www.wscal.edu (760) 480.0252fax (888) 480.8474 Escondido, CA92027 1725 BearValley Parkway
INDEX MAP AND APPENDICES ACADEMIC INFO STUDENT LIFE FINANCIAL AID ADMISSIONS COURSE DEGREE PROGRAMS FACULTY INTRODUCTION DIRECTIONS AND POLICIES DESCRIPTIONS FOR CHRIST, HIS GOSPEL, AND HIS CHURCH Welcome from the President Do you believe the gospel of Jesus Christ? Do you want to understand the Bible more deeply and faithfully? Do you desire to serve Christ and his church? If your answer is “yes,” then Westminster Seminary California (WSC) is an excellent place for you. Here you will discover a community of faith and study, of fellowship and prayer. At WSC, you will find an encouraging place to reflect on and prepare for your calling from Christ.
We hope that this catalogue will help you get to know us better. As you look through it, you may want to notice, in particular, our commitments, our faculty, our programs, and our facilities.
We are committed to the gospel of Christ as taught by the inerrant Scriptures and as summarized in our Reformed confessions of faith.
Our faculty is outstanding. Each member is an experienced pastor and an excellent teacher. They are active in their churches and committed to helping students in and out of the classroom. Their academic credentials are impressive, and they are active in research and writing in their fields.
WSC offers two primary programs of study. First is the three-year Master of Divinity program. This program is carefully designed to prepare men for the ordained pastoral ministry. Second is the two-year Master of Arts program. With concentrations in biblical, theological, and historical theological studies, it encourages women and men to pursue their own interests in preparation for various kinds of service in Christ’s kingdom.
The photographs in this catalogue will give you a glimpse of the beauty and fine facilities of our campus. However, the catalogue cannot convey the warmth and abilities of our students nor the sense of community that we enjoy. We hope that you will visit us and experience for yourself the strengths of WSC.
Our prayer is that the Lord will use this catalogue to help you know his call for your life and future service. May the Lord bless you richly.
W. Robert Godfrey President
INTRODUCTION 7 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION
THE FACULTY 10 FACULTY 3 LETTER FROM PRESIDENT GODFREY 7 INTRODUCTION TO THE SEMINARY DEGREE PROGRAMS 22 10 THE FACULTY DEGREE PROGRAMS
22 DEGREE PROGRAMS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 34 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 34
46 ADMISSIONS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
56 FINANCIAL AID ADMISSIONS 46 63 STUDENT LIFE ADMISSIONS 66 ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND POLICIES FINANCIAL AID 76 APPENDICES 56
82 MAP AND DIRECTIONS FINANCIAL AID
83 INDEX STUDENT LIFE 63 STUDENT LIFE
ACADEMIC INFORMATION 66 AND POLICIES ACADEMIC INFO AND POLICIES
APPENDICES 76 APPENDICES
MAP AND DIRECTIONS 82 MAP AND DIRECTIONS
INDEX 83 5 INDEX
Introduction INTRODUCTION
MISSION education and service to the church in its Dr. W. Robert Godfrey, who joined the Westminster Seminary California (WSC) preaching and missionary work. In 1929, faculty in 1981 as Professor of Church is a Christian institution seeking to glorify when Princeton reorganized in order to History, became the third president of God through graduate theological study. tolerate theological liberalism, several the Seminary. Its primary responsibility is to educate members of the faculty (led by the dis- future pastors for Christian churches, es- tinguished scholar J. Gresham Machen) DOCTRINAL COMMITMENT pecially for Presbyterian and Reformed left Princeton to establish Westminster The Scriptures of the Old and New Testa- denominations. It also provides theologi- Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, ments, breathed out by the Spirit of God cal education for others who will serve Pennsylvania, with the purpose of pre- through human authors, are the very the Christian community and the larger serving the educational heritage of Old Word of God written—the only infallible society. Princeton and the scholarship and theol- and inerrant authority for faith and life. ogy of the Reformation. Westminster Seminary California offers The doctrines of the Christian faith, held instruction in biblical, theological, and Westminster Seminary California began by orthodox churches throughout the ministerial disciplines to both men and as a branch campus of Westminster ages, express the central truths con- women in order to help them develop in Philadelphia, and became fully in- cerning the triune God and his works intellectually and spiritually as leaders. dependent in 1982. WSC established of creation and redemption, particularly While the primary focus at WSC is to a campus with an extensive library, a as they confess the saving work of Je- educate and prepare men for ordained comprehensive curriculum, and a full sus Christ as revealed in Scripture. The pastoral ministry, the Seminary also faculty of teachers who were both ex- Reformed confessions (Westminster trains women and men who are prepar- perienced pastors and experts in their Confession and Catechisms, Heidelberg ing to serve Christ and his church in non- academic fields. The first Reformed Catechism, Belgic Confession, and the ordained vocations, so that the whole seminary in the western United States, Canons of Dort) are the fullest and most body of Christ may be enriched. WSC welcomed its first students in the accurate summary of the system of fall of 1980 and now, thirty years later, doctrine revealed in Holy Scripture. The Because “zeal without knowledge” or remains committed to the inerrancy of church is to be governed according to “knowledge without zeal” can only in- Scripture, the gospel of Christ, and the the principles of Presbyterian church pol- jure the church, WSC seeks to develop importance of the church and her minis- ity, as agreeable to Scripture. in each student a balance of scholar- try. WSC thrives as a community of faith ship and Christ-like piety. Westminster where the best of scholarship and piety STUDENT BODY Seminary California strives to maintain are combined to serve Christ and the Westminster Seminary California serves a community of Christian research and church. We are committed to the “whole an evangelical and Reformed student scholarship where the proper cultivation counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) and we body from over 30 denominations. WSC of the mind increases the devotion of pursue a union of knowledge and zeal students come from 35 states and coun- the heart. for the sake of Christ’s church. tries around the world. Graduates from WSC are serving Christ and his church in HISTORY Dr. Robert B. Strimple and Mr. Robert G. Singapore, the United Kingdom, Korea, WSC traces its commitment to Reformed den Dulk shared in founding the Semi- Costa Rica, Spain, Philippines, Nigeria, theological education back to the Refor- nary in 1979. Dr. Strimple became the Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and other mation and especially to John Calvin’s first president in 1982, overseeing the countries. educational approach in his Genevan movement of the Seminary from its tem- Academy. In America, that educational porary home in San Marcos to its perma- The Seminary’s location in southern Cali- heritage was maintained at Princeton nent campus in Escondido. In 1988, Dr. fornia, near Mexico and accessible to Theological Seminary in the 19th and Strimple returned to full-time teaching the Asian nations of the Pacific Rim, en- early 20th centuries. Old Princeton was and scholarship and Mr. den Dulk be- courages the student body to reflect the devoted to the inerrancy of Scripture, came president, increasing the size and ethnic diversity of the church throughout outstanding scholarship, fine academic financial strength of the school. In 1993, the world.
7 ACADEMIC FREEDOM WSC is also accredited by the Commis- the order of the family and the church. Because leaders confronted with sion on Accrediting of the Association The Board and faculty understand the
INTRODUCTION complex issues in the church need to of Theological Schools in the United biblical criteria for ordained gospel min- advance in scholarship, critical dis- States and Canada, 10 Summit Park istry as limited to qualified males. Be- cernment, and spiritual maturity, WSC Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15275, cause the purpose of the Master of Di- maintains a culture that encourages phone: (412) 788-6505, which has ap- vinity program is to prepare candidates students in the exercise of academic proved the Master of Divinity degree for ordained pastoral ministry, only men freedom. Believing that intense study and Master of Arts (Biblical Studies, His- are admitted to this program. and rigorous thought should be an torical Theology Studies, and Theologi- act of spiritual devotion, Westminster cal Studies) degree programs. Since God bestows gifts and callings to Seminary California seeks to become a non-ordained ministry to both men and community of scholar-servants who love ATS and WASC are recognized by the women, both are encouraged to culti- God with all their minds and hearts, and U.S. Department of Education. WSC is vate their gifts and enroll into any of the who love others for his sake. approved for the Veterans Administra- Master of Arts programs. Master of Arts tion’s educational benefits, and Title IV students are eligible to receive financial ACCREDITATION Federal Student Loans. The Seminary is aid and other services that WSC pro- Westminster Seminary California is also authorized under Federal law to en- vides to its student body. an accredited school of theology at roll nonimmigrant alien students under the graduate level, authorized by the approved F-1 status. LOCALE California Superintendent of Public In- Located in beautiful, culturally-rich Es- struction to grant graduate theological NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY condido, and situated in north San Di- degrees upon recommendation of the Westminster Seminary California does ego County, Westminster Seminary Cali- faculty and by the authority of the Board not discriminate on the basis of race, fornia is just minutes from the Pacific of Trustees. age, color, national or ethnic origin, dis- Ocean. The sunny beaches, Mediterra- ability, or gender in the administration of nean climate, and countless attractions Westminster Seminary California is ac- its educational policies, admissions poli- make this region a popular vacation credited by the Accrediting Commission cies, services, or scholarship and loan destination. for Senior Colleges and Universities of programs. the Western Association of Schools and The celebrated San Diego Zoo and San Colleges, 985 Atlantic Ave., Suite 100, WSC believes that men and women are Diego Wild Animal Park are in close Alameda, California 94501, phone: equally created in the image of God and proximity. The California Center for the (510) 748-9001. have distinct and complementary roles in Arts offers live performances ranging from classical symphonies to modern theater productions by internationally acclaimed artists. Downtown Escon- dido features quaint shops, antique car shows, and a weekly farmers’ market of fresh produce. North San Diego County also offers some of the top hospitals and medical facilities in the nation, in- cluding the Scripps Hospitals, Rady Chil- dren’s Hospital San Diego, and Palomar Medical Center.
As one of the nation’s fastest growing regions for biomedical and telecom- munications industries, San Diego is on the cutting edge of science and technol- ogy. It is home to several first-class aca- demic and research institutions, includ- ing the University of California at San
8 Diego, Salk Institute, Scripps Institution CENTER FOR PASTORAL REFRESHMENT of Oceanography, and Scripps Clinic. Through a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., Westminster Seminary
Since San Diego is one of the largest California launched the Center for Pastoral Refreshment (CPR) for Korean-American INTRODUCTION cities in the nation, the developing econ- pastors in the summer of 2003. The program is designed to refresh pastors mentally, omy is also advantageous in affording spiritually, and physically, so that they can return to their churches re-energized and exceptional employment opportunities better equipped to lead with vision, enthusiasm, and renewed passion. for students. The CPR Summer Sabbatical includes seminars taught by WSC faculty, consultations INSTITUTE OF REFORMED BAPTIST on health and fitness, recreation, and guided wilderness trips through the beauty STUDIES of God’s creation in nearby mountains, desert, and ocean. Pastors in this program In 1997, the Association of Reformed also have access to the CPR study lounge on campus throughout the year for brief Baptist Churches of America established retreats and reflection. the Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies (IRBS) to provide formal training for min- In 2008, CPR received another grant to advance the work begun in 2003. The new isterial students. IRBS offers a challeng- phase of the initiative is entitled, “Leaving a Legacy: Fostering Excellence Among ing curriculum of theological, historical, the Next Generation of Korean-American Pastoral Leaders.” CPR aims to help pasto- and pastoral courses that complement ral leaders by providing an avenue for intellectual challenge, social interaction with the WSC Master of Divinity program to peers, physical rest, and mentoring. In turn, congregations themselves will benefit provide a comprehensive preparation from a re-energized and refocused minister—whether he is in his first year of ministry for pastoral ministry in Reformed Baptist or in his twentieth. and other churches.
The faculty of IRBS subscribes to the system of doctrine contained in the Scriptures as summarized in the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. Subordinate to the Word of God, this confessional standard is at the heart of the IRBS curriculum. Because the IRBS program is focused on pastoral prepa- ration and is designed to complement the Seminary’s Master of Divinity cur- riculum, students must be accepted into the M.Div. program before they can be admitted to IRBS.
9 Faculty FACULTY
W. ROBERT GODFREY DENNIS E. JOHNSON President Professor of Practical Theology Professor of Church History B.A., Westmont College; M.Div. and Th.M., Westminster A.B., Stanford University; M.Div., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary. Theological Seminary; M.A. and Ph.D., Stanford University. Dr. Johnson has taught at Westminster Seminary California since 1982. He previously pastored Orthodox Presbyterian Dr. Godfrey has taught church history at Westminster churches in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, and East Los Angeles, Seminary California since 1981. He taught previously California. After teaching New Testament for 16 years, he at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Stanford now teaches primarily preaching and ministry courses, in which he applies his background in biblical studies to the University, and Westminster Theological Seminary in issues of ministry, the church, and the culture. Philadelphia. He is the third president of Westminster Seminary California and is a minister in the United Dr. Johnson is Associate Pastor of New Life Presbyterian Reformed Churches in North America. He has spoken Church, a Presbyterian Church in America congregation in at many conferences including those sponsored by Escondido. He has served as moderator of the Orthodox the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, the Presbyterian Church General Assembly and Presbytery Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, and of Southern California, moderator of the South Coast Ligonier Ministries. Presbytery in the Presbyterian Church in America, member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Committee on He is the author of An Unexpected Journey, Reformation Christian Education, and Trustee of Covenant College. Dr. Sketches, Pleasing God in Our Worship, God’s Pattern Johnson has been privileged to preach and teach in Chad, for Creation and John Calvin: Pilgrim and Pastor. He has Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Tanzania, Thailand, and the written chapters or articles in John Calvin, His Influence Ukraine. in the Western World; Through Christ’s Word; Theonomy: A Reformed Critique; The Agony of Deceit; Roman He is the author of Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Catholicism; Sola Scriptura; The Practice of Confessional Revelation; Let’s Study Acts; The Message of Acts in the Subscription; The Coming Evangelical Crisis; and in such History of Redemption; and Him We Proclaim: Preaching journals as Archive for Reformation History, Sixteenth- Christ from All the Scriptures, as well as articles and Century Journal, and Westminster Theological Journal. In reviews in Westminster Theological Journal, Journal of the 2010, a festschrift was published in Dr. Godfrey’s honor Evangelical Theological Society, Journal of the Evangelical entitled Always Reformed. Homiletical Society, Ligonier Ministries’ Tabletalk, and Modern Reformation. He is also coauthor of Counsel Dr. Godfrey and his wife, Mary Ellen, have three grown from the Cross (with Elyse Fitzpatrick) and editor of and contributor to children who all reside in California. Heralds of the King: Christ-centered Sermons in the Tradition of Edmund P. Clowney. He has contributed essays to volumes such as Theonomy: A Reformed Critique; The Pattern of Sound Doctrine; Covenant, Justification, and Pastoral Ministry; and Resurrection and Eschatology. He is a contributor to the Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible and the English Standard Version Study Bible. He also edited Foundations of Christian Education, a collection of addresses by Cornelius Van Til and Louis Berkhof.
Dr. Johnson and his wife, Jane, have four married children, whose families are scattered from Florida to Asia.
