School of Theology and Ministry

The School of Theology and Ministry seeks to provide an environment that allows each student to discover and begin to carry out God's calling for his or her life. Here one finds a faculty second to none. All are committed Christ-followers who live under the authority of God's Word, have a high respect for the Church, and love students. Combined, they bring over two centuries of practical church and para-church experience to the classroom. Our students, who represent over 40 denominations, can choose from any of our 17 majors and 16 minors, even combining them in very useful ways. We also offer 4 graduate programs designed specifically for students with an undergraduate program in ministry and/or theology.  Our classes are biblically and theological solid, and very practical. We offer many courses and many perspectives. You will love IWU's state-of-the-art facilities, and your classroom experience will be enriched by the many on- and off-campus activities offered by the School of Theology and Ministry. You will even have the opportunity to spend a summer or a semester studying abroad.

School of Theology and Ministry Programs

We provide programs of preparation for a variety of ministerial and academic careers. Undergraduate ministerial programs include Children's Ministries, Christian Education, Christian Ministries, Worship Arts, Worship Studies-Music Ministry, Worship Ministries, Global Ministries, Community Development, Sports Ministries, Pastoral Counseling and Care, Pastoral Ministries, Bible, and Youth Ministries. Programs in religious studies include Biblical and Theological Studies, Biblical Literature, Intercultural Studies, and Theology and Philosophy. Minors are also available in Adolescent Ministries, Biblical History and Geography, Biblical Languages, Bible, Children's Ministries, Christian Education, Christian Ministries, Christian Foundations, Worship Studies, Global Ministries, Community Development, Intercultural Studies, Philosophy, Theology, Urban Ministries and Youth Ministries Minor. Special programs include the Kern Ministry Program which offers both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Christian Ministries in five years, the Summer in Israel Program and other off-campus programs (see academic information section for a partial listing).

Graduate programs offered include Master of Practical Theology in Christian Ministries (80 credits); MA in Spiritual Care (36 credits with specializations in Pastoral Counseling, Congregational Formation, and Human Services; MA Biblical and Theological Studies (36 credits); and a MA Christian Thought (36 credits). 

General Education Requirements

Students in these majors meet the general education competencies by taking the approved standard courses or meeting competencies except as otherwise noted.

Admission to Professional Majors

Admission to the majors within the Division of Practical Theology may require a formal screening process separate from the initial declaration of intent. The process includes the successful completion of the prescribed courses designated by each major. Students need to have a GPA of 2.25 cumulative and 2.5 in the coursework required for the major. Students must also file application forms including a written essay and references. In some cases a personal interview with school faculty may also be required. Enrollment in some advanced courses in the division is restricted to those admitted to these majors. A student needs to start the application to the major process by the end of their sophomore year (60 credit hours) and after the successful completion of the designated courses in his or her respective majors. Delay on this process will prohibit students from enrolling in advanced courses in their professional major.

Continuation in Professional Majors

Students must maintain a cumulative 2.25 GPA and a 2.50 academic GPA in coursework required for the major. Failure to do so may necessitate repeating courses or withdrawal from the major. The School of Theology and Ministry faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student who in its judgment fails to satisfy the standards of Christian character, moral integrity, and social fitness required for a professional minister.

Wesleyan Students

Students anticipating future service in The Wesleyan Church should include Wesleyan Church History/Discipline (REL-431) among their elective courses. The Christian Ministries and Pastoral Ministries majors are specifically designed to meet all the academic requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church. Any deviation from the course requirements should be approved in writing by both the Dean and the Executive Director of Education and Clergy Development for The Wesleyan Church. Students who are members of The Wesleyan Church should be in contact with their District Board of Ministerial Development (DBMD) prior to applying for admission to the professional majors.

Graduate Credits-in-Escrow

See Undergraduate/Graduate Crossover Policy.

Advanced Standing with Credit

Graduates of undergraduate programs with relevant theological courses in Bible, theology, church history, and practical theology, and who enroll in the relevant graduate programs of the School of Theology and Ministry may receive advanced standing with credit on the basis of competence achieved in certain undergraduate courses. Advanced standing with credit may not exceed 25% of the total hours in the program. Advanced credit may be granted for the courses listed below under the following conditions:

1. The course(s) were taken at a regionally accredited or ABHE accredited institution. The School of Theology and Ministry reserves the right to determine whether or not courses are equivalent.
2. A student has received at least a "B" in the specific course(s) as indicated with at least one course on the 300 or 400 level and no course below the 200 level.
3. The student successfully demonstrates competency of the required graduate course outcomes through either an oral or written assessment performed by a designated academic representative of the School of Theology and Ministry.