Programs of Study at Westminster Theological Seminary

Our Programs of Study

"We may...wish that the Holy Spirit had given us the Word of God in a language...that we could more easily understand; but in his mysterious wisdom he gave it to us in Hebrew and in Greek. Hence if we want to know the Scriptures, to the study of Greek and Hebrew we must go."
- J. Gresham Machen, September 25, 1929

The cornerstone of Westminster's degree programs is study of the Bible. With the exception of the Master of Arts (M.A.) program, students read in the original Greek and Hebrew. This, along with other common areas of study, forms the foundation for learning that is exceptional in richness and depth. All Westminster students gain a firm grounding in scriptural interpretation (hermeneutics), defense and proof of the Christian faith (apologetics), systematic and biblical theology, church history, and practical theology.

In building upon this foundation, students may choose from the following programs:

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) - Westminster's central program - integrates theory and practice to prepare graduates for ordained pastoral ministry or other gospel ministries such as counseling and urban service. Concentrations in pastoral ministry or general ministry (with general studies, counseling, and urban ministry emphases).
Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) is strong preparation for men and women seeking theological preparation for non-ordained ministries. The program is also an excellent building block for further advanced study. Concentrations in biblical studies, theological studies, counseling, urban missions, general studies.
Master of Arts (M.A.) is a unique professional degree designed to train men and women preparing to serve Christ in occupations other than the ordained gospel ministry. Concentrations in urban mission, biblical counseling, Christian education.
Master of Theology (Th.M.) expands students' knowledge of a major field of theology through training and practice in theological research. Concentrations in Old Testament, New Testament, church history, systematic theology, apologetics.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) develops exceptional capacity for independent inquiry and original research in theological study. Concentrations in historical and theological studies, biblical interpretation.
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) is a limited-residency program for pastors and others seeking additional learning related to their current ministries. Concentrations in pastoral ministry, pastoral counseling, urban missions.

Westminster also offers the following certificate programs for those who wish to seek additional training but do not desire to enter a degree program:

Certificate in Christian Studies is for men and women who desire additional theological training.
Certificate in Biblical and Urban Studies is for pastors and church leaders desiring to be more effective in their ministries in ever-changing urban communities.