Fall Semester (starts late August)
Apply by:
- Jan. 1 – Application fee waived for Fall semester MDiv and MA applications!
- 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!
Why an M.A. in Disability and Ministry?
You’ve been called to be a ministry leader, and you know this means nurturing and receiving the gifts and contributions of everyone—especially those who often get left out or separated from the community.
Western Theological Seminary offers you:
- Skills in the art and practice of ministering to and alongside those with disabilities.
- Deep biblical and theological understanding of the theologies of disability and belonging.
- Increased language and ability to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Community of peers to challenge and support you.
The MA in Disability and Ministry offers specialized training for those who seek to work toward empowering all of God’s people in ministry and witness.
You can earn this degree online or by attending classes on campus. All courses are transferable to a Master of Divinity degree.
Our courses always include the voices of people with disabilities and the teaching gifts of professors who are disabled.
The MA in Disability and Ministry is housed within the Center for Disability and Ministry at WTS.
Why Western Theological Seminary?
Requirements & Curriculum
The MA in Disability and Ministry offers specialized training for those who seek to work toward empowering all of God’s people in ministry and witness.
You can earn this degree entirely online or in a hybrid program. All courses are transferable to a Master of Divinity degree.
Our courses always include the voices of people with disabilities and the teaching gifts of professors who are disabled.
The MA in Disability and Ministry is housed within the Center for Disability and Ministry at WTS.
Distance Learning
Online Master of Arts
Western Theological Seminary’s highly effective and relationship-rich distance learning environment makes coursework available wherever you are and whenever you want. All core required courses are delivered completely online. Some electives may use a hybrid design, blending online learning with 5 days per semester of face-to-face instruction on the WTS campus.
Two distance learning semesters and two short online terms annually:
Fall Semester: 14 weeks, early September-December. Hybrid courses that blend online and classroom learning include a required 5-day on-campus intensive in Holland, MI in mid-October.
Spring Semester: 14 weeks, January-April. Hybrid courses that blend online and classroom learning include a required 5-day on-campus intensive in Holland, MI in mid-February.
Summer Term: 7 weeks, early May-late June, fully online courses
Are you a Distance Learner?
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 classroom-based intensives on campus in Holland, MI
Program Leader
Kristen Deede Johnson
Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs, G.W. and Edna Haworth Professor of Educational Ministries and Leadership
John Brogan
Associate Academic Dean, Professor of New Testament, Director of the M.Div. and M.A. Programs, Director of the GPCE