10 FACULTY HYWEL R. JONES MICHAEL S. HORTON Professor of Practical Theology J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology B.A., University of Wales; M.A., University of Cambridge; and Apologetics Ph.D., Greenwich University School of Theology (UK). B.A., Biola University; M.A., Westminster Seminary California; Ph.D., University of Coventry and Wycliffe Dr. Jones was ordained in the Presbyterian Church of Hall, Oxford. Wales in 1963 and ministered in several pastorates in Wales and England over 25 years. During those years, he Dr. Horton has taught apologetics and theology at was a member of the executive committee of the British Westminster Seminary California since 1998. In addition Evangelical Council of Churches, editor of its theological to his work at the Seminary, he is the president of White journal and chairman of its study conference. In addition Horse Inn, for which he co-hosts the White Horse Inn, he was co-chairman of the Westminster Fellowship of a nationally syndicated, weekly radio talk-show exploring Ministers succeeding Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. The London issues of Reformation theology in American Christianity. Theological Seminary commenced in 1977 and Dr. Jones He is also the editor-in-chief of Modern Reformation became its first principal in 1985, lecturing in Hebrew magazine. Before coming to WSC, Dr. Horton completed and Biblical Studies, Hermeneutics, and Homiletics. a research fellowship at Yale University Divinity School. During that time he also taught in Romania, Malaysia, A member of various societies, including the American Australia, New Zealand, and Italy. In 1995, he was Academy of Religion and the Evangelical Theological Scholar in Residence at Reformed Theological Seminary Society, Dr. Horton is the author/editor of more than in Jackson, MS, and since 1998 has been a member of twenty books, including a series of studies in Reformed the adjunct faculty at Puritan and Reformed Theological dogmatics published by Westminster John Knox. Seminary in Michigan. Before coming to Westminster Seminary California in 2000, he served for four years as His most recent books are The Christian Faith: A editorial director of the Banner of Truth Trust. Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way and The Gospel Commission. He has written articles for Dr. Jones has written commentaries on Exodus, Modern Reformation, Pro Ecclesia, Christianity Today, Philippians, Hebrews and most recently, Job. He has also The International Journal of Systematic Theology, authored For the Sake of the Gospel; Psalm 119 for Life; Touchstone, and Books and Culture. Gospel and Church; Unity in Truth; and Only One Way. He contributed two essays to the Faculty Symposium, Dr. Horton is Associate Pastor of Christ United Reformed Covenant, Justification, and Pastoral Ministry. Church in Santee, California, and lives in Escondido with his wife, Lisa, and four children. Dr. Jones and his wife, Nansi, have been married for more than 48 years. They are blessed with three children and five granddaughters. Their son-in-law studied at Westminster Seminary California and is now a pastor in England.
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S. M. BAUGH DAVID M. VANDRUNEN Professor of New Testament Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology B.A. and B.A., University of Oregon; M.A.R. and M.Div., and Christian Ethics Westminster Seminary California; Ph.D., University of B.A., Calvin College; M.Div., Westminster Seminary California, Irvine. California; Th.M., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; J.D., Northwestern University School of Law; Ph.D., Dr. Baugh has taught part- and full-time at Westminster Loyola University Chicago. Seminary California since 1983. He is a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and is actively engaged Dr. VanDrunen, a minister of the Orthodox Presbyterian in preaching and teaching at Escondido Orthodox Church, began teaching at Westminster Seminary Presbyterian Church and elsewhere. California in 2001. He formerly served as a pastor of Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Hanover Park, IL, and currently serves on the Orthodox Presbyterian One of Dr. Baugh’s main concerns has been to develop Church’s Committee on Christian Education and a more effective and integrated curriculum in Greek Subcommittee on Ministerial Training. His present re- instruction for the Seminary. To this end, he wrote the search interests include natural law, the two kingdoms two main textbooks used for Greek I-III: New Testament doctrine, and bioethics. He was the recipient of the Greek for Interpreters (second edition) and A First John Acton Institute’s Novak Award in 2004 and was a Reader. Dr. Baugh was a contributor to the award-winning visiting fellow at the Center for the Study of Law and Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary. Religion at Emory University in the spring of 2009. He has written scholarly articles for such anthologies as Women in the Church; Still Sovereign: Contemporary Dr. VanDrunen is the author or editor of seven books, Perspectives on Election, Foreknowledge, and Grace; most recently Living in God’s Two Kingdoms: A Biblical and Marriage and Family in the Biblical World. He has Vision for Christianity and Culture; Natural Law and also written for journals such as New Testament Studies, the Two Kingdoms: A Study in the Development of Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, and Reformed Social Thought; and Bioethics and the Westminster Theological Journal. Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions. His scholarly articles have appeared in many journals, Dr. Baugh and his wife, Kathy, enjoy living on their “Lazy B including American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly, Ranch” in Valley Center with their three children. Calvin Theological Journal, International Journal of Systematic Theology, Journal of Church and State, Journal of Law and Religion, Journal of Markets and Morality, Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics, Liberty University Law Review, University of British Columbia Law Review, and Westminster Theological Journal.
Dr. VanDrunen and his wife, Katherine, a WSC alumna, have one son and reside in Escondido.
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R. SCOTT CLARK BRYAN D. ESTELLE Professor of Church History and Historical Theology Associate Professor of Old Testament B.A., University of Nebraska; M.Div., Westminster B.A., University of Oregon; M.Div., Westminster Seminary California; D.Phil., Oxford University. Seminary California; M.A. and Ph.D., The Catholic University of America. Dr. Clark has taught at Westminster Seminary California since 1997, during which time he also served as Dr. Estelle has taught at Westminster Seminary California Academic Dean (1997-2000), and has also taught at since 2000. He is a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Wheaton College, Reformed Theological Seminary, Church. Prior to taking his position at WSC, he was a Jackson, and Concordia University, Irvine. He has been a pastor in an Orthodox Presbyterian congregation in minister in the Reformed Church in the United States and Maryland and was involved in planting a church in Oregon is presently a minister in the United Reformed Churches in for the Presbyterian Church in America. He lectured in North America. He has served congregations in Missouri Hebrew at The Catholic University between 1997 and and California. At present, he is Associate Pastor of the 2000. He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature Oceanside United Reformed Church, where he preaches and the Catholic Biblical Association. and teaches regularly. Dr. Estelle is the author of Salvation through Judgment Among his publications are Always Reformed: Essays in and Mercy: The Gospel According to Jonah. He has Honor of W. Robert Godfrey (co-editor and contributor); contributed essays to Covenant, Justification, and Recovering the Reformed Confession; Caspar Olevian Pastoral Ministry: Essays by the Faculty of Westminster and the Substance of the Covenant; Covenant, Baptism, Seminary California; The Law Is Not of Faith: Essays on and Election; Classic Reformed Theology (series editor), Works and Grace in the Mosaic Covenant (contributor Covenant, Justification, and Pastoral Ministry (editor and co-editor); and But Let A Man Examine Himself: A and contributor); Protestant Scholasticism: Essays in Biblical and Confessional Critique of Paedocommunion. Reassessment (co-editor and contributor); Companion He has also contributed articles and reviews to The to Reformed Orthodoxy (contributor); A Companion Biblical Historian, The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, The to Paul in the Reformation (contributor); Sober, Strict, Confessional Presbyterian, Maarav, Modern Reformation, and Scriptural (contributor); Reforming or Conforming? New Horizons, Ordained Servant, and Westminster (contributor); The Faith Once Delivered (contributor); Theological Journal. Theological Guide to Calvin’s Institutes (contributor); The Pattern of Sound Doctrine (contributor); The Westminster Dr. Estelle and his wife, Lisa, have two sons and one Confession into the 21st Century (contributor); The daughter. He and his family enjoy outdoor pursuits. New Dictionary of Theology (contributor); Encyclopedia of the Bible and Its Reception (contributor); The New Dictionary of Christian Apologetics (contributor); and The Compromised Church (contributor). He has also written for The Westminster Theological Journal, The Concordia Theological Quarterly, The Confessional Presbyterian, and for a variety of popular magazines and websites.
Dr. Clark and his wife, Barbara, have two daughters and reside in Escondido.
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JULIUS J. KIM J. V. FESKO Dean of Students Academic Dean Associate Professor of Practical Theology Associate Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology B.A., Vanguard University; M.Div., Westminster Seminary B.A., Georgia State University; M.A.Th., Southwestern California; Ph.D., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., King’s College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Prior to taking his current position at Westminster Seminary California, Dr. Kim ministered in a variety of Dr. Fesko is a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian ecclesiastical and academic settings. He has served in Church. He was ordained as a church planter in 1998 Presbyterian Church in America churches in California and was installed as a pastor in 2003, thus serving in and Illinois. His current church calling is as Associate pastoral ministry for over ten years. He has also taught Pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church in Escondido. systematic theology for Reformed Theological Seminary Dr. Kim also continues to serve the broader Christian for over eight years as a part-time professor. He has community as a preacher, speaker, and ministry served on two committees appointed by the General consultant—especially for the Korean-American church. Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. His While in Illinois, he taught undergraduate communications present research interests include the integration of at Trinity International University and church history biblical and systematic theology, soteriology, and at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Following a brief sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Reformed theology. tenure as Visiting Scholar with the Faculty of Divinity He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, at Cambridge University, Dr. Kim returned to Southern the American Academy of Religion, and the Evangelical California to serve as Dean of Students and to teach Theological Society, and a friend of the Institute for practical theology at WSC. Biblical Research.
Dr. Kim also directs the Center for Pastoral Refreshment He is the author of Last Things First: Unlocking Genesis at WSC, a unique institute dedicated to helping sustain 1-3 with the Christ of Eschatology; Justification: pastoral excellence among Korean-American pastors. In Understanding the Classical Reformed Doctrine; The addition to his doctoral concentration on English church Rule of Love: Broken, Fulfilled, and Applied; What is history during the Restoration, his research interests Justification by Faith Alone?; Where Wisdom is Found: include the history of preaching, homiletics, and Asian- Christ in Ecclesiastes; Word, Water, and Spirit: A American Christianity. His goals are to contribute both Reformed Perspective on Baptism; and The Fruit of the to the church and the academy through his teaching, Spirit Is. He is a contributor to Justification: A Report preaching, and writing. He is the author of The Religion from the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and is both a of Reason and the Reason for Religion: John Tillotson and co-editor and contributor to The Law Is Not of Faith: the Latitudinarian Defense of Christianity, 1630–1694 Essays on Works and Grace in the Mosaic Covenant. and a contributor to Covenant, Justification, and Pastoral His scholarly essays have appeared in various books Ministry: Essays by the Faculty of Westminster Seminary and the Reformed Theological Review, Confessional California and Heralds of the King: Christ-centered Presbyterian, Themelios, Mid-America Journal of Sermons in the Tradition of Edmund P. Clowney. Theology, Calvin Theological Journal, Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology, Trinity Journal, Journal of the A native of South Korea and California, he and his wife, Evangelical Theological Society, American Theological Ji Hee, a WSC alumna, reside in Escondido with their two Inquiry, Evangelical Quarterly, Puritan Reformed Journal, daughters. Faith and Mission, and Westminster Theological Journal.
Dr. Fesko and his wife, Anneke, have two sons and reside in Escondido.
14 FACULTY
RYAN GLOMSRUD JOEL E. KIM Associate Professor of Historical Theology Assistant Professor of New Testament B.A., Wheaton College; M.A.H.T., Westminster Seminary B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; M.Div., California; D.Phil., University of Oxford, Pembroke Westminster Seminary California; Ph.D. Candidate, College. Calvin Theological Seminary.
Dr. Glomsrud has taught historical theology as a visiting Rev. Kim is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian instructor at Westminster Seminary California since Church in America and has served as Associate Pastor of 2007. He joins the faculty having completed a Graduate Segaero Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. He taught in Residence program at Harvard Divinity School and historical and systematic theology at Calvin Theological a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the History Seminary and International Theological Seminary in Department at Harvard University. He is a member in Los Angeles, as well as in Taiwan and Indonesia. He is good standing at Christ the King Presbyterian Church the son of a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church. in Cambridge, MA (the Presbyterian Church in America), He has served on the English Ministry pastoral staff of where he has taught adult education classes on the Korean-American churches during his M.Div. studies at Reformed confessions. His research interests include Westminster Seminary California and subsequent to his Reformation and early modern theology, nineteenth- graduation in 1997, in California and Michigan. century Protestantism, the theology of Karl Barth, and modern European intellectual history. Dr. Glomsrud is the Rev. Kim is the co-editor of Always Reformed: Essays Executive Editor of Modern Reformation magazine and in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey. Rev. Kim’s doctoral has published scholarly articles on historical theology. dissertation, “The True and Genuine Sense: Arminius and the Interpretation of Romans 7 in its Historical Context,” Dr. Glomsrud and his wife, Elizabeth, have one son and is in progress under the supervision of Professor Richard reside in Escondido. Muller.
Rev. Kim and his wife, Sharon, have a daughter and a son and reside in Escondido.
15 FACULTY
JOSHUA J. VAN EE Charles K. Telfer Assistant Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Assistant Professor of Biblical Languages B.A., Geneva College; M.Div., Westminster Seminary B.A., University of Illinois; M.Div., Gordon-Conwell California; M.A. and Ph.D. Candidate, University of Theological Seminary; Ph.D. (in process, Old Testament California at San Diego. concentration), Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Rev. Van Ee has taught various language and biblical Rev. Telfer was ordained to the ministry in the Orthodox studies classes at Westminster Seminary California since Presbyterian Church in 1993. Prior to joining the faculty 2002. He is an ordained minister in the United Reformed of WSC in 2011, he served as pastor of Westminster Churches in North America and has enjoyed various Presbyterian Church (OPC) in the Chicago area for nine opportunities to preach and teach. He is the son of a years and as Adjunct Professor of Greek at Mid-America pastor in the Christian Reformed Church. Reformed Seminary for eight years. He has served as a pastor in North Carolina and as a missionary in a part His graduate work has included studies comparing Old of Northeast Africa where he learned Tigrinya (a sister Testament covenants with ancient treaties and legal language to Hebrew). He has studied in Jerusalem and texts. In his dissertation, he is analyzing various images has done archeological work in Israel. In addition, he has of future blessing in the prophets. He has studied in served often as an interpreter and has had the opportunity Israel and done archaeological work in Jordan. In and to minister in a variety of international contexts including out of the classroom, he enjoys training students in Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, Spain, and Sudan. the biblical languages and literatures so that they can rightly understand and expound the Scriptures. He is the His translation projects have included serving as editor co-author of an essay in Birkat Shalom: Studies in the for a committee to re-translate the Westminster Shorter Bible, Ancient Near Eastern Literature, and Postbiblical Catechism into Tigrinya. He has contributed articles and Judaism Presented to Shalom M. Paul on the Occasion of book reviews to the Mid-America Journal of Theology, His Seventieth Birthday. New Horizons, and Themelios. His dissertation at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School explores the exegetical Rev. Van Ee, his wife, Heidi, and their three children methodology of Campegius Vitringa (1659-1722) as reside in Escondido. expressed in his Commentarius in Librum Prophetiarum Jesaiae. Rev. Telfer is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Society of Biblical Literature and the Evangelical Missiological Society.
Rev. Telfer and his wife, Rhonda, have four children (scattered mostly in the mid-West) and are recent immigrants to Escondido.
16 FACULTY
JOHN G. BALES DERKE P. BERGSMA Library Director Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology Lecturer in Theological Bibliography and Graduate A.B., Calvin College; B.D., Calvin Seminary; M.A., Theological Writing Northwestern University; Drs., Free University of B.A., Northwestern College (Iowa); M.Div., Fuller Amsterdam; Rel.D., Chicago Theological Seminary. Theological Seminary; M.L.I.S., University of Wisconsin (Milwaukee). Dr. Bergsma joined the Westminster Seminary California faculty in 1982. He previously taught at Calvin College Rev. Bales is an ordained minister, having served and pastored in South Dakota, Illinois, and Michigan. Reformed churches for 17 years in Washington, He served in the U.S. Navy as an enlisted sailor (WWII) Wisconsin, and California. He was awarded the Emo F. J. and, after seminary, as a Chaplain, retiring with the Van Halsema Fellowship at Calvin Theological Seminary rank of captain. For many years, he was Professor of in 1994. He has served in the library at Westminster Theology at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Seminary California since 2009. IL (during which he also served as the college’s acting president). Rev. Bales, his wife, Sheri, and their two children reside in Escondido. A minister emeritus of the United Reformed Churches in North America, Dr. Bergsma is a sought-after preacher and Bible conference speaker. Among his writings are The Idea of Predestination in Sunni Islam and Classical Calvinism Compared; Biblical Theological Reader; Redemption: The Triumph of God’s Great Plan; Voices; Intermission; Practical Theology and the Ministry of the Church, 1952–1984 (contributor); and The Compromised Church (contributor). He has also contributed to professional journals including Calvin Theological Journal, The Christian Scholar’s Review, Antithesis, and Insight.
