries, lay leaders, and other Christian workers, to produce spiritually grounded, knowledgeable, capable, and dedicated servants of Christ.” The student will cover all the categories of biblical literature and derive exegetical tools for continuing study of the Bible.

This masters programs involve two years of full-time study, including a student thesis/project. This program 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.

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

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

The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) program focuses on the philosophy of the Christian faith and concentrates on either Systematic Theology, covering the great doctrines of Christianity, or Historical Theology, covering the development and events surrounding the advance of the Christian faith. Courses include apologetics, ethics, and the Westminster Standards, along with electives in the area of emphasis. This program relates to the mission of WRS “by providing graduate education and training for their ministers, missionaries, lay leaders, and other Christian workers, to produce spiritually grounded, knowledgeable, capable, and dedicated servants of Christ.”

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

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

The Master of Christian Ministry (M.C.M.) program is designed for those not seeking ordination but desiring to minister within the church in Church Ministry, Biblical Counseling, or Missions. This program relates to the mission of WRS “by providing graduate education and training for their ministers, missionaries, lay leaders, and other Christian workers, to produce spiritually grounded, knowledgeable, capable, and dedicated servants of Christ” and “by providing leadership in these churches and among the public in understanding, declaring, and defending Reformed theology and its current application in the church and the world.”

The Church Ministry emphasis offers training in the challenges and opportunities of church leadership and includes courses in church administration, speaking, counseling, and a practical internship.

The Biblical Counseling emphasis offers a battery of courses in counseling philosophy and methodology that is distinctly biblical in its approach. This program is recognized by the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors for those seeking certification though that organization. The need to take the gospel into the harvest fields of the world has never been greater.

The Missions emphasis prepares you to "go into all the world" with sound missiological theology and practice, able to discern the unique worldviews of any people group so that your communication of the gospel effectively confronts false views of reality with God's reality and powerfully urges the need to submit to Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

Church Ministry emphasis - 66 hrs.
Biblical Counseling emphasis - 65 hrs.
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. The Master of Religious Studies (M.R.S.) program is unique in that all classes are held in the evening. A student may graduate from this program by attending classes two evenings a week for three years or one evening a week for six years. This program is designed for church members who desire to increase their knowledge of the Bible, theology, and church history. The M.R.S. is considered a terminal degree.

Some of the required courses within the M.R.S. can also be used toward other degrees at WRS, while others are designed for this program only. 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.