Below is a list of frequently asked questions. If you have a question not addressed in this list, please contact the Admissions office for more information.
- Why go to seminary?
Your heart. Seminary focuses on "heart" matters as well as intellectual, academic matters. Christian leadership in today's world requires women and men who have a heart that is turned toward God in full and complete surrender. WBS helps you move toward that place of joyful abandonment.
Your mind. The educational level in American society has constantly risen across the past three to four decades. Today most laypeople have college degrees. It is only appropriate for pastoral and Christian leaders to be at the vanguard academically. WBS stretches you intellectually with biblical studies, theology and church history, practical ministry and leadership.
Your vision. The world is waiting for warm-hearted and keenly skilled and knowledgeable people to step forward in leadership roles. The opportunities for Christian service and global ministry have never been greater than they are today. WBS connects you to a world vision of opportunity and challenges you to take your place in the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
- What degree programs are offered by WBS?
Wesley offers the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts degrees. The M.Div. has four program options ranging from 75 to 85 hours in length. The majority of students enroll in the general M.Div. program. The M.A. has four concentrations all 50 hours in length.
- What M.Div. concentrations do you offer?
The Master of Divinity is a three-year master's degree with four options:
- General - 75 hours
- Biblical Languages Emphasis - 82 hours
- Teaching Concentration - 85 hours
- Honors Research Concentration - 85 hours
- What M.A. concentrations do you offer?
The Master of Arts is a two-year masters degree with four concentrations:
- Biblical Literature - 50 hours
- Theology - 50 hours
- Christian Studies - 50 hours
- Apologetics - 50 hours
- Does WBS offer online degree programs?
Yes. The Seminary offers both the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts degrees through our online program. This program is designed for the active professional or lay minister, and the courses offered at WBS Online allow you to remain in your ministry and community while working toward your degree from a distance. Click here for more information concerning the online program.
- What is the cost to attend WBS?
Tuition is $400 per credit hour plus books and a per-semester technology fee. The cost of living varies according to the student's circumstances. Limited on-campus housing is available. A number of students live in nearby apartment complexes. For more information on tuition and fees, click here.
- What financial aid options are available to WBS students?
Institutional assistance is available through the WBS endowed scholarship fund when certain requirements are met. A WBS Financial Aid Application must be filed each academic year.
Federal assistance is available through the Stafford Loan Program. The loan application requires a current FAFSA and PIN to determine eligibility.
The student must be registered for a minimum of four hours and be in good academic standing to be eligible for financial aid. Click here to go to our Financial Aid information page.
- What type of student ministry opportunities are offered at WBS?
Students have a variety of opportunities to pursue ministry involvement while attending seminary. WBS students serve as youth ministers in churches across the Jackson metropolitan area; student pastors of small, rural churches; agents of compassion in inner city ministries; chaplains and evangelists in local prison ministries; and agents of change in areas of social need. Many of these opportunities come through the Student Development Office at the seminary, while other opportunities come through local church involvement.
There are also various opportunities to take part in the spiritual life of the Seminary as student ministers in weekly Chapel services and other special campus ministry events.
- Do I have to have a bachelor's degree to attend WBS?
As a graduate institution, a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is a basic requirement for admission into a degree program. For the student not seeking a degree, but personal enrichment, classes may be taken upon the approval of the Dean of Students and the Academic Dean.
- What if my bachelor's degree is not related to Bible or religion?
- What are the requirements for admission?
Requirements for Admission:
- Possess a bachelor's degree from an approved college or university, or its equivalent, having maintained a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA. Note that WBS is a graduate school of theology offering only the Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees. For applicants whose cumulative grade point average is below 2.50, a score of 50 on the Miller Analogies Test is required.
- Demonstrate spiritual and moral integrity that is essential for Christian leaders.
- Give evidence of purpose and commitment to serving the Lord Jesus through the channels of a specific field of ministry.
- Show competency for rigorous, graduate-level scholarship.
- Complete the necessary application procedures and obtain satisfactory recommendation from selected references.
- How do I apply to WBS?
The application process consists of five parts:
- Completed application form including autobiography (submit online)
- $40 non-refundable Application fee (pay online)
- 5 Personal references (download forms)
- Official transcripts
- Photograph (please email your photo to admissions@wbs.edu)
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- Can I take classes without getting a degree?
Students are allowed to register as "Special Students" and take regular graduate courses. This status means the student is not seeking a degree. Students can take up to 12 hours as a "Special Student." Financial aid is not available for non-degree seeking students.
