What Makes Western Distinctive?
Program Design
The program is flexible enough to complete in one of four ways.
- Students can spend their first two years of the 4-year dual track program in-residence at Western Theological Seminary taking Master of Divinity coursework. Years 3-4 are then spent in a Master of Social Work program at another accredited institution of the student’s preference.
- Students can also choose our 5-year part time Distance Learning option to complete their M.Div. coursework through WTS. When finished, they can pursue a Master of Social Work program at another accredited institution of the student’s preference.
- Another option is to start with the M.S.W. degree elsewhere followed by the M.Div. at WTS. This path is convenient for undergrad students who have the option of earning the M.S.W. at the same institution. They can stay in a familiar context in the transition into graduate school. After completing the M.S.W. degree, the student moves to WTS for two years of M.Div. course work.
- Students can also do Distance Learning starting with the M.S.W. degree followed by the M.Div. Students who are just completing the M.S.W. degree (or who have completed it within the last 7 years) begin M.Div. work at WTS in the distance learning format and schedule part-time over 5 years.
Typically 63 out of the 87 hours required for an M.Div. are completed through WTS. The remaining 24 hours are transferred from the M.S.W program back to the seminary as electives. This allows the student to complete both masters degrees in four years instead of five if they choose.
For students who have a BSW degree, the M.S.W. portion of the dual track program is typically shortened due to receiving advanced standing. These students can earn both masters degrees in three years.
Cohort Learning groups – All four years students meet in peer groups with a ministry professional who facilitates the integration of the two professional areas. The cohort group you start the program with meets weekly for the duration of the program. The purpose of this weekly class is to support dual track students and help them integrate these two professional fields (ministry and social work) into their respective ministry callings.
Contact admissions for more information.
Distance Learning Option
The Master of Divinity portion of the dual track program can be completed in the distance learning format. For more information on this 5-year track, contact the Registrar or Admissions.
Ministry Directions
- Counseling hurting people
- Coordinating urban youth programs
- Chaplaincy in a hospital, hospice, or treatment program setting
- Restorative justice work in the criminal justice system
- Community development here or abroad
- Children and family support and education
- Outreach pastor
- Social justice research and advocacy
- Starting a nonprofit environmental ministry
Testimonials
Kirk Vander Molen
Christ’s example and His call to seek out, care for and minister to people in need is clear.
The combination of an M.Div. and M.S.W. has given me a strong foundation to better understand and answer this call. My theological education and pastoral training at Western Seminary provided me the resources to explore my faith, learn from God’s Word, and gain skills in leadership. My M.S.W. provided me a framework to better understand the needs of people and gave me tools and techniques to help them.
After serving as an associate pastor for 4 years, currently I am serving as a director of a ministry called Love INC (In the Name of Christ). Love INC works to mobilize, help and support churches to care for and serve individuals and families in need.
Although I attended Western prior to the start of the M.Div. – M.S.W. program, I would highly recommend the dual track degree for those considering any ministry focus, including being a pastor, counselor or working in outreach.
Miriam De Jong
Since my junior year of high school I have known that God was calling me to full time urban youth ministry.
Although I had gained a great deal of knowledge and training through various conferences and personal experience in urban youth ministry, I wanted more formal training and education.
As I explored a variety of programs, Western’s dual track program stood out above the rest. Not only would it provide me with a strong biblical and theological foundation for ministry, but the social work component would equip me with strong counseling and community development skills that are so desperately needed in our nation’s inner cities.
I was blessed to put these skills into practice through my internship at Camp Tall Turf, a Christian camp serving mostly urban youth. The camp focuses on reconciliation to God, each other, and God’s world. There I directed high school programs seeking to develop Christlike, indigenous servant leaders.
My hope and prayer is that the education and experience of the dual track program will enable me to better serve the community and ministry to which God is calling me.
- 87 credit hours, minimum of four years (24 credits are transferred as electives from the MSW)
- Formation for Ministry courses and Internship in year 2
- Intercultural Immersion trip
Sequence of Courses – In Residence
Field Legend: BL – Biblical Field; MN – Christian Ministry Field; FR – Formation for Ministry; TH – Theological Field
Year 1
Fall Semester
- BL300 Old Testament Foundations (3)
- MN335 Foundations of the Christian Life (3)
- PR401 Abbey 1 (0.5)
- PR341 Dual Track Cohort Group 1 (0.5)
- TH300 Church History 1 (3)
- TH310 Systematic Theology 1 (3)
- MN350 Worship Foundations (Option) (0)
Spring Semester
- BL301 New Testament Foundations (3)
- MN336 Christian Interior Life (3)
- MN351 Preaching Foundations (Option) (3)
- PR402 Abbey 2 (0.5)
- PR342 Dual Track Cohort Group 2 (0.5)
- TH300 Church History 2 (3)
- TH311 Systematic Theology 2 (3)
Year 2
Fall Semester
- Language 1 (BL310 or BL320) (3)
- BL490 Biblical Capstone (3)
- MN412 Christian Life & Mission (3)
- MN415 Practice of Counsel & Care (3)
- PR403 Abbey 3 (0.5)
- PR343 Dual Track Cohort Group 3 (0.5)
- PR411 Practice of Ministry: Internship 1 (1.5)
Spring Semester
- Language 1 (BL311 or BL321) (3)
- MN490 Leading Christian Communities (3)
- PR343 Dual Track Cohort Group 4 (0.5)
- PR404 Abbey 4 (0.5)
- PR412 Practice of Ministry: Internship (1.5)
- TH440 Christian Life & Ethics (3)
- TH490 Credo (3)
Summer
- PR450 Intercultural Immersion (3)
Year 3 and 4
Online Seminars
Year 3
- PR345 Dual Track Cohort Group 5 (fall) (0.5)
- PR346 Dual Track Cohort Group 6 (spring) (0.5)
Year 4
- PR347 Dual Track Cohort Group 7 (fall) (0.5)
- PR348 Dual Track Cohort Group 8 (spring) (0.5)
Deadlines
Fall Semester (starts late August)
Apply by:
Jan. 1 – Application fee waived for Fall semester MDiv and MA applications!
Feb. 1 – You must be admitted by this date to be considered for the Girod Fellowship or Trustee Scholar Award. (Invitations are extended to qualifying applicants)
March 15 – Deadline for international students
May 30 – To ensure housing and best financial aid opportunities
Aug 1 – Final application deadline
After Aug 1 – Call the admissions office for options!
Spring Semester (starts mid January)
Apply by:
Dec 10 – For best financial aid opportunities
After Dec 10 – Call the admissions office for options!
Program Leader
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