Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

What you'll study

The curriculum grounds students in Christian theological perspectives and pastoral practice while allowing specialization. Core aims include articulating a range of Christian positions and one’s own view on biblical, theological, and social issues; appraising major theories and practices in pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual formation; and demonstrating specialized skills in a chosen track. Specializations available are Pastoral Counseling (biblically grounded counsel), Congregational Formation (care and discipleship leadership), and Human Services (care for people and communities in need).

• Representative course codes listed in the program: BIL-510, THE-500, REL-555, REL-695, REL-501, REL-502, REL-525, REL-570, REL-585, REL-670
• Specialization and applied courses include CNS-504, CNS-506, CNS-508, CNS-522, WOR-535, CED-630, CED-635, PHL-660 and social services courses such as SWK-542, SWK-650, SWK-555, SWK-655, SWK-556, SWK-656, SWK-557, SWK-660

Entry requirements

Applicants must be graduates of an undergraduate ministerial program and have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Required prior coursework varies by specialization:

• Pastoral Counseling and Human Services specializations: 6 hours undergraduate Bible; 6 hours undergraduate Theology and Philosophy
• Congregational Care specialization: 6 hours undergraduate Bible; 6 hours undergraduate Theology and Philosophy; 3 hours Christian Education; 3 hours Worship

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in church leadership, counseling, and community service. Positions noted by the program include pastor, discipleship pastor, spiritual director, pastoral counselor, mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, chaplain, social worker, and school counselor. The program indicates suitability for employment across congregational settings, educational institutions, and human services organizations.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program page directs prospective students to IWU resources such as tuition and net price tools; specifics are not listed on the program page. Interested applicants should consult Indiana Wesleyan University’s financial aid and net price calculator pages for current tuition, scholarship opportunities, and estimated student debt information.