Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

What you'll study

Coursework integrates biblical and theological studies, ministry practice, and philosophy. Sample class topics and aims include:

• Doctrines and history: Doctrine of Holiness, Patristic Theology, systematic and historical description of major Christian doctrines.
• Biblical methods and theology: Inductive Bible study methods, articulation of orthodox Christian doctrine, application of Scripture for personal and corporate faith formation.
• Philosophy and ethics: Faith and Reason, Ethics and Values, evaluation of diverse perspectives and articulation of a personal position on significant theological and philosophical issues.
• Applied topics: Theology of Sex, courses focused on spiritual disciplines for personal formation and missional witness.

Program-specific course codes listed on the program page include: REL-200, CED-201, CED-202, CED-303, REL-350, REL-490, REL-270, BIL-202, THE-233, REL-382, REL-392, THE-311, THE-333, PHL-201, PHL-202, PHL-203. The catalog should be consulted for full course descriptions and prerequisites.

Entry requirements

Admission to professional majors in the Division of Practical Theology requires a formal screening process beyond initial declaration. Applicants must meet minimum GPA thresholds (2.25 cumulative and 2.50 in required major coursework), submit application forms including a written essay and references, and in some cases complete a personal interview. Students must begin the application-to-major process by the end of their sophomore year (60 credit hours). Continuation requires maintaining a cumulative 2.25 overall and a 2.50 academic GPA in major coursework; failure to maintain these standards can result in course repetition or withdrawal from the major. The School of Theology and Ministry faculty also reserve the right to request withdrawal of any student judged not to meet standards of Christian character, moral integrity, or social fitness for professional ministry.

Career prospects

Graduates are positioned for vocational ministry and related roles or further academic study. Typical outcomes named by the program include:

• Teaching Pastor
• Discipleship Pastor
• Christian Curriculum Writer
• Teacher in a Christian School
• College Professor
• Pursuit of a master’s degree or work in various industries

Scholarships & funding angle

IWU notes tuition and net price resources on its site and reports higher-than-average graduation and career outcomes alongside lower-than-average student debt compared with national averages. Prospective students should consult IWU’s financial aid and net price calculator pages for current scholarship, grant, and aid opportunities relevant to this degree.