Western’s Distance Learning M.Div. utilizes online and in-person instruction, setting it apart from other seminaries.
How can you prepare to respond to your call, yet remain in your community? Western’s distance learning Master of Divinity program allows you to stay where you are while earning your degree online.
You can experience a unique and distinctly Reformed M.Div program, a deep commitment to community, and a rich and robust learning environment. Get the ingredients to transform your life!
What Makes Western Distinctive?
Blended Course Model
Students in the M.Div. program work together and learn from each other in online and classroom collaboration, shaping a remarkable non-competitive learning culture. Unique to Western’s distance learning program is a combination of face-to-face and online instruction in nearly all courses.
Community
The emphasis on community sets Western apart from other seminaries offering online distance learning. You’ll form relationships with peers and faculty, all of whom are deeply committed to helping nurture you for effective pastoral ministry.
Same Courses, Same Professors
The online distance learning M.Div. is the same course curriculum as the residential M.Div., simply designed in a different format for students living at a distance. The three year full-time residential curriculum has been sequenced out over five years in order that working adults can take on a part-time academic load. Faculty teach the same courses in the distance program as they do in the residential M.Div.
Fully Accredited
Western Theological Seminary is fully accredited, and the online distance learning M.Div. is approved by the Association of Theological Schools.
In-Residence or Distance Learning - which suits you?
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
- Learn more about our In-Residence M.Div.
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
Program Design
The online distance learning program is designed for adults seeking a Master of Divinity degree. Only students admitted into the program are eligible to enroll in courses. Technology is required for distance learning.
Yearly Schedule Overview
Orientation
In mid-August, new students participate in online orientation and learning management system training. Students will work within the program’s learning management system, Canvas, gaining experience with the same tools utilized in courses and will begin to develop an online community within the new student cohort.
When new students arrive on campus in October for their first Intensive, they receive an additional day of face-to-face orientation.
Semester Schedule
Fall Semester: 14 weeks, late August-December. Hybrid courses that blend online and classroom learning include a 5-day on-campus intensive in Holland, MI in mid-October.
Spring Semester: 14 weeks, January-May. Hybrid courses that blend online and classroom learning include a 5-day on-campus intensive in Holland, MI in mid-February.
Summer Term: 7 weeks, early May-late-June, fully online courses
Graduation
Western Theological Seminary’s Commencement Service is held the end of April. Graduating seniors participate in Commencement with the In-Residence Master of Divinity graduates.
Course Design and Cohort Model
A group or “cohort” of students (15-24 people) are admitted each year and move through the curriculum together. This design fosters a rich learning community providing support to each other over the five years of the program.
Western’s program is designed for asynchronous learning with an occasional real-time chat or conference call. Lectures are downloaded using the Canvas learning system. Discussion forums are a regular part of each course and often students work collaboratively on course assignments. Maintaining regular and consistent participation is important for success in this type of distance program.
Students work most often within the time frame of 1-2 week units. This allows a student to create his or her own schedule for completing assignments while keeping the whole class together within a set time frame for collaborative work.
On-Campus Intensives
The two on-campus intensives allow for significant course time to be conducted in a face-to-face setting. Each October and February the 5-day intensives are held. Students start each day with breakfast together, and the community breaks in the morning for worship and fellowship. Students participate in worship by reading scripture or assisting with the worship liturgy.
Spiritual formation retreats and professional development seminars are woven into the Intensives throughout the five-year program.
Lodging and Travel
Lodging and travel to Holland, Michigan, are not included in the cost of the program and are the responsibility of the student.
The seminary will assist in locating housing options for the intensives, but students are responsible for the cost of housing and meals while on campus (other than breakfast).
Formation for Ministry
Distance Learning M.Div. students are required to complete four semesters/units of Internship. Each unit is a minimum of 130 hours of supervised ministry (about 9 hours/wk over the 14 week semester).
If a student is already working in ministry, it usually makes sense for that site to become his or her Teaching Church. However, students are encouraged to gain a broad range of experiences to best prepare for their future ministries.
Each student initiates the process of finding a Teaching Church, in communication with the Formation for Ministry office at WTS. The student considers factors such as denominational affiliation, plans for ordination, the kind of ministry to which he or she feels called, ministry skills needed, and the presence of adequate pastoral supervision. The Formation for Ministry team clarifies expectations for the internship with the ministry site.
Questions about the Teaching Church program may be directed to Shari Oosting, Director for Churches in Mission.
87 credit hours, minimum of five years.