He and his wife, Doris, live in the Chicago area and spend time each year in Southern California, near Westminster Seminary California and their many Christian friends. Dr. Bergsma continues to teach part- time at the Seminary during the spring semester.
17 FACULTY
ROBERT B. STRIMPLE PETER R. JONES President Emeritus Scholar in Residence Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology B.A., University of Delaware; B.D. and Th.M., B.A., University of Wales; B.D., Gordon Divinity School; Westminster Theological Seminary; Ph.D., University of Th.M., Harvard Divinity School; Ph.D., Princeton Toronto. Theological Seminary.
Dr. Strimple retired in 2001 after 41 years of teaching Dr. Jones was Professor of New Testament at Westminster and was honored as President Emeritus and Professor Seminary California from 1991 to 2003. Emeritus of Systematic Theology. In 2003, an endowed Robert B. Strimple Chair of Systematic Theology was He and his family came to the U.S. in 1991, after 18 established at Westminster Seminary California. years of cross-cultural mission work on behalf of the Presbyterian Church in America, assisting the theological After studying under John Murray at Westminster training of Reformed pastors and church planters in Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Dr. Strimple taught France. He taught Greek and New Testament at Princeton at Eastern Christian Schools in Paterson, New Jersey, Theological Seminary, and was Professeur de Nouveau Toronto Bible College (now Tyndale University College), Testament and Director of the Master’s Programme, and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Faculté de Théologie Réformée d’Aixen Provence. He moved to California in 1979 to serve as the founding Among his writings are: A Second Moses According to 2 dean and first president of Westminster Seminary Corinthians 2:14-4:6; God’s Inerrant Word (contributor); California. “1 Corinthians 15:8—Paul the Last Apostle,” Tyndale Bulletin; The Gnostic Empire Strikes Back; La Deuxieme Dr. Strimple has served the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Epitre de Paul aux Corinthiens; Spirit Wars; Gospel Truth on theological study committees and as moderator of & Pagan Lies; Capturing the Pagan Mind; Cracking Da the 50th anniversary General Assembly (1986). He has Vinci’s Code (co-author); Stolen Identity; The God of Sex; taught church leaders in China, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and One or Two: Seeing a World of Difference; and articles in England. His writings include The Modern Search for the La Revue Réformée, Etudes Evangéliques, Ichthus, and Real Jesus; Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond (co- Hokhma. author); Studying the New Testament Today (contributor); Conflict: A Moment for Ministry (contributor); Christ the In January 2003, Dr. Jones was named Scholar in Lord (contributor); Roman Catholicism (contributor); The Residence and Adjunct Professor at Westminster Coming Evangelical Crisis (contributor); Anselm: Aosta, Seminary California. He is director of truthXchange Bec and Canterbury (contributor); and When Shall These (formerly Christian Witness to a Pagan Planet), a national Things Be? A Reformed Response to Hyper-Preterism and international teaching, preaching, and writing (contributor). In 2004, a festschrift was published in his ministry for the church and the campus. honor entitled The Pattern of Sound Doctrine: Systematic Theology at the Westminster Seminaries: Essays in Dr. Jones and his wife, Rebecca, reside in Escondido. Honor of Robert B. Strimple.
Dr. Strimple’s ministry has really been a joint undertaking with his wife, Alice, whom he met in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and married in 1955. Together they rejoice in four faithful children and twelve grandchildren.
18 FACULTY
ALFRED J. POIRIER DAVID POWLISON Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Counseling Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Counseling B.A., California State University, Chico; M.A.R. and A.B., Harvard College; M.Div., Westminster Theological M.Div., Westminster Seminary California; D.Min. Seminary; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania. Westminster Theological Seminary.
Dr. Poirier serves as Senior Pastor of Rocky Mountain Dr. Powlison is a faculty member at CCEF and edited The Community Church (PCA) in Billings, Montana. He has Journal of Biblical Counseling. David has been counseling pastored churches over the past 25 years in San Diego, for over thirty years. He has written numerous articles California, and Eugene, Oregon. He has served for over on biblical counseling and on the relationship between ten years as Chairman of the Board of Peacemaker faith and psychology. His books include Speaking Truth Ministries and continues to actively teach Christians in in Love; Seeing with New Eyes; Power Encounters: biblical peacemaking and Christian ethics both in the Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare; and The Biblical Counseling United States and abroad, including Britain, Italy, Austria, Movement: History and Context. He has taught across Thailand, India, and Bangladesh. the United States and in Korea, India, Brazil, Europe, and Sri Lanka. He is the author of The Peacemaking Pastor: A Biblical Guide for Resolving Church Conflict (Spanish edition: El Pastor Pacificador), and Words that Cut: Receiving Criticism in Light of the Gospel. He has also contributed articles on pastoral counseling, peacemaking, and theology in the Journal on Biblical Counseling, Equip, Ações Transformadoras, and The Presbyterian Church in Bangladesh Publishing.
EDWARD T. WELCH Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Counseling B.A., University of Delaware; M.Div., Biblical Theological Seminary; Ph.D., University of Utah.
Dr. Welch is a counselor and faculty member at CCEF. TIMOTHY S. LANE He has been counseling for over thirty years and has Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Counseling written extensively on the topics of depression, fear and B.A., University of Georgia; M.Div. and D.Min., addictions. His books include: When People Are Big and Westminster Theological Seminary. God is Small; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave; Blame Dr. Lane is executive director and faculty member at it on the Brain; Depression—A Stubborn Darkness; Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF) Running Scared; Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away and has been counseling for more than 25 years. He is from Addiction; and When I am Afraid: A Step-by-Step a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America. Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety. He has previous experience in both campus and pastoral ministry, including serving as a pastor for ten years. He is the author of several minibooks and is the co-author of CCEF’s Transformation Series Curriculum: How People Change; Relationships—A Mess Worth Making and the newly released Change and Your Relationships—A Mess Worth Making Study Guide.
19 FACULTY
DARRYL G. HART IAIN M. DUGUID Visiting Professor of Church History Visiting Professor of Old Testament B.A., Temple University; M.A.R., Westminster B.Sc., Edinburgh University; M.Div., Westminster Theological Seminary; M.T.S., Harvard University; M.A. Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Cambridge University. and Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Duguid is Professor of Religion at Grove City College Dr. Hart taught church history and served as Academic in Pennsylvania. A native of Great Britain, he taught at Dean at Westminster Seminary California from 2000- Westminster Seminary California from 1996 through 2003. He has also taught church history at Westminster 2005. He has also served as a missionary in Liberia, Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and directed taught at Reformed Seminary in Mississippi, and the Institute for the Study of American Evangelicals at planted churches in Fallbrook, California; Grove City, Wheaton College. Pennsylvania; and Oxford, England. He takes every opportunity to share his love for the Scriptures around He has authored many books and articles, including John the world: he has taught in Latvia, the Ukraine, Canada, Williamson Nevin: High Church Calvinist; A Secular Faith: and South Africa. In his seminary classes, Dr. Duguid is Why Christianity Favors the Separation of Church and eager to help students learn how to preach Christ from State; Seeking a Better Country: Three Hundred Years ancient Hebrew texts in ways that minister to the hearts of American Presbyterianism (co-author); Deconstructing of contemporary congregations. Evangelicalism; Recovering Mother Kirk; The Lost Soul of American Protestantism; That Old-Time Religion in Dr. Duguid’s Ph.D. thesis, Ezekiel and the Leaders of Modern America; With Reverence and Awe: Returning Israel, was published by E. J. Brill. He has also written to the Basics of Reformed Worship (co-author); The commentaries on Ezekiel in the NIV Application series University Gets Religion; Fighting the Good Fight (co- and on Numbers in the Preach the Word series, along author); and Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen with books on Abraham (Living in the Gap Between and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern Promise and Reality), Isaac and Jacob (Living in the Grip America. of Relentless Grace), and the Beatitudes (Hero of Heroes). He is Old Testament editor for the Reformed Expository Dr. Hart is an elder in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Commentary and has authored the REC volumes on and serves on the General Assembly’s Committee Esther & Ruth and Daniel. He has contributed articles and on Christian Education. He lives in Chestnut Hill, reviews in the Westminster Theological Journal, Journal Pennsylvania, with his wife, Ann. of the Evangelical Theological Society, Catholic Biblical Quarterly, Themelios, and Tabletalk. He was a translator for the Holman Christian Standard Version of the Bible and a contributor to the New Living Translation Study Bible, the ESV Study Bible and the HCSV Study Bible.
20 LECTURERS
JASON W. BARRIE Lecturer in Pastoral Counseling B.S., United States Military Academy; M.Div., Westminster Seminary California; D.Min. Candidate, Westminster Theological Seminary. FACULTY JAMES M. RENIHAN Visiting Professor of Church History DAVID A. CRUM B.S., Liberty Baptist College; M.Div., Seminary of the Lecturer in Missions East; Ph.D., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. B.A., Moravian College; M.A.R. and M.Div., Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Renihan has been a professor at the Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies in Escondido, California, since JAMES H. GILMORE 1998. He is currently Professor of Historical Theology and Dean of the Institute. He has lectured at The Southern Visiting Lecturer in Apologetics Baptist Theological Seminary (Northeast Extension), B.S., Economics, University of Pennsylvania. the Faculté de Théologie Évangélique de Montréal, and several other schools. An ordained minister, he has ZACHARY R. KEELE served congregations in Massachusetts and New York. Lecturer in English Bible B.A., Geneva College; M.Div., Westminster Among his publications are Edification and Beauty: The Seminary California. Practical Ecclesiology of the English Particular Baptists, 1675-1705; True Confessions: Baptist Documents in the LLOYD H. KIM Reformed Family; Daily Treasure: 366 Daily Readings Lecturer in Missions from Charles Spurgeon’s Treasury of David (editor); and Denominations or Associations? Essays on Reformed B.A., University of California, Berkeley; M.Div., Baptist Associations (editor and contributor). He has Westminster Seminary California; Ph.D., Fuller also published articles in Reformed Baptist Theological Theological Seminary. Review, The Gospel Witness, Banner of Truth, American Baptist Quarterly, and other periodicals. EDWARD W. POWERS Lecturer in Practical Theology B.A., University of Michigan; M.Div., Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary; D.Min., Covenant Theological Seminary.
ANEES ZAKA SIHA Lecturer in Missiology B.A., Ein Shams University, Cairo; M.Div., Evangelical Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Cairo; Th.M., Westminster Theological Seminary; D.Min., Westminster Theological Seminary.
21 Degree Programs Master of Divinity Course Requirements
26 UNITS BIBLICAL STUDIES 88 UNITS TOTAL DEGREE UNITS 10 UNITS CHURCH HISTORY 110 UNITS TOTAL UNITS INCLUDING 24 UNITS SYSTEMATICS & APOLOGETICS PROPAEDEUTIC3 22 UNITS PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
DEGREE PROGRAMS 6 UNITS ELECTIVE
Units Course Code Course Name JUNIOR YEAR Units Course Code Course Name MIDDLER YEAR Units Course Code Course Name SENIOR YEAR
4 NT400 Greek I
SUMMER TERM 4 TOTAL TERM UNITS
2 CH601 Ancient Church 4 ST501 The Christian Mind 4 NT601 Gospels and Acts 3 PT500 Ministry of the Word 2 ST604 Doctrine of God 3 OT701 Psalms & Wisdom Books 1 PT502 Theological Bibliography 2 ST605 Doctrine of Man 4 CH701 Church in Modern Age 1 PT400 Graduate Theological Writing1 2 PT600 Ministry of Discipleship 4 ST701 Doctrine of the Holy Spirit 1 PT410 Practicum: Oral Communication1 1 PT603 Preaching Narratives 3 PT702 Pastoral Ministry Seminar 3 OT400 Hebrew I 2 OT403 Hebrew IV 2 NT701 General Epistles & Revelation 3 NT401 Greek II 2 ELECTIVE 1 PT704 Preaching and Audience Analysis
FALL SEMESTER FALL 18 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS 15 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS 17 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS
2 PT505 Counseling Orientation 1 OT401 Hebrew II 1 NT402 Greek III 4 PT511 Ministry of Witness 2 ELECTIVE
WINTER TERM 4 TOTAL TERM UNITS 4 TOTAL TERM UNITS 2 TOTAL TERM UNITS
4 OT501 Pentateuch 3 OT601 Historical Books 3 OT702 Prophetical Books 4 NT501 New Testament Interpretation 3 NT602 Pauline Epistles 3 ST702 The Christian Life 1 PT504 Sermon Prep. & Delivery 4 CH602 Medieval Church & Reformation 3 ST703 Doctrine of the Church 4 OT402 Hebrew III 3 ST602 Doctrine of Christ 1 PT708 Preaching & Congregational Life 2 NT403 Greek IV 3 AP601 The Modern Mind 2 PT707 Senior Seminar 0 FE6912 Pastoral Internship 1 PT604 Preaching Doctrine & Ethic Texts 2 ELECTIVE
SPRING SEMESTER 15 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS 17 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS 14 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS
21 Total Degree Units 34 Total Degree Units 33 Total Degree Units 41 Total with Propaedeutic3 36 Total with Propaedeutic3 33 Total with Propaedeutic3
1 May be waived, see page 68. 2 Registration for FE691 is required in spring semester of the first year, is billed as three units, and includes 700 internship hours. 3 Units required in Hebrew, Greek, writing and oral communication courses are not included in the degree units as they are considered propaedeutic.
