School of Theology and Ministry

The School of Theology and Ministry exists to strengthen the global church by equipping women and men for a lifetime of transformation service. 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 can choose from any of our 10 majors add a Pastoral Ministries second major to broaden ministry preparation and meet ordination requirements in The Wesleyan Church. We also offer 3 graduate programs designed specifically for students with an undergraduate program in ministry.  We also offer 14 minors. Our classes are biblically and theologically solid, and very practical. We offer a wide range of courses and cover many Christian 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, such as retreats and community events.

School of Theology and Ministry Programs

We provide programs of preparation for a variety of ministerial and academic careers. Undergraduate ministerial programs include Biblical Literature and Languages, Children and Family Ministries, Community Development, Global Ministries, Liturgical Studies, Ministerial Leadership, Pastoral Counseling and Care, Theology and Philosophy, Worship Arts, and Youth Ministries. All of these majors can be combined with the Pastoral Ministries second major. We also offer a Bible second major, for students with first majors in other divisions. We offer minors in Bible, Biblical History and Geography, Children and Family Ministries, Christian Foundation, Christian Ministries, Community Development, Global Ministries, Intercultural Studies, Pastoral Counseling and Care, Philosophy and Religion, Sports Ministries, Theology, Worship Studies and Youth Ministries. Special programs include the Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program, 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 (80 credits); MA in Spiritual Care (36 credits) with specializations in Pastoral Counseling, Congregational Formation, and Human Services; and an MA Biblical and Theological Studies (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 Pastoral Ministries Program 

Admission to the Pastoral Ministries Program requires an annual application process separate from the initial declaration of intent. Students must have a first major in the School of Theology and Ministry plus a second major in Pastoral Ministries. A grade of C or higher is required in BIL-101, BIL-102, REL-200, REL-270, and THE-101 to remain in the program.  In order to graduate with a Pastoral Ministries major, students need to have a GPA of 2.5 in the coursework required for the major and earn a C or higher in BIL-101, BIL-102, BIL-202, REL-200, REL-240, REL-270, THE-101, and THE-233. In some cases, a personal interview with school faculty may also be required.

Continuation in Ministry Majors

Students must maintain a cumulative 2.25 GPA and a 2.25 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 required for a professional minister.

Wesleyan Students

Students anticipating future service in The Wesleyan Church meet the academic requirements for ordination through the combination of any first major in the School of Theology and Ministry plus a Pastoral Ministries second major. They should also take REL-393 Wesleyan Church Polity as an elective. 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) to ensure satisfactory progress toward ordination.

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.