Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

What you'll study

The curriculum integrates biblical, theological, historical and practical ministry content across praxis-focused courses. Specializations available include Biblical Studies; Children, Youth, and Family Ministry; Leadership; Pastoral Care; Pastoral Ministry; Spiritual Formation; and Worship Arts. Representative course codes listed for the program include WSEM-501, BIBL-500, CHST-500, THEO-500, MISS-500, BIBL-620, MISS-620, CHST-621, WSHP-621, THEO-630, CONG-630, BIBL-631, PROC-631, THEO-640, PCRE-640, CHST-641, LEAD-641, MIN-695, SPIR-521, SPIR-531, SPIR-541, SPIR-551, SPIR-611, and SPIR-621. Many classes are applied directly to students’ local ministry contexts, and some offsite travel courses (for example to Israel, Greece, and London) are offered.

Entry requirements

Admission requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or one accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education and a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (from the degree-granting institution where at least 30 credits were completed). Applicants must submit an official transcript, two references (one from a pastor or denominational supervisor), a completed Ministry Context Form, and a 3–4 page autobiography and statement of ministry purpose describing their sense of God’s direction for ministry. Unclassified admission is available for applicants who do not meet standard requirements or who do not seek degree candidacy; up to 18 credits may be taken as an unclassified student.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for congregational ministry roles where integrated biblical, theological and practical skills are required—such as pastoral leadership, pastoral care, worship leadership, spiritual formation, youth and family ministry, and other church-based vocational ministries. The program’s emphasis on applied, local-ministry praxis aims to equip students for immediate ministry responsibilities in diverse Kingdom contexts.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Scholarships are available for the program and financial aid options include grants, loans, veterans’ benefits and employer reimbursement. The published tuition note lists the program as 75 credit hours at $551 per credit hour; applicable fees and additional charges for prerequisites or required electives may apply. Students can request cost sheets or use the institution’s net price/financial aid resources for detailed estimates.