22 Master of Divinity Program • A sound understanding of the main themes Educating and forming candidates for official, or- of Scripture in their systematic relations, dained ministries of instruction and leadership in the and the ability to articulate the Reformed church as pastors, evangelists, and teachers are system of faith and practice the main purposes of the Master of Divinity degree • The ability to articulate exegetical and theo- program. It is designed to prepare ordained lead- logical conclusions in light of the history of DEGREE PROGRAMS ers who believe and love the Word of God, and who, the church’s reflection on the Word therefore, strive to explore, communicate, and defend • The abilities to communicate and apply the depth and breadth of the instruction of the Scrip- Scripture’s instruction to the church and tures for faith and life. Graduates should be able to individuals through: interpret individual portions of Scripture accurately, to o Preaching systematize data into a coherent and comprehensive o Liturgy and sacraments theology, understanding the church’s historic reflec- o Witness tion on the Word, and to apply this theology to the o Leadership church and to individuals through preaching, witness, o Spiritual nurture leadership, and spiritual nurture. The curriculum is de- • The ability to defend the breadth and depth signed to prepare graduates to meet the requirements of Scripture’s instruction for faith and life for ordination as ministers of the Word, particularly in • Respect for the freedom to draw theologi- Reformed and other evangelical denominations. Be- cal conclusions from the examination of cause the Seminary Board and faculty understand the evidence and the exchange of ideas criteria set down in Scripture as limiting candidacy • Knowledge of the various Christian tradi- for official teaching and leadership ministry in the tions and non-Christian systems of thought, church to qualified males, only men are admitted to and the ability to articulate the persuasive- the Master of Divinity program. Women are encour- ness of other views aged to enroll in any of the Master of Arts programs. • Godly character and spiritual maturity as requisite for ordained leadership as a shep- It is the aim of Westminster Seminary California that herd of God’s flock its Master of Divinity graduates demonstrate these key • The ability to meet churches’ academic attributes: requirements for ordination as ministers • Belief in and love for God and his Word of the Word, especially in Presbyterian and • The ability to interpret individual portions Reformed denominations of Scripture accurately, employing under- The degree is conferred upon the completion of the standing of: prescribed program, which requires three years of full- o The original languages of the time study or a longer period of part-time study. The Scriptures courses prescribed should be taken in the sequence o The historical situation and indicated. The Academic Dean is available for counsel redemptive-historical context of concerning each student’s needs. the text o The structures and conventions of biblical literature
23 DEGREE PROGRAMS D
egree 14 26
SPRING SEMESTER WINTER TERM FALL SEMESTER SUMMER TERM 8 3 2 Units 36 17 14 14 UNITS ELECTIVE UNITS UNITS UNITS UNITS 2 4 4 4 4 2 1 1 2 3 3 1 1 4 4 4 Total withPropaedeutic Total DegreeUnits TOTAL SEMESTERUNITS NT403 OT402 NT501 OT501 TOTAL TERMUNITS ELECTIVE NT402 OT401 TOTAL SEMESTERUNITS ELECTIVE NT401 OT400 PT400 PT502 ST501 TOTAL TERMUNITS NT400 Course Code PRACTICAL THEOLOGY SYSTEMATICS &APOLOGETICS CHURCH HISTORY BIBLICAL STUDIES P Greek II Hebrew I Graduate TheologicalWriting Theological Bibliography The ChristianMind Greek I Greek IV Hebrew III New Testament Interpretation Pentateuch Greek III Hebrew II Course Name Course Requirements BiblicalStudies Master ofArts, rograms 24 2 3 JUNIOR YEAR 1 units astheyare considered propaedeutic. 3 Unitsrequired inHebrew, Greek, andwriting courses are notincludedinthedegree 2 Atleastsemesterunitsofelectivesmustbe takeninchurch history. 1 Maybewaived,seepage68. 38 36 17 17 Units 2 2 2 4 4 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 74 53 Course Code Total withPropaedeutic Total DegreeUnits TOTAL SEMESTERUNITS ELECTIVE OT403 NT701 ST701 NT601 OT701 TOTAL SEMESTERUNITS PT707 ST702 ST602 NT602 OT702 OT601 TOTAL TERMUNITS ELECTIVE UNITS UNITS PROPAEDEUTIC TOTAL UNITSINCLUDING TOTAL DEGREEUNITS Course Name Hebrew IV General Epistles&Revelation Doctrine oftheHolySpirit Gospels andActs Books Psalms &Wisdom Senior Seminar The ChristianLife Doctrine ofChrist Pauline Epistles Prophetical Books Historical Books 3 SENIOR YEAR 3 &MISC. Master of Arts Program (Biblical Studies) • Knowledge of the various Christian tradi- Women and men develop understanding and skills in tions and systems of thought, and the abil- interpreting the Scriptures of the Old and New Tes- ity to articulate the persuasiveness of other taments through the Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) views program. Graduates should be able to apply their • The ability to communicate and apply Scrip- knowledge of the biblical languages, historical circum- ture’s instruction to individuals, the acad- DEGREE PROGRAMS stances, and literary and theological interrelationships emy, and the church to exegete Scripture accurately. They should also • Growing spiritual maturity consistent with analyze contemporary trends in biblical interpretation Christian discipleship with discernment. Graduates of this program are pre- The degree is conferred upon the completion of the pared to pursue graduate research programs in Old prescribed program, which requires two years of full- or New Testament studies or, with further practical time study or a longer period of part-time study. The training, to use their biblical knowledge in such minis- courses prescribed for this emphasis should be fol- tries as teaching, missions, counseling, or lay church lowed in the sequence indicated. The Academic Dean leadership. This program is not meant to prepare is available for counsel concerning each student’s in- candidates for ordination to the ministry of the Word. dividual needs.
It is the aim of Westminster Seminary California that its Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) graduates demon- strate these key attributes: • Belief in and love for God and his Word • The ability to interpret individual portions of Scripture accurately, employing under- standing of: o The original languages of the Scriptures o The historical situation and redemptive-historical context of the text o The structures and conventions of biblical literature • A sound understanding of the main themes of Scripture in their systematic relations, and the ability to articulate the Reformed system of faith and practice • Respect for the freedom to draw theologi- cal conclusions from the examination of evidence and the exchange of ideas
25 Degree Programs Master of Arts, Theological Studies Course Requirements
11 UNITS BIBLICAL STUDIES1 53 UNITS TOTAL DEGREE UNITS 10 UNITS CHURCH HISTORY 74 UNITS TOTAL UNITS INCLUDING 24 UNITS SYSTEMATICS & APOLOGETICS PROPAEDEUTIC3 & MISC. 3 UNITS PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
DEGREE PROGRAMS 5 UNITS ELECTIVE
Units Course Code Course Name JUNIOR YEAR Units Course Code Course Name SENIOR YEAR
4 NT400 Greek I
SUMMER TERM 4 TOTAL TERM UNITS
2 CH601 Ancient Church 4 ST501 The Christian Mind 4 CH701 Church in Modern Age 1 PT502 Theological Bibliography 2 ST604 Doctrine of God 1 PT400 Graduate Theological Writing2 2 ST605 Doctrine of Man 3 OT400 Hebrew I 4 ST701 Doctrine of the Holy Spirit 3 NT401 Greek II 2 OT403 Hebrew IV 2 ELECTIVE 2 ELECTIVE
FALL SEMESTER FALL 16 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS 16 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS
1 OT401 Hebrew II 1 NT402 Greek III 2 ELECTIVE 2 ELECTIVE
WINTER TERM 4 TOTAL TERM UNITS 2 TOTAL TERM UNITS
4 OT501 Pentateuch 4 CH602 Medieval Church & Reformation 4 NT501 New Testament Interpretation 3 ST703 Doctrine of the Church 3 AP601 The Modern Mind 3 ST602 The Doctrine of Christ 4 OT402 Hebrew III 3 ST702 The Christian Life 2 NT403 Greek IV 2 PT707 Senior Seminar
SPRING SEMESTER 17 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS 15 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS
22 Total Degree Units 31 Total Degree Units 41 Total with Propaedeutic3 33 Total with Propaedeutic3
1 In addition to OT501 and NT501 at least 3 units of electives must be taken in Biblical Studies. 2 May be waived, see page 68. 3 Units required in Hebrew, Greek, and writing courses are not included in the degree units as they are considered propaedeutic.
26 Master of Arts Program (Theological Studies) • The ability to articulate exegetical and theo- The main purpose of the Master of Arts (Theologi- logical conclusions in light of the history of cal Studies) program is to develop both the under- the church’s reflection on the Word standing and skills needed to apply biblical truth to • Respect for the freedom to draw theologi- the intellectual issues confronting the church and cal conclusions from the examination of the surrounding culture. Graduates should be able to evidence and the exchange of ideas DEGREE PROGRAMS exegete individual passages of Scripture accurately • Knowledge of the various Christian tradi- and understand the system of truth revealed in the tions and non-Christian systems of thought, Scriptures, as well as the major issues in faith and life and the ability to articulate the persuasive- that the church has confronted throughout its history ness of other views and in contemporary intellectual and cultural move- • The ability to communicate and apply Scrip- ments. They should be able to systematize exegeti- ture’s instruction to individuals, the acad- cal, historical, and situational data into a consistent emy, and the church and coherent theology, to offer a thoughtful defense • Growing spiritual maturity consistent with of Christian theology, and to explain how this theology Christian discipleship applies to an individual’s belief and behavior. Gradu- The degree is conferred upon the completion of the ates of this program are prepared to pursue research prescribed program, which requires two years of full- programs in such disciplines as theology, apologetics, time study or a longer period of part-time study. The and church history or, with further practical training, to courses prescribed for this emphasis should be fol- use their theological knowledge in such ministries as lowed in the sequence indicated. The Academic Dean teaching, missions, counseling, or lay church leader- is available for counsel concerning each student’s in- ship. It is not the purpose of this program to prepare dividual needs. candidates for ordination to the ministry of the Word.
It is the aim of Westminster Seminary California that its Master of Arts (Theological Studies) graduates demon- strate these key attributes: • Belief in and love for God and his Word • The ability to interpret individual portions of Scripture accurately, employing under- standing of: o The original languages of the Scriptures o The historical situation and redemptive-historical context of the text • A thorough understanding of the main themes of Scripture in their systematic relations, and the ability to articulate the Reformed system of faith and practice
27 Degree Programs Master of Arts, Historical Theology Course Requirements
4 UNITS BIBLICAL STUDIES1 54 UNITS TOTAL DEGREE UNITS3 10 UNITS CHURCH HISTORY 73 UNITS TOTAL UNITS INCLUDING 17 UNITS HISTORICAL THEOLOGY PROPAEDEUTIC4 & MISC. 13 UNITS SYSTEMATICS & APOLOGETICS 1 UNITS PRACTICAL THEOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAMS 9 UNITS ELECTIVE
Units Course Code Course Name JUNIOR YEAR Units Course Code Course Name SENIOR YEAR
4 NT400 Greek I
SUMMER TERM 4 TOTAL TERM UNITS
2 CH601 Ancient Church 1 HT501 Intro. to Historical Theology 4 ST501 The Christian Mind 1 PT502 Theological Bibliography 1 PT400 Graduate Theological Writing2 3 OT400 Hebrew I 3 NT401 Greek II 4 CH701 Modern Age 2 ELECTIVE 12 ELECTIVE
FALL SEMESTER FALL 17 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS 16 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS
1 OT401 Hebrew II 1 NT402 Greek III 2 HT709 Thesis Proposal
WINTER TERM 2 TOTAL TERM UNITS 2 TOTAL TERM UNITS
4 CH602 Medieval Church & Reformation 4 OT402 Hebrew III 3 AP601 The Modern Mind 2 NT403 Greek IV 4 HT710 Thesis 6 ELECTIVE 9 ELECTIVE
SPRING SEMESTER 16 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS 16 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS
20 Total Degree Units 34 Total Degree Units 39 Total with Propaedeutic4 34 Total with Propaedeutic4
1 Must be taken from OT501 or NT501. 2 May be waived, see page 68. 3 20 required units must be taken as follows: 10 hours in Historical Theology, 6 hours in Systematic Theology (ST must be taken from ST602, 604, 605, 701, 702, or 703), 4 hours in Biblical Studies (BS must be taken from OT501 or NT501). 4 Units required in Hebrew, Greek, and writing courses are not included in the degree units as they are considered propaedeutic.
28 Master of Arts Program (Historical Theology) • Knowledge of the various Christian tradi- The Master of Arts (Historical Theology) program is tions and non-Christian systems of thought, designed to enable students to gain an understanding and the ability to articulate the persuasive- of the historiography of theology, the historical devel- ness of other views opment of the various Christian theological traditions, • Knowledge of the history of Christian theol- and the critical skills for evaluating them. Graduates ogy DEGREE PROGRAMS will have read and analyzed representative theologians • The ability to evaluate and use various his- and texts from the history of Christianity and demon- toriographic models, integrating the best strated a grasp of the history of biblical exegesis. As emphases of intellectual and social history a result they should be able to give a coherent account together with the history of Christian theol- of the history of exegetical and dogmatic theology. ogy and biblical exegesis They should also demonstrate historical sensitivity in • The ability to read primary historical texts evaluating theology, as well as a grasp of the intention carefully and contextually while displaying behind the various theological formulations in each his- a command of secondary literature and de- torical epoch. Graduates will possess an ability to re- bate on the area of specialization late the great issues of historical theology to contem- • The ability to write historical theology at an porary intellectual and cultural movements. Graduates advanced level, displaying, in their research of this program are prepared to enter research pro- and writing, a commitment to fairness in grams in history and theology or, with further practical treating alternative positions and a commit- training, to use their theological knowledge in such ment to intellectual honesty that leads to ministries as teaching, missions, or lay church leader- revision of conclusions as necessary in the ship. It is not the purpose of this program to prepare light of research candidates for ordination to the ministry of the Word. • The ability to recognize the major events, texts, and persons in church history that It is the aim of Westminster Seminary California that its have helped to shape understanding (and Master of Arts (Historical Theology) graduates demon- misunderstanding) of the biblical text strate these key attributes: • Interest in and a propensity for a lifetime of • Belief in and love for God and his Word learning and instruction • A basic understanding of biblical hermeneu- The degree is conferred upon completion of the pre- tics, drawing on scribed program, which requires two years of full- o Knowledge of the original lan- time study or a longer period of part-time study and guages includes the production and oral presentation and o The historical situation and defense of a written research thesis. The courses pre- redemptive-historical context of scribed for this emphasis should be followed in the se- the text quence indicated. The Academic Dean is available for • A sound understanding of the main themes counsel concerning each student’s academic needs. of Scripture in their systematic relations, and the ability to articulate the Reformed system of doctrine • Respect for the freedom to draw theologi- cal conclusions from the examination of evidence and the exchange of ideas
29 Degree Programs Master of Arts, Christian Studies Course Requirements
6 UNITS BIBLICAL STUDIES 50 UNITS TOTAL DEGREE UNITS 6 UNITS CHURCH HISTORY 10 UNITS SYSTEMATICS & APOLOGETICS 8 UNITS PRACTICAL THEOLOGY 2 UNITS RESEARCH AND COMMUNICATIONS DEGREE PROGRAMS 18 UNITS ELECTIVE2
Units Course Code Course Name 2006-2007 Units Course Code Course Name 2008-2009
1 PT400 Graduate Theological Writing 1 PT502 Theological Bibliography 2 PT525 Vocation & Church1 2 CH601 Ancient Church 4 ST501 The Christian Mind 4 ELECTIVE
FALL SEMESTER FALL 8 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS 6 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS
2 OT520 English Bible Survey1 2 CH530 Reformation & The Modern Church 6 ELECTIVE 2 ELECTIVE
SPRING SEMESTER 8 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS 4 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS
2007-2008 2009-2010
2 ST525 Redemption Accomplished & Applied 2 OT530 Biblical Interpretation 4 ELECTIVE 4 ELECTIVE
FALL SEMESTER FALL 6 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS 6 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS
2 PT600 Ministry of Discipleship 2 PT709 Vocation & Theology 2 ST520 God/Man/Christ 4 ELECTIVE 2 ELECTIVE
SPRING SEMESTER 8 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS 4 TOTAL SEMESTER UNITS
1 Classes rotate in what is offered, but PT525 Vocation & Church and OT520 Eng- lish Bible Survey will be offered every year and should be taken by students in their first year. Two additional hours of electives will need to be taken during a winter term, summer term, or semester to complete the program in four years. 2 A total of 28 hours are to be taken as electives. At least two hours must be taken in each of the following areas: Biblical Studies, Systematics/Apologetics, Church History, and Practical Theology.