- Yearly online orientations in August
- Intercultural Immersion trip in summer of year 4
- Students with previous ministry experience can apply for advanced standing to waive 3 credits of internship requirement
Sequence of Courses
Field Legend: BL – Biblical Field; MN – Christian Ministry Field; FR – Formation for Ministry; TH – Theological Field
Year 1
Fall
- BL300 Old Testament Foundations (3)
- MN335 Foundations of the Christian Life (3)
- PR401 Abbey 1 (0.5)
Spring
- BL301 New Testament Foundations (3)
- MN336 Christian Interior Life (3)
- PR402 Abbey 2 (0.5)
Summer
- Elective course (3)
italics = course with intensive
Year 2
Fall
- MN350 Worship Foundations (3)
- PR403 Abbey 3 (0.5)
- PR411 Practice of Ministry: Internship 1 (1.5)
- Language 1 (BL310 or BL320) (3)
Spring
- PR404 Abbey 4 (0.5)
- PR412 Practice of Ministry: Internship 2 (1.5)
- Language 1 (BL311 or BL321) (3)
- Elective (Upper New Testament) (3)
Summer
- Elective Course (3)
- PR413 Practice of Ministry: Internship 3 (summer optional) (1.5)
- PR414 Practice of Ministry: Internship 4 (summer optional) (1.5)
italics = course with intensive
Year 3
Fall
- MN415 Practice of Counsel & Care (3)
- PR405 Abbey 5 (0.5)
- PR413 Practice of Ministry: Internship 3 (1.5)
- TH300 Church History 1 (3)
Spring
- MN351 Preaching Foundations (3)
- PR406 Abbey 6 (0.5)
- PR414 Practice of Ministry: Internship 4 (1.5)
- TH301 Church History 2 (3)
italics = course with intensive
Year 4
Fall
- TH310 Systematic Theology 1(3)
- MN412 Christian Life & Mission (3)
- Language 2 (BL3101 or BL3201) Or Elective (3)
Spring
- TH311 Systematic Theology 2 (3)
- TH440 Christian Life & Ethics (3)
- Language 2 (BL3111 or BL3211) Or Elective (3)
Summer
- PR450 Intercultural Immersion (3)
italics = course with intensive
Year 5
Fall
- BL490 Biblical Capstone (3)
- Elective (Upper Old Testament) (3)
- Elective (TH421 RCA Standards & Polity for RCA students) (3)
Spring
- TH490 Credo (3)
- MN490 Leading Christian Communities (3)
PROGRAM TOTAL: 87 Credits
Distance Learning FAQs
Preparing You to be Successful
Once admitted, students will receive specific instructions for orientation to the program functionality and technology. Each student is also assigned a faculty advisor. Administrative and technical support is available from the Academic Affairs office when needed. In short, our goal is to serve the student!
Are there specific times of the day or week when I must be online?
No, students may log on and learn at any convenient time. Students who are able to block out particular times in their weekly schedule to devote to their learning are those who are most successful. This flexibility must be balanced with regular weekly assignments.
How many hours a week do most students in this program spend learning?
Our Distance Learning students report that they spend an average of between 15-20 hours per week to be successful in meeting their educational goals.
May I work at my own pace in this degree program?
While there is flexibility for your online work, there are regular and often weekly assignments. Students are required to meet definite project and assignment due dates.
What is an Intensive?
An Intensive is a required 5-day session in which all distance learning students come together on campus in Holland, MI twice a year (Oct and Feb) to learn, study and get to know each other. Various arrangements for lodging during our intensives are available, but ultimately it is up to the student. We will help you locate and reserve a setting that fits your budget and preferences.
May I take just one online course?
If there is room available in an online course, you may request permission to take a single course.
May I transfer academic credits from other educational institutions to my Distance Learning degree program at Western?
Yes! Transfer credit is awarded for course work completed at another seminary accredited through the Association of Theological Schools. Students who want to transfer into Western’s M.Div. program must earn at least 30 semester credit hours in our degree program in order to graduate. Individual academic assessments determining transfer credits are calculated for those who complete an application and submit their transcripts.
I am not a member of the Reformed Church in America. May I apply?
We welcome you! Students from a variety of denominations and theological convictions enroll at Western Theological Seminary to prepare for ministry leadership. See the our Mission and Vision page to learn more.
When does the program start?
A new group of distance learners begins each year in late August and in January. See sidebar for application deadlines.
What technological equipment do I need to be successful?
A computer meeting the required standards will serve you well. While it is not required, a high-speed internet connection enhances the enjoyment of learning online.
Is technical or academic assistance available if I need it?
Absolutely! Student service support is available from full time staff members. Enrolled students may request help from a trained technician, a professor, a faculty advisor or an administrative assistant, depending on their need. Western Theological Seminary is well known for our care of students.
Does Western Seminary offer financial aid for distance learners?
Finances are often a major concern for students seeking to achieve a seminary education. We encourage our students to consider a variety of options available for financial aid. We invite you to contact our financial aid administrator, Kyle Wigboldy, with your specific needs or questions.
Who do I contact for more information?
Jill English, Director of Admissions at 1-800-392-8554 x135 or email admissions@westernsem.edu
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 Trusteee 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 Leaders and Staff
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
Carol Ann Bailey
Educational Design and Technology Specialist, Student Support Coordinator, and Multi Ethnic Leadership Development (MELD) Administrator
Kathy Ehmann
DMin Program Administrator and LMS Administrator
