FAQ
- Who should consider the CUPM program?
- Pastors, elders, ministers, and church leaders who are interested in and/or engaged in ministries in urban areas will gain tools and strengthening in the art and practice of ministry in the city. Top of page
- Do you have to have a Bachelor's degree to enter?
- Normally, WTS requires a Bachelor's degree to enroll in courses. In some cases, students who have not yet completed a Bachelor's degree are permitted to enroll as CUPM students. Interested persons should contact the Rev. Mark Poppen or Dr. Cynthia Holder Rich to discuss their particular situations. Top of page
- Can I take courses at night? On weekends?
- Courses are scheduled to make it possible for pastors and congregational leaders working in the field to attend; so, class sessions are held on weekday evenings; in morning or afternoon blocks; and on weekends Top of page
- What courses are part of the CUPM?
- Eight courses make up the CUPM Program. These are:
- Introduction to Theology and Worship
- Church's Life and Witness
- Old Testament Life and Witness
- New Testament Life and Witness
- Preaching in the Urban Context
- Theology for Urban Ministry
- Ministry in Urban Contexts
- Change in Urban Contexts
- Click on Course Descriptions to find more detail on the CUPM courses. Top of page
- What are the professors like? Are they actively involved in urban ministry?
- The professors for the CUPM program are an ethnicallly- and racially-diverse group, including both ministers who serve primarily as pastors in urban areas and those ministering primarily as seminary professors. Top of page
- Will I have access to professors, the bookstore, the library and other services?
- Seminary offices, the bookstore and the library are open during the times when CUPM courses are held so that students have access to the services they need to succeed in their studies. Top of page
- What if my own theology is different than that which WTS embraces?
- WTS is an institution which values its identity as ecumenical and evangelical, welcoming students from a number of Christian theological traditions. While WTS is Reformed in its theological identity, many current students in the CUPM and other study programs hold membership in non-Reformed denominations. Top of page
- What do the courses cost?
- Each successfully-completed course in the CUPM program earns the student three credit hours, and costs $900. Top of page
- Is there financial aid available?
- Financial aid is available to students accepted into the CUPM program who demonstrate financial need through application. Students interested in financial aid should request a financial aid application. Top of page
- Are the courses in the CUPM program graduate level courses?
- Yes, all courses in the CUPM program at WTS is taught at the graduate level, and earns students three Master’s level credits. Top of page
- Are the credits transferrable into a Master's program?
- Each successfully-completed course earns the CUPM student three credits, which are transferable into Master's of Divinity programs at accredited seminaries. Students who complete the entire CUPM will earn 24 Master's credits, much of the credit requirement for the first year of the Master of Divinity program at WTS. Top of page
- How do I apply?
- Click on Application Forms and Fees to download and print an application form. With the application, applicants must submit:
- $30 application fee
- Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, whether or not you received a degree
- A one page, double spaced description of how you hope theological education will enhance and/or empower your ministry.
- Call or write the Rev. Mark Poppen for more information on applying, at mark.poppen@westernsem.edu, or 1- (800) 392-8554, ext. 132. Top of page