30 Master of Arts Program (Christian Studies) • The ability to defend the system of truth The purpose of the Master of Arts (Christian Studies) revealed in Scripture program is to enable church leaders and other men • Growth in discernment of their callings and and women to deepen their knowledge of God through exercise of their spiritual and natural gifts his self-disclosure in Christ and in the Scriptures and in church and in society, serving Christ and to serve in the advance of his kingdom through his other people as faithful stewards DEGREE PROGRAMS church. The aims of the program are that graduates • Respect for the freedom to draw theologi- will be able to interpret the Old and New Testaments cal conclusions from the examination of using resources available in English, to articulate the evidence and the exchange of ideas system of truth revealed in the Scriptures, to defend • Growing spiritual maturity consistent with it in response to alternative worldviews, to address Christian discipleship issues presently confronting the church in the light of its history and heritage, and to apply their understanding The degree is conferred upon the completion of the of the church and its ministries to their own roles as prescribed program, which requires 50 semester members of the church of Christ. MACS courses are hours of study normally completed over four years ordinarily offered evenings and Saturdays, specifically of part-time work. The curriculum consists of a core to meet the needs of students whose employment of 24 semester hours, distributed over four subject or other weekday responsibilities prevent them from areas, plus 26 semester hours of electives. MACS participating in the Master of Divinity or other Master core courses are not transferable to WSC’s other of Arts programs. degree programs (with the exceptions of OT520, CH601, ST501, and PT600), but MACS students It is the aim of Westminster Seminary California may take any other WSC courses as electives to their that its Master of Arts (Christian Studies) graduates program as long as the prerequisites are met. demonstrate these key attributes: • Belief in and love for God and his Word (The MACS program has been discontinued; the • A basic understanding of biblical hermeneu- last new applicants were admitted to the MACS tics, drawing on program in fall 2006. MACS required courses o The historical situation and will not be offered after spring 2010, and all MACS redemptive-historical context graduation requirements, including elective hours, of the text must be completed by spring 2013 in order to receive o The structures and conventions the degree.) of biblical literature o Bible study resources accessible in English • A sound understanding of the main themes of Scripture in their systematic relations, and the ability to articulate the Reformed system of doctrine • Knowledge of the history of the Christian church, and the ability to address issues presently confronting the church in light of its history and heritage
31 COURSE REQUIREMENTS BY DEGREE PROGRAM
M.DIV. M.A.B. M.A.T. M.A.H.T. M.A.C.S. OLD TESTAMENT OT 400 Hebrew I 3 3 3 3 OT 401 Hebrew II 1 1 1 1
DEGREE PROGRAMS OT 402 Hebrew III 4 4 4 4 OT 403 Hebrew IV 2 2 2 OT 501 Pentateuch 4 4 4 OT 520 English Bible Survey 2 OT 530 Intro. to Biblical Interpretation 2 OT 601 Historical Books 3 3 OT 701 Psalms & Wisdom Books 3 3 OT 702 Prophetical Books 3 3 NEW TESTAMENT NT 400 Greek I 4 4 4 4 NT 401 Greek II 3 3 3 3 NT 402 Greek III 1 1 1 1 NT 403 Greek IV 2 2 2 2 NT 501 New Testament Interpretation 4 4 4 NT 601 Gospels & Acts 4 4 NT 602 Pauline Epistles 3 3 NT 701 General Epistles & Revelation 2 2 CHURCH HISTORY CH 530 Reformation & the Modern Church 2 CH 601 The Ancient Church 2 2 2 2 CH 602 The Medieval Church & Reformation 4 4 4 CH 701 The Church in the Modern Age 4 4 4 HISTORICAL THEOLOGY HT 501 Introduction to Historical Theology 1 HT 709 Thesis Proposal 2 HT 710 Thesis 4
32 M.DIV. M.A.B. M.A.T. M.A.H.T. M.A.C.S. SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY ST 501 The Christian Mind 4 4 4 4 4 ST 520 God, Man & Christ 2
ST 525 Redemption Accomplished & Applied 2 DEGREE PROGRAMS ST 602 Doctrine of Christ 3 3 3 ST 604/605 Doctrine of God/Doctrine of Man 4 4 ST 701 Doctrine of the Holy Spirit 4 4 4 ST 702 The Christian Life 3 3 3 ST 703 Doctrine of the Church 3 3 APOLOGETICS AP 601 The Modern Mind 3 3 3 PRACTICAL THEOLOGY PT 400 Graduate Theological Writing 1 1 1 1 1 PT 410 Practicum: Oral Communication 1 PT 500 Ministry of the Word 3 PT 502 Theological Bibliography 1 1 1 1 1 PT 504 Practicum: Sermon Prep. & Delivery 1 PT 505 Counseling Orientation 2 PT 511 Ministry of Witness in the World 4 PT 525 Vocation & Church 2 PT 600 Ministry of Discipleship in the Church 2 2 PT 603 Practicum: Preaching Narratives 1 PT 604 Practicum: Preaching Doctrinal/Ethical Texts 1 PT 702 Pastoral Ministry Seminar 3 PT 704 Practicum: Preaching Style & Audience Analysis 1 PT 707 Senior Seminar 2 2 2 PT 708 Practicum: Preaching & Congregational Life 1 PT 709 Vocation & Theology 2 FIELD EDUCATION FE 691 Pastoral Internship 0 ELECTIVE UNITS 6 10 8 29 26 TOTAL DEGREE UNITS 88 54 54 55 50 TOTAL PROGRAM UNITS 110 74 74 73 50
33 Course Descriptions
BIBLICAL STUDIES than with the historical-critical approaches. The course’s goal is to form a solid biblical basis from which to address OLD TESTAMENT the issues of worship facing the contemporary church. Mr. Duguid. OT400 HEBREW I (3) Study of basic grammar and vocabulary. Fall semester. Staff. OT528 UNDERSTANDING THE BOOK OF JOB (2) This course covers the literary and historical integrity of the OT401 HEBREW II (1) book of Job in the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament, Continuation of grammar and vocabulary study. Prereq., and how the summary of its theme and purpose are reflected OT400 or placement by examination. Winter term. Staff. in the Epistle of James. The several phases of the story which this book unfolds, the distinctiveness of each and its OT402 HEBREW III (4) relationship to what has preceded it, together with the roles Reading of Hebrew prose, study of syntax, introduction of those referred to in the book—namely God, Satan, and
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS to textual criticism. Prereq., OT401 or placement by Job, his friends, and Elihu—will then be examined. Mr. H. examination. Spring semester. Staff. Jones.
OT403 HEBREW IV (2) OT530 INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION (2) Reading of Hebrew prose and introduction to lexical Sound principles and practices for interpreting the Scriptures semantics. Prereq., OT402 or placement by examination. in English translation. Fall semester. Mr. Estelle. Fall semester. Staff. OT601 HISTORICAL BOOKS (3) OT501 Old Testament HERMENEUTICAL FOUNDATIONS (4) Special introduction to the historical books of the Old A biblical-theological analysis of God’s covenantal Testament and to the historical, literary, and theological administration of his kingdom during the period covered character of Hebrew narrative; exegesis of selected by the Pentateuch, in its canonical context. Study of the passages; development of a biblical theological approach to emergence and formation of the Old Testament canon. this literature. Prereqs., OT403 and OT520. Spring semester. Survey of the higher criticism of the Pentateuch books in Mr. Van Ee. addition to several other topics. Spring semester. Mr. Estelle. OT605 EXODUS MOTIF IN SCRIPTURE (2) OT520 ENGLISH BIBLE SURVEY (2) This course traces the use of the prevalent Exodus motif An introductory overview of the content of the Scriptures throughout Scripture and explores the interpretive and in English translation, especially for students desiring to canonical significance of the unfolding drama of redemptive increase their knowledge of the chronology of redemptive revelation. Combining readings in the Hebrew Old Testament history and the structure and contents of the Old Testament and Greek New Testament with insights from Biblical and New Testament writings. Spring semester. Mr. Keele. Theology (i.e., older and more recent authors), the course aims to illustrate a methodology for dealing with prominent OT521 PREACHING CHRIST FROM THE BOOK OF JUDGES (1) motifs in the Bible and will interact with recent theories of Exegesis of the Book of Judges in its canonical context with intertextuality and theories of allusion. Prereqs., OT402 and a view towards preaching in the local church context. Mr. NT403 or equivalent. Mr. Estelle. Duguid. OT630 INTRODUCTION TO ARAMAIC AND THE BOOK OF OT523 WORSHIP IN THE OLD TESTAMENT (1) DANIEL (2) An overview of the sacred places, people, offerings, and Introduction to the Aramaic language, both biblical Aramaic festivals of the Old Testament. This course traces the and extra-biblical Aramaic are discussed. An exegetical and redemptive historical development of forms of worship from biblical-theological approach to the text of Daniel with special the Garden of Eden to the exilic period and beyond. The focus focus on the Aramaic stories in Daniel 2-7. Prereq., OT 402. will be exegetical, interacting with the biblical materials rather Mr. Estelle. 34 OT701 PSALMS AND WISDOM BOOKS (3) NT403 GREEK IV (2) Special introduction to the poetical books of the Old This course presumes the work of Greek III. It includes Testament and to the nature of Hebrew poetry. This mastery of morphology, vocabulary, advanced syntax, and course examines the wisdom literature (Proverbs, Job, and Greek exegetical skills through reading of selected passages Ecclesiastes) with particular attention to the contribution in the Greek New Testament. Prereq., NT402 or placement of wisdom in its canonical context. Genre and contextual by examination. Spring semester. Staff. analysis of the Psalms, exegesis of selected passages, and development of a biblical-theological approach to this NT501 NEW TESTAMENT INTERPRETATION (4) literature are also addressed. Prereqs., OT403 and OT520. This course offers a general introduction and hermeneutics Fall semester. Mr. Estelle. including: the New Testament books as canon; historical, cultural, and religious background; the language and OT702 PROPHETICAL BOOKS (3) translation of the New Testament; textual criticism; This course covers the nature and history of the prophetic development of expertise in the principles and practice of institution in Israel. It offers an introduction and exegesis of New Testament exegesis. Prereq. or co-requisite, PT400 selected passages, with special attention to the messianic (unless waiver is granted), NT403 or equivalent. Spring theme and eschatological patterns. Prereqs., OT403, semester. Mr. Joel Kim. OT501, and OT520. Spring semester. Mr. Estelle.
NT515 PHILIPPIANS (2) COURSE DESCRIPTIONS OT780 HEBREW READINGS IN AMOS (2) Introduction to and interpretation of Paul’s epistle to the A continuation of the study of the phonology, morphology, church at Philippi. Issues of historical context, occasion, syntax and script of classical biblical Hebrew through a close and purpose will be addressed prior to explorations in reading of the book of Amos. Prereqs., OT403, OT501, and the interpretation of the epistle and consideration of its OT520. Mr. Estelle. major theological themes, particularly in Christology and soteriology. Mr. Johnson. NEW TESTAMENT NT517 COVENANT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT (2) NEW TESTAMENT NT400 GREEK I (4) This course explores the New Testament foundations of Intensive instruction in New Testament Greek with emphasis covenant theology. After a brief survey of the Old Testament upon morphology and vocabulary. Summer term and Winter/ teaching on the various divine covenants, the New Testament Spring. Staff. passages which deal explicitly and implicitly with covenant are examined, with special focus on the new covenant. NT401 GREEK II (3) Selected reading in classic covenant theology. Some class This course presumes the work of Greek I or equivalent discussion on varieties of covenant theology found today, as knowledge of Greek morphology and vocabulary determined well as related current issues. Mr. Baugh. by placement examination. It introduces intermediate syntax and builds vocabulary, while reviewing the morphology NT524 PAUL THROUGH THE CENTURIES (2) learned in Greek I; it also covers 1 John 1-4 as example This course focuses on the biblical interpreters whose work passages for understanding Greek syntax for the purpose of provoked significant developments in interpreting the Epistle New Testament exegesis. Prereq., NT400 or placement by to the Romans. Discussions center on the history of biblical examination. Fall semester. Staff. interpretation, theory and practice of interpreting Paul, and the theology of Paul. Mr. Joel Kim. NT402 GREEK III (1) This course presumes the work of Greek II and continues NT601 GOSPELS AND ACTS (4) instruction begun in Greek II. It includes further introduction A critical survey of the history of the criticism of the Gospels; to Greek syntax, surveys lexical semantics and the practice questions of special introduction; the life and ministry of of Greek word study procedures, and covers 1 John 5. Jesus; the particular theological perspective of each Gospel; Prereq., NT401 or placement by examination. Winter term. survey of Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God; the origin Staff. and expansion of the New Testament church in the book of Acts and the theology of Luke-Acts; all leading to developing expertise in interpreting the Gospels and Acts. Prereqs., NT403, NT501, and OT520. Fall semester. Mr. Baugh.
35 NT602 PAULINE EPISTLES (3) the 16th century, against the background of the medieval This course addresses questions of special introduction church (doctrinal controversies, growth of papal power, centering on Paul and his writings; the theology of Paul, monasticism, scholasticism, mysticism). Specifically, it current issues in Pauline scholarship, and particularly addresses: the Reformation’s impact on theology, worship, Paul’s unique contribution to the revelation of God’s piety, and society; generally, the consolidation of Protestant redemptive plan through example exegesis of Pauline orthodoxy, the challenge of pietism and rationalism, the texts. Prereqs., NT403, NT501, and OT520. Spring evangelical revival, and contemporary trends. Spring semester. Mr. Joel Kim. semester. Mr. Clark.
NT685 GREEK READINGS (1) CH545 THE HISTORY OF THE DUTCH REFORMATION (2) This course will assist students to advance in their A study of the Dutch Reformation from 1520 to 1648 with knowledge and facility in Greek by reading biblical or particular attention to the theology and organization of the patristic texts. Topic varies each term the course is early Reformed church, church-state relations, the rise of offered. The course will be conducted as a seminar Arminianism, and the Synod of Dort. Mr. Godfrey. where students will prepare and read a passage each week. Staff. CH601 THE ANCIENT CHURCH (2) A study of the developing theology, ecclesiology, piety,
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS NT701 GENERAL EPISTLES AND REVELATION (2) and worship of the Christian church from the close of the This course addresses questions of special introduction apostolic age to 600 A.D. Special attention is given to and exegesis of selected passages with a view to primary sources. Fall semester. Mr. Clark. establishing the structure and distinctive themes of these books. Special attention is given to Hebrews and CH602 THE MEDIEVAL CHURCH AND THE REFORMATION Revelation. Prereqs., NT403, NT501, and OT520. Fall (4) semester. Mr. Baugh. A survey of church history from 600 A.D. to 1600 A.D. The first half of the course examines medieval developments: THEOLOGICAL STUDIES doctrinal controversies, the growth of papal power, monasticism, scholasticism, mysticism, and forerunners CHURCH HISTORY of the Reformation. The second half addresses the Reformation, examining its impact on theology, worship, CH522 REFORMED SPIRITUALITY (1) and piety as well as its general effect on society. Spring An examination of the historical development of Reformed semester. Mr. Clark. piety and the resources of that development for the life of the church and individual Christians today. Mr. Hart. CH625 THE HISTORY OF EVANGELICALISM IN THE UNITED STATES (1) CH525 THE THEOLOGY OF MARTIN LUTHER (2) An examination of characteristic evangelical thought and An analysis of the development and nature of the theology practice since the revival of the eighteenth century. Special of Martin Luther through a study of original sources and attention is given to twentieth-century developments: recent Luther historiography. Mr. Godfrey. fundamentalism, neo-evangelicalism, and the religious right. Mr. Hart. CH527 ECCLESIASTICAL LATIN I (2) An introduction to Ecclesiastical Latin using grammar CH635 THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN PRESBYTERIANISM (1) and primary readings. The readings are chosen from A survey of Presbyterian bodies in America from colonial patristic and biblical sources. Fall semester. Mr. Clark. to modern times. Special attention is given to major personalities and theological developments that have CH528 ECCLESIASTICAL LATIN II (2) shaped contemporary Presbyterianism. Mr. Hart. A continuation of grammar from Ecclesiastical Latin I. Readings are chosen from medieval and Reformation CH653 GREAT PREACHING AND PREACHERS: A HISTORY sources. Prereq., CH527. Spring semester. Mr. Clark. OF HOMILETICS (2) A general survey of the history of preaching and preachers CH530 REFORMATION AND THE MODERN CHURCH (2) in the Christian church from apostolic times to the present. The course examines the Protestant Reformation of Along with sermonic and biographical analysis, special
36 attention is given to the Old Testament background and HT516 THEOLOGY OF THE SACRAMENTS (2) gospel foundation for the preaching task. Cross-listed as A survey of the controversies over baptism and the Lord’s PT540. Mr. Julius Kim. Supper from patristic to modern times. Mr. Fesko.
