Academics
The Washington Baptist Theological Seminary offers all of its classes during the evening hours, Monday - Thursday 5:45 pm - 8:55 pm. The academic year is comprised of two semesters and summer school is six weeks.
The following highlights the array of programs offered for the adult learner:
The Diploma Program
The Bachelor of Theology (BTh) Degree Program
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) Degree Program
The Master of Arts - Pastoral Theology (MAPT)
The School of Certification Program
The Extension School
The Diploma Program
The Diploma Program is a four year program for laypersons or ministers of demonstrated ability who endeavor to enhance their effectiveness by means of a curriculum, which integrates their experiences of ministry with the academic resources of the Seminary. The Diploma Program therefore enables pastors and Christian Educators to develop an integrated theology of ministry that will embrace the total life and mission of the church. The Diploma Program offers an alternative for those persons not seeking a BA degree. The specific goals of the Diploma Program are designed to prepare the learner for a life as a Christian educator.
The Diploma Program requires successful completion of 108 semester units of course work. The program normally includes four terms of sixteen classes each term. The learner is required to take all courses. The learner should consult with his/her advisor before embarking upon part-time study. Peer learning is an essential part of WBS programs. A Ministerial setting is also an essential part of the Seminary’s programs. Since the Diploma has as one of its major objectives the increased richness of ministry, it cannot orient its work solely to the individual learner; rather, it must involve those whom the learner ministers. It must be an "ecclesial focused" diploma.
Diploma Program Core Courses - Revised
The Bachelor of Theology (BTh) Degree Program
The Bachelor of Theology (BTh) Degree program is a four year program designed for persons who are committed to Pastoral or Christian Education Ministry specifically. It is for laypersons or ministers of demonstrated ability. The program is designed to enhance their effectiveness by means of structured curricula which integrates their experiences of ministry with the academic resources of the Seminary.
The Bachelor of Theology Degree program requires successful completion of 138 credits of course work. It normally includes eight terms of five classes each term. The learner is encouraged to take 15 hours of core courses each term. The learner should consult with his/her advisor before taking more than 15 credits in each term. Each course has a one hour weekly field experience requirement. Specialized studies may be developed through directed study, independent study, group electives, or intensive courses offered at the seminary.
Peer learning is an essential part of WBS programs. Placement in a ministerial setting is also an essential part of the Seminary’s programs. Since the BTh Degree cannot orient its work solely to the individual learner; rather, it must involve those to whom the BTh student ministers. It must be an "ecclesial focused" degree.
At WBS, the BTh Degree program seeks to involve the congregation of the learner in a number of ways in a direct sharing of the program. There is flexibility in schedule arrangements in an attempt to meet the needs of the variety of ministerial settings involved.
BA Degree Core Courses - Revised
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) Degree Program
The Master of Divinity (M. Div.) is a graduate-level professional degree program. Persons admitted as candidates must hold a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must, however, satisfy the admissions committee that their vocational plans and personal development are appropriate for matriculation in this program.
Many graduates of the Master of Divinity program enter the pastoral ministry. Others pursue vocations in diverse settings including: university, hospital and prison chaplaincies; professional counseling; secondary school or university teaching; social work; and business settings including the governmental and journalistic organizations. The Seminary endeavors to meet the special educational needs that may characterize a candidate's vocational aims.
The core learning fundamentals to the Master of Divinity curriculum include Biblical courses, Historical courses, and Theological Study courses. Other factors, influence the character of WBS’s Master of Divinity program. The program blends academic study and clinical training. Courses reflect the Seminary’s continuing commitment to Christian Education among churches. Courses in World Religions allow students to communicate with and learn from persons of faith throughout the world. Candidates can also pursue interdisciplinary concerns in a number of areas, such as specific Theologies, the Arts, and Baptist Studies.
Masters Degree Program Core Courses
The Master of Arts - Pastoral Theology
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology (MAPT) degree s intended for those who are presently serving in Pastoral leadership in the Church. Each student’s background and experience is considered in creating aa a meaningful course of study. The program combines theological study, a focus on developing pastoral skills, and the integration of these two areas. We are requiring each student to complete two four-week clinics, four eight-week sessions, a reading period and a writing period in order to submit a detailed and theological sound project or thesis before graduation. During Senior Symposium each student will present and defend his/her project/thesis. Students beginning the MAPT program may petition to receive advanced standing for previous work. Non-credit ministerial training and years of ministerial experience may also qualify towards advanced standing or toward "credit for non-credit."
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology curriculum involves not only extensive preparation in the Bible, systematic and historical theology, but also preparation in pastoral ministries, Christian education, missions, and field education. Students must enroll in Spiritual Formation groups during their first semester in the program. Students are encouraged to take courses in the order in which they appear on the curriculum chart. This is to the student’s advantage, as courses are designed to build on previous course work.
The M. A.P.T. curriculum requires 60 credit hours. We are requiring each student to complete two four-week clinics and four eight-week sessions. They must be able to present and defend a thesis during Senior Symposium- end of the fourth session. Students must have a 3.0 GPA or above to graduate. Of the 60 credit hours required for completion of M. A. curriculum at least 45 credit hours must be completed at this seminar.
MAPT Program Curriculum
