MA IN Disability Ministry
foster belonging for all
The MA in Disability Ministry is a theological degree to help church and lay leaders incorporate the gifts of people with disabilities in a variety of ministry settings
42
Credit Hours
2-5
Years to Finish
In person or Online
What can I do with an MA in Disability Ministry?
Work in non-profit or church ministry.
Work in education either within a church or Christian school.
Still undecided about your specific career pathway? This degree is a perfect place to start.
Course Sequence
Graduating students will have deepened and broadened their biblical and theological knowledge and will be able to analyze questions and topics in field of theological studies using that knowledge.
Half of the 42 credits needed to earn this degree are theological elective courses which will help you articulate convictions through scripture and practice.
Core Requirements
These are the core requirements that can be taken in any order.
- Old Testament Foundations
- Foundations of the Christian Life
- Intro to Disability & the Church
- New Testament Foundations
- Christian Interior Life
- Christian Life and Mission
- Systematic Theology 1 & 2
- MA Capstone
View Course Details
View course descriptions and details by visiting our courses page.
Elective Courses
Customize your degree by choosing five disability and ministry electives.
ACADEMIC OR PROFESSIONAL TRACK
Students can select an Academic or Professional track.
In the Academic track, students will take elective courses that lead to writing a thesis in the Master of Arts Capstone course.
In the Professional track, students will substitute two semesters of mentored internship (1.5 credits each semester) for one 3-credit elective course. Students will then complete a ministry project in the Master of Arts Capstone course.
WTS welcomes transfer students and transferred coursework. Up to 27 credits may be completed at another ATS accredited seminary.
The MA in Disability Ministry is offered in collaboration with the Center for Disability and Ministry. CDM exists to support ministry leaders of all abilities in nurturing and receiving the gifts and contributions of persons with disabilities through formational opportunities, including theological education, consultation, forums, and publications.
YOU CHOOSE: ONLINE OR IN-PERSON LEARNING?
Are you an In-Person Learner?
Courses taken primarily in-person at our Holland, MI campus. Students who take courses primarly in person tend to:
1
Prefer the physical environment of the classroom
2
Enjoy regular face-to-face interaction with professors and peers
3
Need a consistent class schedule and structured learning formats
4
Be committed to completing the degree in 2 years
5
Already live in West Michigan or are interested in moving to West Michigan
6
Plan to work part-time or less
Are you an Online Learner?
Online Learning is available to students in West Michigan and around the world. As an Online Learning student, you would typically:
1
Be a self-motivated, independent learner.
2
Wants the flexibility of organizing your own learning schedule.
3
Need maximum flexibility to fit school around your other commitments
4
Desire to stretch your degree out over many years
5
Live more than 150 miles from Holland, MI.
6
Plan to work full time while in school.
Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS
Our application process is all online. Create an account, select your degree program, fill out the required form and wait for an email. Have questions? Email us at admissions@westernsem.edu.
1.
Create an Account
2.
Fill out an application
3.
Upload written Materials
4.
Request letters
5.
Submit Your Application
6.
Watch your email
Costs
AFFORDING sEMINARY
Tuition rates vary for different programs and degrees. At WTS, we understand that finances can be a major concern for prospective students. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and loan options.
Important Dates
2023–2024 Academic Calendar
Fall Semester (starts late August)
Apply by:
January
Application fee waived for Fall semester MDiv and MA applications!
March
Deadline for international students
May
To ensure housing and best financial aid opportunities
August
Final application deadline for fall start
August
Call the admissions office for options!
Contact Admissions
spring Semester (starts Early January)
Apply By
December
For best financial aid opportunities
December
Call the admissions office for options!
Contact Admissions