CH654 MACHEN AND MODERNISM (1) HT565 COVENANT THEOLOGY (2) An examination of Machen’s critique of Protestant An introduction to Reformed federal or covenant theology. liberalism with attention to its continued relevance. This The course surveys the historical-theological development course will focus on Machen’s work as a biblical scholar, of covenant theology, the exegetical foundations and his involvement in the fundamentalist controversy, and systematic-theological consequences of the biblical theology his efforts to reform the Presbyterian Church. Several of of the covenants of redemption, works, and grace. Cross- Machen’s most important works will be read. Some attention listed as ST565. Mr. Clark. will also be given to the relationships among confessional Presbyterianism, mainstream Protestantism, and American HT602 PATRISTICS SEMINAR (2) evangelicalism. Mr. Hart. Readings in and analysis of the patristic (100-500 A.D.) theology. Fall semester. Mr. Clark. CH685 RELIGION AND AMERICAN POLITICS (1) An overview of the themes that have dominated the HT606 MEDIEVAL THEOLOGY SEMINAR (2)
interaction of religion and politics from the Declaration of An introduction to the development of doctrine in the COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Independence to Faith-Based Initiatives. The course includes Western church in the early, high, and late medieval periods. lectures and discussion of primary sources. Special attention This course considers several theologians in their contexts. is given to religious freedom, law, legitimate authority, public Prereq., CH 602. Winter term. Mr. Clark. standards of morality, and the duties of Christian citizens. Mr. Hart. HT610 UNION WITH CHRIST (2) An historical survey and critical interaction with Reformation, CH701 THE CHURCH IN THE MODERN AGE (4) post-Reformation, Lutheran, and contemporary formulations A study of prominent movements in the church from 1600 of the doctrine of union with Christ. Topics to be covered A.D. to the present. The course focuses on the consolidation include: the priority of justification, the duplex gratia, of Protestant orthodoxy, the challenge of pietism and causality (metaphysics) and soteriology. Cross-listed as rationalism, the evangelical revival, the impact of revolution ST610. Mr. Fesko. and liberalism, and the rise of Pentecostalism. Prereq., CH602. Fall semester. Mr. Glomsrud and Mr. Godfrey. HT611 REFORMED SCHOLASTICISM (2) A study of the theology of the early, high, and late orthodox HISTORICAL THEOLOGY Reformed theologians from 1561 to 1790. Mr. Clark.
HT501 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORICAL THEOLOGY (1) HT615 REFORMED CONFESSIONS & CATECHISMS (2) An introduction to the methods, skills, and questions of A survey of the theology of the Belgic Confession, the Historical Theology. The course considers major trends Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dort, and the in the study of history as well as how to relate historical Westminster Standards. Attention will focus on the Belgic analysis to theological analysis. Fall semester. Mr. Glomsrud. Confession or the Westminster Confession in alternate years. Cross-listed as ST615. Mr. Fesko. HT502 THE THEOLOGY OF THOMAS AQUINAS (2) A study of the nature, sources, and contours of the theology HT620 THE THEOLOGY OF FRIEDRICH of Thomas Aquinas. Special attention is given to the SCHLEIERMACHER (2) development of his theology in the First Part and Second A introductory reading seminar on the life and thought Part of his Summa Theologiae. Mr. VanDrunen. of Friedrich Schleiermacher, the so-called “Father” of nineteenth-century Protestant liberalism. Students will HT510 CALVIN AND HIS INSTITUTES (2) engage primary source readings from early and late periods, An introduction to the theology of John Calvin (1509-1564) including the Speeches on Religion, Christmas dialogues, through a detailed historical and theological analysis of his and the monumental Christian Faith, along with relevant Institutes of the Christian Religion (1559). Mr. Horton. secondary source scholarship. Winter term. Mr. Glomsrud.
37 HT637 TRINITY AND INCARNATION IN MODERN HT704 MODERN THEOLOGY I SEMINAR: THE NINETEENTH THEOLOGY (1) CENTURY (2) The seminar will consider carefully selected passages of A seminar-format course examining the key thinkers and Karl Barth’s Church Dogmatics as well as a series of more theologians of the nineteenth century, including Immanuel recent and controversial articles in systematic theology. The Kant, G.W.F. Hegel, Friedrich Schleiermacher, Søren reading material provides an opportunity to engage current Kierkegaard, D.F. Strauss, Friedrich Nietzsche, Albrecht discussions and debate involving the doctrines of the Trinity, Ritschl, Wilhelm Herrmann and Adolf von Harnack. Students Incarnation, and the divine decree of election while becoming work with primary texts and offer research presentations familiar with one of the twentieth century’s most important on significant aspects of nineteenth-century theology. Fall theologians. Mr. Glomsrud. semester. Mr. Glomsrud.
HT640 KIERKEGAARD ON FAITH, MODERN CULTURE, AND HT706 MODERN THEOLOGY II SEMINAR: THE TWENTIETH THE CHURCH (1) CENTURY (4) This seminar will read carefully selected passages from An introduction to the development of theology and critical the writings of Søren Kierkegaard, the nineteenth-century thought in the twentieth century. Representative primary Danish philosopher and religious thinker, as well as more source readings may include Ernst Troeltsch, Karl Barth, recent articles from a variety of popular, lay, and academic Rudolf Bultmann, Paul Tillich, Karl Rahner, Jürgen Moltmann,
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS journals. The goal will be to promote open and free-ranging Wolfhart Pannenberg, Gordon Kaufman, John Cobb, Gustavo class discussion of a number of relevant questions about Gutierrez, Leonardo Boff, James Cone, Delores Williams, Christian apologetics, the possibility of an informed critique Elizabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, Cornel West, John Milbank and of culture, what in fact constitutes “culture” and goes into Robert W. Jenson. Spring semester. Mr. Glomsrud. culture formation, the possibility of a theological critique of modernity and postmodernity, and finally Kierkegaard’s HT709 THESIS PROPOSAL (2) attack on the liberal Protestant church. Kierkegaard is as Designed for students enrolled in the M.A. Historical Theology timely and important a thinker as ever, and a grasp of some emphasis, HT709 may be undertaken only after all the core of the main themes of his fascinating authorship will serve courses for the degree have been completed (except AP601 as a useful introduction to modern theology, philosophy, and The Modern Mind). This course entails preparation for the apologetics. Winter term. Mr. Glomsrud. completion of a thesis in the spring semester. The thesis proposal will be developed in consultation with faculty in the HT693 PATRISTIC EXEGESIS (1) department of Theological Studies and will include a brief What did ancient Christian writers say about the science statement of topic, the state of the question, the proposed of interpretation? Is anything they wrote still worth reading? argument, research methods, and a bibliography of primary After a brief overview of the formation of the Christian and secondary sources. Staff. Bible, this seminar will explore the hermeneutical vision and resultant scriptural theologies of influential patristic HT710 THESIS (4) theologians such as Origen of Alexandria, Augustine of Designed for students enrolled in the M.A. Historical Hippo, and representative Antiochenes. Prereq., CH601 or Theology emphasis. The thesis is intended to allow the permission of the seminar leader. Staff. student to research, in consultation with a faculty advisor, a particular topic and thereby demonstrate an understanding HT700 REFORMATION SEMINAR (2) of the methods and skills necessary to historical theology. Reading in and analysis of the theology and method of The project must conform to the standards published by the Reformation theologians. Prereqs., HT602 and HT606 department of Theological Studies. Prereq., HT709. Staff. Spring semester. Mr. Clark. SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY HT702 Early Modern Theology Seminar (2) Readings in and analysis of the theology and method of the ST501 THE CHRISTIAN MIND (4) Puritans, the late confessional age (1600-1750) such as Summary of the biblical world and life view; the Word of Chemnitz, Perkins, Arminius, Voetius, Ames, Turretin, Owen, God, revelation, and inspiration; “knowing” and “thinking” and Edwards, as well as Pietism and theological Rationalism. as responses to God’s Word; the radical difference between Prereqs., HT602, HT606, and HT700. Mr Glomsrud. Christian and non-Christian thinking; nature and methods of theology and apologetics; procedures for dealing with
38 difficulties in the Christian faith. Taught in conjunction with ST580 PUTTING AMAZING BACK INTO GRACE: AN PT502 Theological Bibliography, which must be taken INTRODUCTION TO REFORMED THEOLOGY (2) concurrently. Fall semester. Mr. Horton. This course offers a basic tour of the key distinctives of Reformed theology for those who have had little or no ST520 GOD, MAN, AND CHRIST (2) exposure to it or for those who are looking for a refresher This course addresses the divine attributes; the Trinity; the course on the faith that they already hold dear. Mr. Horton. divine decrees; creation and providence; the constitutive elements of man; the image of God and the covenant of ST602 DOCTRINE OF CHRIST (3) works; the fall into sin and its effects; the person of Christ This course explores the plan of salvation; sovereign election; the redeemer. Mr. Fesko. covenant of redemption and covenant of grace; person and offices of Christ; the source, necessity, nature, and extent ST525 REDEMPTION ACCOMPLISHED AND APPLIED (2) of the atonement; the resurrection and ascension. Prereqs., This course examines Christ’s accomplishment of OT402 and NT402. Spring semester. Mr. VanDrunen. redemption through his obedience, suffering, atoning death, resurrection, and ascension; the Holy Spirit’s application ST604 DOCTRINE OF GOD (2) of redemption through calling, the new birth, justification, This course surveys the biblical doctrine of the Trinity, the adoption, and sanctification through the means of grace attributes, decree, existence and providence of God in
(Word and sacraments), Christ’s return, the last judgment, dialogue with the Reformed tradition, the catholic creeds, COURSE DESCRIPTIONS and the new heavens and earth. Fall semester. Mr. and contemporary theology. Prereqs., OT402, OT520, and VanDrunen. NT402. Fall semester. Mr. Horton.
ST532 JUSTIFICATION (2) ST605 DOCTRINE OF MAN (2) The biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone is explored This course explores the doctrine of the origin, nature, and in theological and historical contexts, focusing on the original state of man; image of God; covenant of works; the controversy that led to the Protestant Reformation. The fall; doctrine of sin; free agency. Prereqs., OT402, OT520, Reformed doctrine of sola fide is analyzed and compared and NT402. Fall semester. Mr. VanDrunen. with the Roman Catholic view. Mr. Fesko.
ST539 A SURVEY OF REFORMED THEOLOGY (2) This course surveys the Reformed contributions to prolegomena (introduction to theology), theology proper (doctrine of God), theological anthropology (doctrine of man), Christology (doctrine of Christ), soteriology (doctrine of salvation), ecclesiology (doctrine of the church), and eschatology (doctrine of last things). Mr. Clark.
ST565 COVENANT THEOLOGY (2) An introduction to Reformed federal or covenant theology. The course surveys the historical-theological development of covenant theology, the exegetical foundations, and systematic-theological consequences of the biblical theology of the covenants of redemption, works, and grace. Cross- listed as HT565. Mr. Clark.
ST567 THE THEOLOGY OF B. B. WARFIELD (1) An introduction to the theology of B. B. Warfield. This course focuses on Warfield’s vast efforts in the disciplines of apologetics, systematic theology, church history, and eschatology. Staff.
39 ST610 UNION WITH CHRIST (2) of God, community of Christ, and fellowship of the Spirit. An historical survey and critical interaction with Reformation, In addition, the course addresses attributes of the church; post-Reformation, Lutheran, and contemporary formulations marks of a true church; biblical worship; ecclesiastical of the doctrine of union with Christ. Topics to be covered office and government; the relationship of the church to the include: the priority of justification, the duplex gratia, kingdom of God, to its cultural contexts, and to parachurch causality (metaphysics) and soteriology. Cross-listed as organizations. Prereqs., OT402 and NT402. Spring HT610. Mr. Fesko. semester. Mr. Horton.
ST615 REFORMED CONFESSIONS & CATECHISMS (2) APOLOGETICS A survey of the theology of the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dort, and the In addition to the courses listed below, ST501 THE Westminster Standards. Attention focuses on the Belgic CHRISTIAN MIND, required in all degree programs, lays Confession or the Westminster Confession in alternate biblical, theological, and methodological foundations for years. Cross-listed as HT615. Mr. Fesko. apologetics as the intellectual defense of the Christian faith, addressing such issues as the biblical world and ST630 ISSUES IN BIOETHICS (2) life view, “knowing” and “thinking” as responses to God’s A study of various Christian and non-Christian approaches Word, the radical difference between Christian and non-
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS to bioethics, of the theological doctrines and virtues Christian thinking, the nature and methods of theology and foundational to bioethics, and of particular problems such apologetics, and procedures for dealing with difficulties in as fertility and infertility, protection of the embryo, care of the Christian faith. the body, dying well, and end-of-life care. Mr. VanDrunen. AP512 UNDERSTANDING PAGANISM FOR CHRISTIAN ST640 THEOLOGY OF BAPTISM (2) RENEWAL (1) A constructive survey of the doctrine of baptism covering This course identifies much of contemporary spirituality as a brief overview of the history of the doctrine, a biblical a sign of the rise of neo-paganism, which it examines both theology of baptism, baptism as a means of grace, in the light of ancient paganism and in its contemporary sacrament, baptism proper, recipients, and its relationship expressions—spirituality, sexuality, cosmology, and to ecclesiology (esp. as it relates to accepting Roman eschatology. This is in order to speak the gospel from a Catholic baptisms). Mr. Fesko. fresh understanding of the goodness of the good news, specifically from the knowledge of Scripture’s profound ST701 DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (4) antithetical critique of paganism, whether ancient or modern. This course explores the means of grace; baptism and the Cross-listed as PT512. Mr. P. Jones. Lord’s Supper; ordo salutis and union with Christ; calling; regeneration; faith and assurance of salvation; justification; AP560 IMAGES OF RELIGION IN MODERN LITERATURE (2) adoption; sanctification; perseverance; glorification; the Great literature offers profound insights into the ideas and coming of Christ and the end of the age. Prereqs., OT402 values of a culture. Through the novels of authors such as and NT402. Fall semester. Mr. VanDrunen. Sinclair Lewis, Aldous Huxley, Evelyn Waugh, Eudora Welty, John Updike, E. M. Forster, and Toni Morrison, modern ST702 THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (3) attitudes to God and religion will be explored. The course This course explores the nature of the study of ethics; focuses on reading and discussing one or two novels per Christianity, culture, and the distinctiveness of the Christian week. Mr. Godfrey. life; the motive and goal of the Christian life; the law of God as standard of the Christian life; exposition of the AP601 THE MODERN MIND (3) Decalogue. Prereqs., OT402 and NT402. Spring semester. This course explores the dominant perspectives, individuals, Mr. VanDrunen. theologies, ideologies, and cultural transformations that have contributed to the current religious landscape and ST703 DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH AND ITS POLITY (3) context for outreach. With special focus on the implications This course offers a biblical-theological and systematic- for ministry and outreach, this course provides greater theological study of the church, with attention to familiarity with current trends in both the academy and ecclesiological issues in the history of the church and the popular culture. Prereq., ST501. Spring semester. Mr. contemporary situation. It explores the church as the people Glomsrud and Mr. Horton.
