Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

What you'll study

The curriculum consists of 21 credits of core courses and 15 credits of electives, allowing students to build a personalized program. Students may take four electives within a field to earn a specialization. Listed course codes associated with the program include WSEM-501, BIBL-500, CHST-500, THEO-500, MISS-500, SPIR-521, SPIR-531, SPIR-541, SPIR-551, and MIN-691.

• Specializations available: Biblical Studies; Children, Youth, and Family Ministry; Leadership; Pastoral Care; Pastoral Ministry; Spiritual Formation; Worship Arts.
• Program features primary focus on ministry-in-action courses, holistic formation (personal, spiritual and academic support), and flexible online/hybrid/in-person options.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education and have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (based on at least 30 credit hours completed at the degree-granting institution). Required application materials include an official undergraduate transcript, two references (one from a pastor or denominational supervisor), a three- to four-page autobiography and statement of ministry purpose, and a completed Ministry Context Form. Unclassified admission is available for those not seeking candidacy or who do not meet regular requirements; up to 18 credit hours may be earned as an unclassified student.

Career prospects

The program is aimed at preparing servant leaders for immediate service in diverse Kingdom contexts; it is therefore appropriate for those pursuing or continuing roles in pastoral ministry, youth and family ministry, worship leadership, spiritual formation, pastoral care, and other church-based leadership positions. Emphasis on applied assignments and cohort formation supports candidates seeking practical ministry competency rather than purely academic research trajectories.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Tuition is charged per credit hour (the program page lists $551 per credit hour). Financial aid options referenced include grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement; students are directed to the institution's financial aid webpage and may request cost sheets or speak with an enrollment counselor for estimated cost of attendance and applicable fees.