Graduate Studies Certificate/Graduate Studies Diploma

Address:

5511 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

Portland, OR 97215

United States

Phone:

503-517-1800

Fax:

503-517-1801

Program Information

Degrees Offered:

Graduate Studies Certificate; Graduate Studies Diploma

Format: Campus

Program Description:

Western Seminary off ers the fl exible, one-year Graduate Studies Diploma

(GSD) program for individuals with varying objectives for theological

education. Th e program may be appropriate for: (1) Christian laypersons

who desire one year of theological study to equip them for eff ective ministry

in the local church or elsewhere; (2) mission personnel in nonprofessional

roles who seek formal biblical, theological, and missiological training; (3)

Christian workers with limited time available for theological study; (4)

individuals who need a “trial year” in seminary to better defi ne their goals

and calling; (5) Christian educators who need to continue their education

in biblical and theological studies; (6) professionals who wish to supplement

their college/university education with a year of theological study; and (7)

spouses of Western students who wish to concurrently complete a program

of studies in anticipation of vocational ministry. Since these credits could

also subsequently be applied to M.A. or M.Div. degree programs (depending

upon the specifi c curricular requirements for each), the GSD is also suitable

for those who wish to enroll in seminary without making the commitment

required for a degree program. GSD students are able to select the discipline

in which they will take most (or all) of this coursework.

Th e Diploma program, by itself, is not adequate preparation for vocational

Accreditation:

Western Seminary is accredited to award master’s and doctor’s degrees by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and is an accredited member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada.

International Student Requirements:

Prior to applying to Western Seminary, international students must complete a Pre-Application that can be requested from the Admissions Department. If an international student is encouraged to apply to Western Seminary, he or she is required to provide a financial guarantee that will cover his or her study and living expenses for one year. It is expected that, barring unforeseen circumstances, adequate funding will be available from the same or equally dependable sources for subsequent years. The financial guarantee must include living expenses for any dependents as well. The guarantee must indicate the individual(s) or organization(s) that will actually provide the funds for study and living expenses.

Facts & Figures

Classification: Specialized Institution—Theological seminary or other faith-related institution

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 0-999