40 PRACTICAL THEOLOGY PT504 PRACTICUM: SERMON PREPARATION AND DELIVERY (1) PT400 GRADUATE THEOLOGICAL WRITING (1) Instruction and practice in the method of sermon preparation This course enables students to develop the abilities to (including prayer, biblical exegesis, structure and outlining, write graduate level theological research papers and essays illustration, application) and delivery. Prereqs., PT410 and and includes such skills as the development of ideas, PT500. Co-requisites, NT403 and NT501. This homiletics organization, structure, and flow of thought; interpretation practicum meets two hours weekly. Spring semester. Mr. and correct use of source materials (including quotation, Julius Kim. paraphrase, citation, and bibliographic form); paragraph, sentence style, syntax, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; PT505 INTRODUCTION TO PASTORAL COUNSELING (2) and other abilities essential to clear and persuasive written An introduction to the pastor’s unique role as a counselor of communication in theological studies. The course is a God’s Word. This course covers a brief history of pastoral prerequisite or co-requisite of ST501 The Christian Mind, counseling, the necessity of equipping the laity of the PT500 Ministry of the Word in Worship, CH602 The Medieval local church for effective change, the dynamics of biblical Church and the Reformation, and NT501 New Testament change, issues concerning the relationship between body Interpretation, unless the student shows sufficient writing and soul, counseling methodology, and the application of background to warrant a waiver of PT400. The course biblical and theological truth to people’s common problems
meets one hour per week. Credit/no credit grading is in living, such as guilt, fear/worry, anger, depression, and COURSE DESCRIPTIONS employed. Fall and spring semesters. Mr. Bales. habitual sin. Winter term. Mr. Poirier.
PT410 PRACTICUM: ORAL COMMUNICATION (1) PT506 MARRIAGE & FAMILY COUNSELING (1) A preparatory course in public speaking in the context of An overview of the pastor’s role as a counselor of God’s Christians’ ministries of instruction and encouragement to Word in marriage and families. This course will provide one another and their witness to the world. This course is the biblical foundation and understanding of marriage required of all Master of Divinity students unless they obtain and family as well as introduce a methodology for Christ- a waiver by presenting a 3-5 minute speech of acceptable centered counseling of singles, couples and families. Topics quality. Open to students in all master’s programs, this covered include common marriage “flashpoint” case studies course fulfills the speech course prerequisite for PT504, (communication, sex, in-laws), pre-marital counseling, and PT603, PT604, PT704, and PT708. Credit/no credit issues of divorce and remarriage. Spring semester. Mr. grading is employed. Fall semester. Mr. Julius Kim. Barrie.
PT500 MINISTRY OF THE WORD IN WORSHIP (3) PT511 MINISTRY OF WITNESS IN THE WORLD (4) This course addresses the biblical theology of pastoral An introduction to the theology and practice of the ministry as the ministry of the Word of God, with a focus communication of the gospel to unconverted persons, both on preaching in the context of the church’s public worship: within our own cultural contexts and among diverse people Christ-centered preaching that relates texts to their context groups— ethnic, linguistic, economic, etc.—throughout the in the history of redemption; the preacher’s growth in world. Winter term. Mr. Julius Kim. grace and gifts for ministry (including introduction of the M.Div. Field Education Program); the contribution of the PT512 UNDERSTANDING PAGANISM FOR CHRISTIAN pastor’s understanding of his hearers to his preaching’s RENEWAL (1) effectiveness; and the theology of worship and leadership in This course identifies much of contemporary spirituality as worship. Fall semester. Mr. Johnson. a sign of the rise of neo-paganism, which it examines both in the light of ancient paganism and in its contemporary PT502 THEOLOGICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY (1) expressions—spirituality, sexuality, cosmology, and An introduction to tools for use in biblical and theological eschatology. This is in order to speak the gospel from a study including encyclopedias, monographs, periodicals, fresh understanding of the goodness of the good news, and bibliographical texts. Taught in conjunction with ST501 specifically from the knowledge of Scripture’s profound Christian Mind, with which PT502 must be taken concurrently. antithetical critique of paganism, whether ancient or modern. Course is taught in multimedia format, orienting students to Cross-listed as AP512. Mr. P. Jones. bibliographical and research tools. Credit/no credit grading is employed. Fall semester. Mr. Bales.
41 PT517 WITNESS IN CHINESE & CHINESE-AMERICAN CONTEXTS (1) This course covers the communication of the gospel of Christ and the growth of the church in context of China and the Chinese diaspora in Asia and North America; resistance and openness to the gospel; and the spread of the Reformed faith. Culture and leadership issues will be explored. Staff.
PT518 WITNESS TO SOUTH EAST ASIANS (1) In this course we explore the application of the biblical, theological, practical foundations gleaned from the Ministry of Witness course to cross-cultural missions to South East Asians. Winter term. Mr. Lloyd Kim.
PT525 VOCATION & CHURCH (2) This course covers the ministry of “general office” believers in the church; biblical and theological exploration of calling;
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS and clarification of God’s kingdom in family and society. Taught in conjunction with PT502 Theological Bibliography, which must be taken concurrently. Fall semester. Mr. Johnson.
PT540 GREAT PREACHING AND PREACHERS: A HISTORY OF HOMILETICS (2) A general survey of the history of preaching and preachers in the Christian church from apostolic times to the present. PT515 WITNESS TO THE COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY Along with sermonic and biographical analysis, special CAMPUS (1) attention will be given to the Old Testament background and This course surveys the theology and strategies of gospel foundation for the preaching task. Cross-listed as church-based discipling ministries—both evangelism and CH653. Mr. Julius Kim. edification—to undergraduate and graduate students; biblical and theological foundations of campus ministry; PT544 CHRISTIAN PRAYER (1) characteristics of young adults; meta-thinking, worldview, This course surveys how prayer is presented in the Old and and the challenges and opportunities to deepen and express New Testaments, corporately and individually, and reference Christian faith in the higher education context. It also covers is made to historical debates and doctrinal questions. Mr. ways to enfold young adults into the local congregation. H. Jones. Staff. PT600 MINISTRY OF DISCIPLESHIP IN THE CHURCH (2) PT516 MINISTRY IN THE KOREAN-AMERICAN CONTEXT (1) This course offers biblical theology of the spiritual nurture of The purpose of this course is to understand the context God’s covenant people, leading to their growing maturity in of Korean immigrants in North America and the historical faith and life. Principles and practices of Christian education process and formation of Christianity (with emphasis on from children through adults, including the training of Presbyterians) in Korea, with the resulting features distinct ordained leaders (elders, deacons) and other members for to Korean Christianity (and Korean Presbyterianism in diverse ministries in the Body of Christ are also covered. Fall particular). This course will also explore various models semester. Mr. Johnson. of ministry for Korean-Americans presented in the last few decades, marked by large migration of Koreans into North PT603 PRACTICUM: PREACHING NARRATIVE TEXTS (1) America, and evaluate them in light of Reformed ecclesiology This practicum provides lectures, readings, and experience and concern for contextualization. Staff. in the construction and delivery of historical-redemptive sermons based on biblical narratives. Narratives constitute a large portion of the Scriptures, but many students and
42 pastors find them to be among the most difficult to preach. PT643 WOMEN IN FAMILY, CHURCH, AND SOCIETY (2) Prereqs., OT501, NT403, NT501, PT500, and PT410. This course addresses hermeneutical, theological, and Corequisite, OT 403. This homiletics practicum meets two ministry-related issues pertaining to the identity and roles hours weekly. Fall semester. Mr. Julius Kim. of women. Lectures and readings lay a foundation for seminar discussion of such topics as (a) the exegesis and PT604 PRACTICUM: PREACHING DOCTRINAL/ETHICAL contemporary application of key biblical texts, (b) evaluation TEXTS (1) of the modern feminist movement’s influence on Western Instruction and practice in preaching biblical texts that culture and theological studies, and (c) ministries of and to contain doctrinal discourse and ethical instruction. Attention women in the context of biblical church order. Mr. Johnson. is given to law/gospel issues, the centrality and power of grace, and the necessity of pursuing holiness. Prereqs., PT646 CHURCH PLANTING (1) OT403, OT501, NT403, NT501, PT500, and PT410. This An introduction to, and an overview of, the key biblical homiletics practicum meets two hours weekly. Spring dynamics and important practical steps in planting a biblically semester. Mr. Johnson. healthy church. Includes the biblical basis for church planting, different strategies and models for planting churches, the PT626 MISSIONS TO MEXICANS ON THE MOVE (1) key marks of a church planter, the path of becoming a This course addresses how to present the living Savior to church planter, and the critical factors in becoming a church
neighbors to the south. Topics covered include a history of planting church, presbytery, or denomination. Winter term. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Tijuana, cultural and religious distinctives of the border city Mr. Powers. in particular, Mexico in general, and strategies for effective evangelism. Mr. Crum. PT702 PASTORAL MINISTRY SEMINAR (3) This course emphasizes the pastor’s heart and life, pastoral PT637 WITNESS TO THE JEWISH PEOPLE (1) care, and leadership through a study of the Pastoral Epistles. This course addresses how to share the Messiah with Jewish Prereqs., OT403 and NT403. Fall term. Mr. H. Jones. people. Topics include the history of Jewish missions, Jewish cultural and religious sensibilities, strategies for gospel PT704 PRACTICUM: PREACHING STYLE & AUDIENCE outreach to Jewish people, and apologetic and theological ANALYSIS (1) issues involved in this field. Staff. Instruction in the analysis of preaching rhetoric and congregational needs in the context of a pluralistic society. PT640 THE PASTOR AS PEACEMAKER (1) Prereqs., OT403, OT501, NT403, NT501, PT500, and This course sets forth both the theology and practice of PT410. This homiletics practicum meets two hours weekly. biblical peacemaking in the context of pastoral ministry. Fall semester. Mr. Johnson. Topics covered are: the distinctive calling of the pastor as a minister of reconciliation, common conflicts faced in pastoral PT707 SENIOR SEMINAR (2) ministry, the dynamics of the heart in conflict, confession This interdisciplinary “capstone” course enables graduating of sin, forgiveness, negotiation, mediation, principles and seniors to integrate information and skills acquired across practices of church discipline, with the goal to equip pastors the theological disciplines to address theological and to lay a foundation of biblical peacemaking principles in their ministerial issues in a seminar setting. Required of M.Div., local churches. Mr. Poirier. M.A.B.S. and M.A.T.S. students in their last spring semester before graduating. Spring semester. Mr. Estelle and Mr. PT642 WITNESS TO MUSLIMS (1) Johnson. A foundational course with an overview of the Islamic faith and life, comparing Islam with historic biblical and Reformed PT708 PRACTICUM: PREACHING AND Christianity. Different methodologies of communicating the CONGREGATIONAL LIFE (1) gospel of Christ to Muslims locally, nationally, and globally Instruction in the role of preaching in the maturation and are investigated carefully. A presuppositional approach mobilization of a congregation, including: planning sermon is emphasized. Students are encouraged to visit local series to address congregational needs and opportunities; mosques to interact with Muslims. Mr. Zaka. evangelistic preaching; preaching in times of crisis; interaction between preaching and pastoral care; seasonal and occasional preaching; planning other elements of worship to support the ministry of the Word; and practice in
43 preparing orders of worship and in preparing and delivering by WSC. Students will also need to purchase the required sermons that address situations that arise in the typical books and media. Students who have been admitted to WSC congregation. Prereqs., OT403, OT501, NT403, NT501, (except those admitted as Special Students) may register PT500, and PT410. This homiletics practicum meets two for I.T.S. courses prior to beginning their on-campus work if hours weekly. Spring semester. Mr. Bergsma. their cumulative undergraduate G.P.A. was 3.0 or above. A student interested in taking an I.T.S. course should consult PT709 VOCATION AND THEOLOGY (2) the Registrar. The following courses have been approved by In this concluding seminar, students apply insights gained the faculty. through the MACS program to issues entailed in living their callings from God in church, home, business/employment, ITS501 THE BOOK OF PSALMS (2) and society at large. Each student develops a significant An introduction to the Book of Psalms with an emphasis project that integrates research and reflection (and possibly on the principles of exegesis of hymnic literature and their implementation) for presentation and discussion in the application in selected portions. Special attention is given to seminar. Spring semester. Mr. Julius Kim. the various forms of the Psalms, their setting in the historical experience of Israel, and their application today. Prereq., PT973 CHRISTIAN SERVICE IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN (1) OT403. Mr. Bruce Waltke (Mr. Estelle). This course gives detailed attention to John 13-17 in the
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS larger context of all that John has to say about the mission ITS502 UNDERSTANDING THE OLD TESTAMENT (2) of Jesus on the one hand and that of his disciples on the A survey of the history of salvation in the Old Testament other. Mr. H. Jones. especially as it relates to the Kingdom of God. Prereq., OT403 completed or in process. Mr. Bruce Waltke (Mr. FIELD EDUCATION Estelle).
FE691 PASTORAL INTERNSHIP ITS503 THE BOOK OF PROVERBS (4) This internship requires seven hundred (700) hours of An exegetical study of the Book of Proverbs in both its supervised and evaluated ministry in a local congregation cultural and historical settings with attention to its critical and/or a summer intern program in a congregation or and hermeneutical problems. Prereq., OT403. Mr. Bruce missions program at a distance. Experience is required in a Waltke (Mr. Estelle). broad spectrum of pastoral experiences in keeping with an agreement worked out among the student, the congregation, ITS505 THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (2) and the Seminary. Insofar as possible, requirements for An expositional study of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew ordination are considered in tailoring the program. Credit/ 5-7 dealing with the history of the interpretation of the text no credit. All M.Div. students are required to enroll into this and the theological issues arising out of it. Emphasis is given internship during the spring semester of their first year. Mr. to the practical application of the Sermon. Prereq., NT403. Johnson. Mr. John Stott (Mr. Baugh).
INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES ITS510 THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS (2) Introduction to the context, content, major interpretive Westminster Seminary California is a member of the Institute issues, and theological contribution of the Epistle to the of Theological Studies, cooperating with other evangelical Hebrews. This course covers the superiority of Jesus as seminaries in offering lecture courses in recorded format. mediator of the covenant, the wilderness pilgrimage of the Each course must be taken under the supervision of a church as the people of God, and the usefulness of this resident faculty member. I.T.S. courses are a special epistle- sermon for the believers’ mutual encouragement and category of directed research. A form available from accountability. Prereqs., NT403 and NT501. Mr. Johnson. the Registrar must be completed, signed by professor and student, and submitted at the time of registration. A ITS602 REFORMATION CHURCH HISTORY (2) maximum of seven semester units of I.T.S. courses may be A study of the development of the theology, the piety, and applied as elective credit to the M.Div. and M.A. programs. the churches of the Reformation against the backdrop of the I.T.S. courses may not be used in lieu of required courses social, political, and intellectual character of the sixteenth except by special action of the faculty. The tuition charges century. Open only as an elective course, and only to for I.T.S. courses are the same as for other courses offered students in the M.A.B.S. program. Mr. Godfrey.
44 CHRISTIAN COUNSELING AND EDUCATIONAL seek to apply change in daily life. Prereq., PT505 or FOUNDATION DISTANCE EDUCATION PTC510. Mr. Welch.
