Master of Arts Degree

Western Theological Seminary’s faculty and staff are committed to the growth and learning of our students. At Western, students practice ministry skills under the careful supervision of seasoned mentors in a real ministry setting. Weekly peer group meetings provide space to reflect on these internship experiences. To help students in their discernment, all students complete a first-year evaluation of their capacities and competencies to help set learning goals. They also participate in a mid-program assessment with faculty and Formation for Ministry staff to review their progress and guide them toward completing their MDiv degree.

Learn with our world-class faculty who combine a passion for scholarship with personal interest in each student. Following admission, each student is assigned a faculty advisor. In class, the student/professor ratio of 14:1 provides a rich environment for close work and individual mentoring. Our faculty members are nationally and internationally known and strive to equip students for Christ-centered, biblically based, theologically integrated, culturally sensitive, mission-oriented Christian leadership.

How do you learn best?  What environment do you prefer? Before signing up for any online course or stepping into a classroom, it is important to discern your own learning style.

In-Residence Learner

• Prefers the physical environment of the classroom
• Enjoys regular face-to-face interaction with professors and peers
• Needs a consistent class schedule and structured learning formats

Distance Learning Learner

• Self-motivated, independent learner
• Wants flexibility of organizing his or her own learning schedule
• Disciplined, can set aside 15-20 hours per week to study and participate in an online setting
• Prefers to continue in current ministry or home situation
• Can travel twice a year for 5-day classroom-based intensives on campus in Holland, MI
• Learn more about our Distance Learning M.Div.

Each denomination has its own procedures for enrolling, supervising, and examining candidates for ordination. M.Div. candidates should check with their pastors or denominational officers regarding specific instructions for ordination in their particular denomination.

An M.Div. candidate seeking ordination in the Reformed Church in America must apply to his or her classis through the home church consistory for a Certificate of Fitness for Ministry. This certificate and the M.Div. degree are required for ordination in the Reformed Church in America. Western’s faculty reviews M.Div. candidates annually and recommends to the board of trustees that it grants the certificate to those candidates who are deemed “fit for minisitry.”

Other information for students interested in being ordained in the Reformed Church in America:

Becoming Ordained in the RCA

The Certificate of Fitness for Ministry and RCA Vision 2020 Statement

Western Theological Seminary works in close partnership with other denominational boards and candidate committees responsible for the formation of men and women for ordained ministry.