Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

What you'll study

Coursework balances spiritual formation, biblical/theological foundations, and counseling-related subjects. Sample classes and topics included in the program are:

• Principles of Pastoral Counseling and Care
• Pastoral Counseling and Care of Children and Youth
• Pastoral Counseling and Care of Adults and Families
• Hope and Suffering
• Developmental Psychology
• Christian spiritual disciplines; articulation of orthodox Christian doctrine; inductive Bible study methods
• Connections among biblical, theological, ethical, and psychological concepts relevant to pastoral care
• Foundational knowledge, skills, and dispositions for effective pastoral counseling and for recognizing when clinical referral is appropriate

The program lists specific course codes that form part of the major (for example: REL-200, CED-201, CED-202, CED-303, REL-350, REL-490, REL-270, BIL-202, THE-233, THE-333, PHL-202, REL-240, REL-370, YTH-471, REL-472, REL-312, THE-220, PSY-150, PSY-250, PSY-366); the full catalog provides detailed course descriptions and prerequisites.

Entry requirements

Admission to professional majors in the School of Theology and Ministry may require a separate screening beyond declaring intent. To be admitted students must complete designated prerequisite courses and meet GPA thresholds: a cumulative GPA of 2.25 and a 2.50 GPA in major coursework. Applicants must submit forms including a written essay and references; some cases may also require a faculty interview. Students should initiate the application-to-major process by the end of their sophomore year (60 credit hours); delays can prevent enrollment in advanced courses. Graduation requirements include completion of 120 semester hours (some majors may exceed 120), a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and meeting the major-specific GPA and course requirements. The School reserves the right to require withdrawal of students who fail to meet standards of Christian character, moral integrity, or social fitness for professional ministry.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that combine ministry and counseling, including:

• Pastoral counselor or care pastor in local churches
• Hospital or military chaplain
• Spiritual director
• Marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor, or social worker (with further graduate study and appropriate clinical licensure)
• Positions in parachurch or community service organizations

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Indiana Wesleyan highlights student support services such as the Center for Student Success and positions itself as having outcomes and student-debt measures that compare favorably to national averages. Prospective students should consult IWU’s financial aid office and net price calculator for program-specific scholarship and funding options.