2020–2021 Academic Catalog
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2020?2021 ACADEMIC CATALOG ACADEMIC CATALOG Welcome to Western Seminary Thank you for taking the time to review the information in this catalog. Catalog text, by its very nature, rarely captures the heart and dynamic of an institution; so please allow me to try to capture here the heart of Western Seminary. Our mission is to train men and women to be faithful and fruitful agents of spiritual transformation in the lives of others. Having confidence in the uniquely transforming power of the biblical gospel, and knowing how to communicate God’s truth and love in both word and deed, our graduates are well-equipped to play key roles in the outworking of the Church’s mission. Their role may focus on a pulpit, a counseling center, a mission field, a classroom, the marketplace, or some other venue; regardless of the setting, Western Seminary grads have been trained to be salt and light in it. That redemptive impact depends on empowerment from the Holy Spirit. Such empowerment is most likely to be experienced when followers of Christ model personal godliness, submit their lives to the truths revealed in Scripture, and join the Lord in the outworking of His salvific mission. Biblically-grounded, Christ-focused and gift-based ministry emerges, as does an atmosphere marked by both grace and gratitude. These values represent the heart of the “gospel-centered transformation” that we aim for. If you too aspire to be that kind of catalyst and resource for spiritual renewal, then investigating what God is doing at Western Seminary is well worth your time. Please look over the information contained in our catalog. Then connect with us to learn more about how we can help equip you for life-changing ministry. Your co-laborer in Christ, Dr. Randal Roberts President 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Western Seminary's Educational Environment ........................................ 5 Our Purpose, Mission, and Vision ..................................................................................................... 5 Seminary Core Themes .................................................................................................................... 6 Mission Fulfillment .............................................................................................................................. 6 Our History .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Our Characteristics ........................................................................................................................... 8 Our Accreditation and Approvals ................................................................................................ 10 Educational Support ....................................................................................................................... 13 What We Believe ............................................................................................................................. 15 Seminary Faculty and Staff ...................................................................................... 20 Our Leadership ................................................................................................................................ 20 Our Faculty and Staff ..................................................................................................................... 21 Our Adjunct and Visiting Faculty .................................................................................................. 27 Policies & Financial Information ............................................................. 30 Admissions Standards ..................................................................................................................... 30 Academic Standards ..................................................................................................................... 30 Application Process ........................................................................................................................ 31 Background Checks ....................................................................................................................... 32 Categories of Students ................................................................................................................... 32 Cohort Admissions .......................................................................................................................... 33 English Language Proficiency ....................................................................................................... 33 International Students .................................................................................................................... 34 Measles Immunization Documentation ....................................................................................... 36 Unaccredited Degree Admission ................................................................................................. 37 Undergraduate Degree Exemption Policy .................................................................................. 37 Tuition and Fees .............................................................................................................................. 37 2 Academic Policies .......................................................................................................................... 39 Advanced Standing and Advanced Substitutes ....................................................................... 40 Currency of Coursework ................................................................................................................ 41 General Graduation Requirements .............................................................................................. 41 Standards for Completion of a Second Master's Degree .......................................................... 42 Statute of Limitations ...................................................................................................................... 42 Transfer Credit and Residence Requirements ............................................................................. 43 Student Rights and Compliance Policies ............................................................... 44 Disabilities Accommodation Information .................................................................................... 44 Regulations and Appeals .............................................................................................................. 45 Sexual Harassment Policy .............................................................................................................. 46 Student Privacy Rights (FERPA) ...................................................................................................... 47 Academic Calendar ...................................................................................................................... 48 Non-Credit Programs ............................................................................... 50 The Advanced Studies Certificate ................................................................................................ 50 The Certificate in Transformational Coaching ............................................................................ 51 The Advanced Certificate in Transformational Coaching ........................................................ 53 Academic Programs ............................................................................... 55 Certificate and Diploma Programs ........................................................................ 55 The Certificate in Transformational Coaching ............................................................................ 55 The Advanced Certificate in Transformational Coaching ........................................................ 56 The Graduate Studies Certificate Program ................................................................................. 57 The Graduate Studies Diploma Program ..................................................................................... 59 The Addiction Studies Certificate ................................................................................................. 61 Master's Programs ..................................................................................................... 62 The Master of Divinity Degree Program ....................................................................................... 62 The Master of Arts (Biblical and Theological Studies) Degree Program ................................... 67 3 The Master of Applied Biblical Leadership Degree Program .................................................... 70 The Master of Arts in Ministry and Leadership Degree Program ............................................... 72 The Master of Arts in Global Leadership Degree Program ........................................................ 75 The Master of Arts in Counseling Degree Program ..................................................................... 78 The Master of Arts in Counseling/Addiction Studies Certificate Degree Program ................. 84 Advanced Programs ................................................................................................ 89 The Master of Theology Degree Program .................................................................................... 89 The Doctor of Ministry Degree Program ......................................................................................