Master of Divinity - Distance Learning

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.

You can experience a unique and distinctly Reformed M.Div program, a deep commitment to community, and a rich and demanding learning environment. Get the ingredients to transform your life!

For a specific focus on church planting and revitalization, read about the WTS-Newbigin DL M.Div. program.

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What makes Western distinctive?

Community

The emphasis on community sets Western apart from other seminaries offering distance learning. You'll form relationships with peers and faculty, all of whom are deeply committed to helping nurture you for effective pastoral ministry. Watch students testimonial video clips.

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Blended Course Model

Students 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.

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Same Curriculum, Same Professors

The 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.
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Fully Accredited

The distance learning M.Div. is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. Western was honored to receive high praise from the accrediting commission in February 2009 upon granting ongoing approval.

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The 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 requirement for distance learning.

Online Modules

Students are introduced to the program's learning management software (ANGEL) through online training modules. These practice modules are designed to give students the experience needed for successfully navigating and communicating within an online course.

Orientations

In mid-August, new students participate in an online orientation over the course of two weeks. Students will work each week within the program's learning management system, ANGEL, 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 January for their first Intensive, they receive an additional day of face-to-face orientation.

Fall term of 9 weeks begins in late August and features accelerated courses conducted entirely online.  Usually the term begins in late August and ends late October.

Winter semester of 14 weeks begins in November, concludes in March, and includes holiday breaks, a winter break, and a 2-week on-campus January Intensive.

Summer semester of 14 weeks begins in late March, concludes in July, and includes a 2-week on-campus May Intensive and a one-week break following the Intensive.

Current Schedule

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 ANGEL 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.

The two on-campus Intensives allow for 50% of course time to be conducted in a face-to-face setting. Each January and May the two week Intensives begin on a Sunday evening with dinner, followed by a meeting with peer groups. 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).

Textbooks can be purchased from the seminary bookstore.

Western Theological Seminary’s Commencement Service is usually the second Monday in May and falls within the distance learning summer semester on-campus Intensive. Graduating seniors participate in Commencement with the In-Residence Master of Divinity graduates and then finish the rest of the Intensive, which is the conclusion of their studies. There is no Fall Term for the fifth year of the program.

 
 
Distance Learning Frequently Asked Questions In Residence vs. Distance Learning

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 2-week classroom-based intensives on campus in Holland, MI

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Distance Learning Sequence of Courses

Field Legend: BL - Biblical Field; MN - Christian Ministry Field; FR - Formation for Ministry; TH - Theological Field. See Course Description for details.

Fall

Winter

Spring


  • MN102 Practice of Discipleship (3)
  • Total (3)
  • BL100 NT Greek I (3)
  • Total (7.5)
  • BL101A NT Greek II (1.5)

 


Four FR102 Retreats in May - Total 1.5
FR Pastotal Training Seminars - non-credit
PROGRAM TOTAL: 96 Credits

Fall

Winter

Spring


  • Elective - using Greek (3)
  • Elective (1.5)
  • Total (4.5)
  • BL110 Biblical Hebrew (3)
  • Total (7.5)
  • BL111 Hebrew Trans. & Interp (3)
  • Total (7.5)

 


Four FR102 Retreats in May - Total 1.5
FR Pastotal Training Seminars - non-credit
PROGRAM TOTAL: 96 Credits

Fall

Winter

Spring


  • Elective - using Hebrew (3)
  • Elective (1.5)
  • Total (4.5)
  • TH100 Church History I (3)
  • MN115 Practice of Counsel and Care (3)
  • FR118 Engaging Christian Ministry II (1.5)
  • Total (7.5)
  • TH101 Church History II (3)
  • FR119 Engaging Christian Ministry III (1.5)
  • Elective (3)
  • Total (7.5)

 


Four FR102 Retreats in May - Total 1.5
FR Pastotal Training Seminars - non-credit
PROGRAM TOTAL: 96 Credits

Fall

Winter

Spring


  • TH113 Systematic Theology I (3)
  • FR126 Pastoral Learning Project I (1.5)
  • Total (4.5)
  • TH114 Systematic Theology II (3)
  • TH112 Gospel, Culture and Church (3)
  • Elective(1.5)
  • Total (7.5)
  • TH121 Christian Ethics (3)
  • MN124 Practice of Worship & Preaching (3)
  • FR127 Pastoral Learning Project II (1.5)
  • Total (7.5)

 


Four FR102 Retreats in May - Total 1.5
FR Pastotal Training Seminars - non-credit
PROGRAM TOTAL: 96 Credits

Fall

Winter

Spring


  • Elective (CM121 Standards and Polity-RCA candidates) (3)
  • Elective (1.5)
  • Total (4.5)
  • Elective (1.5)
  • Electives (pure online) (1.5 plus 1.5)
  • FR111 Intercultural Immersion (1.5)
  • Total (6)
  • TH124 Credo (1.5)
  • MN120 Leadership (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Total (7.5)

 


Four FR102 Retreats in May - Total 1.5
FR Pastotal Training Seminars - non-credit
PROGRAM TOTAL: 96 Credits
Degree Requirements
  • 96 credit hours, minimum of five years. 
  • Formation for Ministry courses, including spiritual formation retreat and 800 hours supervised ministry in a Teaching Church
  • Yearly online orientations in October
  • Intercultural Immersion trip

DL Application Deadlines: Fall and Summer semesters

Fall Semester - Late August Start

Apply by:
  • Jan. 1 - No application fee charged
  • April 15 - Fee $50. Receive full scholarship consideration
  • April 30 - Fee $50 to apply + $250 confirmation fee required at application. Receive scholarship consideration as available
  • May 30 - Fee $50 to apply + $250 confirmation fee required at application. No scholarship consideration
  • July 15 - No admission following this date

Summer Semester - Late March Start

Apply by:
  • Jan. 31 - Fee $50. Receive scholarship consideration as available.
  • Feb. 1 - Fee $50 to apply + $250 confirmation fee at application. No scholarship consideration
  • Feb. 15 - No admission after this date