Westminster Seminary California has entered into a PTC610 Counseling Problems and Procedures: partnership with the Christian Counseling and Educational Topics in Biblical Counseling (3) Foundation (CCEF) in Philadelphia, under which students may This course seeks to identify the essential features of biblical take some CCEF courses via distance education for elective counseling and the current counseling issues that are credit toward their WSC degree program requirements. The apparent in the church. Students are taught to appreciate teaching faculty for these courses have been appointed as Scripture’s depth as it addresses common problems such WSC adjunct faculty. For general information about CCEF as suffering, anger, and anxiety. Students are also taught to and the content of these courses, consult the CCEF website: move towards people with any type of struggle in a way that http://www.ccef.org/. For information regarding enrollment is helpful and Christ-centered. Topics include abuse, guilt in these courses, contact the seminary’s registrar. and legalism, fear, anger, bipolar, schizophrenia, anorexia and bulimia, and addictions. Prereq., PT505 or PTC510. PTC510 Dynamics of Biblical Change (3) Mr. Welch. Through a first-hand understanding of progressive sanctification, students learn to connect biblical truth to PTC710 Theology and Secular Psychology (3)
case study realities and life details. Topics covered include This course teaches students how to understand COURSE DESCRIPTIONS the nature of idolatry and faith; the relationship between psychologists’ observations, theories, and practices, motive and action; the way Christ’s past, present, and future and how to engage them critically, humbly, and lovingly. grace intersects with and affects how people live their daily Students are taught to reinterpret through a redemptive lives; and the interplay of suffering and other situational gaze the things psychologists see most clearly and care factors with a person’s actions and reactions. Mr. Powlison. about most deeply. The class will seek to understand where biblical counseling fits in our cultural context, both within the PTC520 Counseling in the Local Church (2) evangelical church and within the surrounding mental health This course shows you how to make everyday relationships system. Topics covered include the skills of reinterpretation more consciously biblical and helps you to apply biblical and redemptive interaction, historical overview of the counseling principles in many settings. It seeks to help you biblical counseling and the evangelical psychotherapy discern where you could serve as a biblical counselor. Its movements, the lay of the land in contemporary counseling; purpose is to build a thoroughly biblical understanding of the assessment of motivation theories and self-esteem local church as a ministering community where everyone theory; and primary source readings from a half dozen plays a part. Students are helped to find their place in representative psychologists, ranging from high culture to ministry within the context of the local church and to help self-help. Prereq., PT505 or PTC510. Mr. Powlison. others do the same. This class emphasizes the importance of both public and private ministry of the Word of God and how they interrelate. Topics include a biblical foundation for private ministry of the Word; the role of community and relationships in the process of sanctification; developing a practical ecclesiology; and developing an eye for ministry opportunities such as conflict resolution, evangelism, and church discipline. Prereq., PT505 or PTC510. Mr. Lane.
PTC530 Helping Relationships (2) This course seeks to help students develop a functional biblical counseling worldview. Students are taught to understand the importance of heart change as a methodological goal and to develop an understanding of the role of Scripture in biblical counseling. Topics covered include how to build a counseling relationship, how to gather and interpret data, how to function as an agent of repentance, and how to guide and assist others as they
45 Admissions
CONTACTING WESTMINSTER reimbursement must save their receipts, Fee and personal essay, submis- SEMINARY CALIFORNIA complete a Travel Reimbursement sion of all academic transcripts, Our admissions staff is prepared to assist Form (available through the Office of and acceptable academic and you in every possible way as you walk Admissions), and submit both form and ecclesiastical reference forms through the admissions process from receipts to the Office of Admissions • (International Students Only) Suf- first contact to final acceptance. If you by the first day of the student’s second ficient evidence of English language have any questions that are not answered semester. If approved, a tuition credit will proficiency evidenced by a mini- either in this catalogue or on our website, be applied to the student’s tuition account mum score on the Test of English we invite you to contact the Seminary’s during his or her second semester of as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as Office of Admissions by calling us toll free study. outlined below at (888) 480-8474 (8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. PST) or via email to admissions@wscal. Due to the financial burden that travel Application Procedure edu. costs may place on prospective students, The following steps are required to in some cases, WSC may provide a complete the Application for Admission CAMPUS VISITS portion of the travel assistance grant to for Westminster Seminary California’s Visiting our campus is the best way for students during their visit. Students who degree programs (M.A. or M.Div.) under prospective students to get acquainted are strongly considering attending WSC normal circumstances. In addition to the with Westminster Seminary California. and desire to visit but lack the financial information in this section, please review
ADMISSIONS A campus visit provides an excellent means to do so should contact the the additional requirements outlined in the opportunity to experience the quality Director of Enrollment Management for following sections, if they apply to you: education as well as the dynamic more information. community life that WSC offers. Typical • Transfer Credit Requirements visits include a campus tour, attending GENERAL ADMISSIONS • Graduates of Unaccredited classes and morning devotions, REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES Institutions meeting with admissions and financial • International Student Admissions aid representatives, and interacting with Applications for admission to Westminster • Special Student Program (M.Div. ap- faculty and current students. Campus Seminary California’s academic programs plicants without a B.A./B.S. degree) visits are scheduled Tuesday through are evaluated on the basis of the • Non-Degree Study Programs Friday during the academic year by applicant’s academic preparation and contacting the Office of Admissions. WSC potential for successful completion of 1. WSC Application for Admission also hosts special “Seminary for a Day” program requirements. Admission to and Essay visit opportunities during each academic WSC as a student generally requires the Complete the WSC Application for term. following: Admission and Essay. The application form may be obtained and submitted PROSPECTIVE STUDENT TRAVEL • The successful completion of a in the following ways: ASSISTANCE FUND Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) at Prospective students who schedule a an accredited institution of higher • Apply via our online application at visit to Westminster Seminary California learning. (See the information www.wscal.edu/admissions/apply. (including but not limited to “Seminary regarding the “Special Student • Download and print the application for a Day”) and later enroll as fulltime Program” or “Graduates of Unac- to complete and mail to the Office students (12 units or more per semester) credited Institutions” below for of Admissions. may request reimbursement for a portion exceptions to this requirement.) • Call the Office of Admissions toll of their travel expenses. Visitors who are • A minimum cumulative undergradu- free at (888) 480-8474 or e-mail California residents are eligible for up to ate GPA of 2.7 us at [email protected] to $300 and visitors from outside the state • Satisfactory completion of all ap- request an application package to of California are eligible for up to $500. plication requirements, including a complete and submit by mail. Students who wish to request travel signed application with Application 46 The application form and essay provide Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations Applicants to the Master’s programs helpful information for the Admissions (7th Edition) (Chicago University Press, at WSC are ordinarily required to hold Committee to evaluate each applicant 2007). a Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or the fairly. The Application for Admission educational equivalent from an accredited should be filled out in a complete and The purpose of the Ecclesiastical college or university. (For exceptions to accurate manner and must include the Reference is to evaluate an applicant’s this policy, see the information below applicant’s signature on the last page to spiritual fitness for seminary studies and regarding “Graduates of Unaccredited avoid delays in processing. information regarding ministerial calling. Institutions” and the “Special Student This form should be completed by a Program.”) Each application must include a non- pastor/elder from the church of which the refundable Application Fee of $30.00. applicant is a member in good standing. On a case-by-case basis the Admissions Online applicants will be asked to pay If a suitable person is not available at Committee may determine that an via Visa or MasterCard after they have the applicant’s church or an applicant applicant holds the educational equivalent submitted the application. Applications feels that it is preferable to have the of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited will not be processed without the reference completed by a pastor/elder institution if he or she fulfills all of the Application Fee. from a church of which the applicant is following criteria: not a member, an explanation must be 2. Academic and Ecclesiastical submitted to the Office of Admissions • Has completed at least 120 se- References with the completed reference form. mester hours (180 quarter hours) The Academic and Ecclesiastical of post-secondary course work in Reference Forms are available to 3. Official Transcripts accredited educational institutions, download on our website at www.wscal. Official transcripts (sealed) of all including courses providing a de-
edu/admissions or via mail by contacting academic work beyond high school must gree of mastery in such disciplines ADMISSIONS the Office of Admissions at (888) 480- be submitted as part of the completed as English composition and litera- 8474 or email to admissions@wscal. application package. This includes ture, history, philosophy, natural edu. a transcript from each college or sciences, social sciences, ancient undergraduate school at which academic and modern foreign languages, The purpose of the Academic credit was earned, whether the credit was and Bible; Reference is to evaluate an applicant’s transferred to another institution or not. • Has earned a Master’s or higher academic ability and the likelihood that An official college transcript is one that is degree from an accredited institu- the applicant can successfully meet received by WSC directly from the issuing tion; and Westminster Seminary California’s college or university or is transferred to • Has completed at least 36 semes- academic requirements. This form WSC by the applicant in a sealed envelope. ter hours of upper division and/ should be completed by a professor Each transcript must bear the college or graduate course work in a par- at the undergraduate or graduate level seal, current date, and an appropriate ticular discipline or set of related under whom the applicant completed signature. Transcripts received that do disciplines, providing depth and course work. In extraordinary cases, not meet these requirements will not be breadth of exposure to a specific with prior approval from the Office of considered official. subject area comparable to a bac- Admissions, an academic essay may calaureate “major.” be submitted in lieu of the Academic The Application for Admission will not be Reference if a suitable person cannot be processed until all academic transcripts While it is not possible to prescribe one found to complete the form. The essay are received. Admission may be granted pattern as normative for pre-seminary must be typed, 1,500-2,000 words in on a conditional basis if an applicant is in education, a degree of mastery in length (excluding footnotes), on a topic the process of completing the final year the following areas is recommended: of the applicant’s choosing. The essay of an undergraduate degree program. An English composition and literature, must be well-written with a clear thesis, official transcript showing the attainment history, philosophy, natural sciences, and must interact with at least three of a B.A./ B.S. degree or its academic social sciences, ancient classical and published sources (not including Internet equivalent must be submitted before the modern foreign languages, and English sources). Applicants are advised to student is allowed to enroll in courses at Bible. follow the academic format style found in WSC. Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of
47 Additional Evidences fee. While it is recommended that continue in the degree program. Typically the Admissions Committee will completed applications be submitted Admission on probation provides an grant or deny admission on the basis well in advance of the anticipated date opportunity for students who otherwise of the information identified above. In of enrollment, applications are accepted might not be admitted to the Seminary particular circumstances, however, the and processed through the first day of to demonstrate their ability to complete committee may request one or more each academic term designated in the graduate theological study. of the following items as evidence that Academic Catalogue. It is recommended an applicant is prepared for graduate that students who intend to apply for The following categories of students are theological study: financial aid complete the application admitted on probation: process by March 15 for the fall • Meeting with the Director of Enroll- semester and October 1 for the spring • Special students – Those admitted ment Management or Academic semester in order to receive priority under M.Div. “Special Student” sta- Dean for a personal interview consideration for scholarships and tus (see admission requirements • Submission of scores for the Grad- grants. for Special Students below) uate Record Examination (GRE). • Inadequate preparation – A review The applicant must take the GRE Notification of Admission Decision of transcripts of undergraduate or General Test and obtain scores Completed applications for admission graduate studies and/or academic at or above the 50th percentile in will be reviewed by the Admissions reference evaluations that raise the verbal and analytical writing Committee within one week of their concerns about the adequacy of sections (the quantitative section is completion. The Office of Admissions will the student’s preparation, abilities, not necessary). Applicants should notify the applicant of the committee’s and/or discipline to pursue gradu- request that the Educational Test- decision by phone or email as soon as it ate theological studies
ADMISSIONS ing Service send GRE test results is made, followed by an official letter by • Unaccredited institutions – directly to Westminster Seminary mail within two weeks of the admission Students holding a Bachelor’s California [school code: 4980]. date. degree from an unaccredited More information about the GRE is institution available at www.gre.org. Conditional Admission • Samples of undergraduate course Potential students who have not While on probation, a student may take work showing the quality of an completed their B.A./B.S. degree are a maximum of 20 semester hours of applicant’s previous academic work welcome to apply at any time during course work before further review. • An additional Academic or Ecclesi- their final year of undergraduate study. When a student has completed 15- astical Reference Applicants who are admitted prior to the 20 semester hours, the Admissions completion of their degree are admitted Committee will evaluate the student’s Completed application forms, on a “conditional” basis pending academic progress and make a references, and transcripts should be completion of their undergraduate decision as follows: 1) grant admission submitted to: Westminster Seminary degree and submission of a final to a degree program; or 2) grant California, Attn: Office of Admissions, transcript verifying that they have continuation of probation for an 1725 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido, received the degree. Under ordinary additional semester; or 3) dismiss the CA 92027. circumstances the final transcript must student from the Seminary. Normally be received before a student is allowed a minimum cumulative grade point ADMISSIONS POLICIES to enroll in classes at WSC. average of at least 2.0 in Seminary course work will be required for Admission Deadlines Admission on Academic Probation confirmation of admission. Since Applications for admission to Westminster Academic probation is a period of probation is viewed as a time to assist a Seminary California are accepted on a testing and proving one’s abilities. student in developing and demonstrating rolling basis for the following academic Students admitted to a WSC degree academic competency, admission on term. Newly admitted students who program on probation are granted a probation will not be recorded on his or register after July 1 for the summer specified period of initial evaluation, her permanent transcript. term/fall semester or December 15 for followed by a review of the student’s the winter term/spring semester may progress by the Admissions Committee Enrollment Deposit be charged a $50.00 late registration to evaluate the student’s ability to Westminster Seminary California
48 requires a $100 Enrollment Deposit as and by request through the Office of G22768, U.S. students only) by April 1 part of the enrollment process for all Admissions. Students who defer their (summer/fall applicants) or November students enrolling in a degree program. enrollment to WSC must reapply for 1 (winter/spring applicants). These Students returning from a leave of financial aid the following year. Students dates are recommended but not final for absence or other interruption of course who have been granted deferred financial aid consideration. Applications work are not required to submit a new enrollment and later choose not to enroll for financial aid will only be reviewed deposit unless they officially withdrew must notify the Office of Admissions for students who have been admitted. and the previous Enrollment Deposit of their decision and request a refund Please see the financial aid section of was refunded. Enrollment Deposits of their Enrollment Deposit by July 1 the catalogue for more details. should be submitted with the new of the following academic year, or the student’s registration, which is due by Enrollment Deposit will be forfeited. Student Orientation July 1 for new summer/ fall students Westminster Seminary California and by December 15 for winter/spring New Student Registration provides a New Student Orientation prior students. If the student is admitted after Registration materials are mailed to each academic term. It is normally this date, the Enrollment Deposit is in June (summer/fall students) and scheduled one day prior to the start due within two weeks of notification of November (winter/spring students) of the fall and spring semesters (see admission. to all newly admitted and deferred Academic Calendar). All new students students. Registration will only be enrolled in a Master of Arts or Master The Enrollment Deposit confirms a processed for those students who have of Divinity degree program are required student’s intent to enroll and verifies also submitted the $100.00 Enrollment to attend. The purpose of the orientation continued enrollment at the Seminary. Deposit. The registration deadlines is to introduce students to seminary It is also used to secure all accepted are July 1 (summer/ fall students) and life, the campus, theological education,
financial aid awards. If an Enrollment December 15 (winter/ spring students). seminary policies, and the resources of ADMISSIONS Deposit is not submitted by the (Late registrations will be accepted the surrounding community. new student registration due date, with a late fee of $50.00 until the first any financial aid awarded may be day of each semester as determined Veterans’ Benefits redistributed to other applicants. Once by the Academic Catalogue.) For more The following policies apply to students received, the Enrollment Deposit is held information regarding WSC registration receiving educational benefits from the by WSC until the student submits the policies, see the Academic Policies Department of Veterans Affairs (D.V.A.), Graduation Application near completion section. in compliance with that department’s of his or her degree. At that time, the policies: Enrollment Deposit will be applied to the New students may be eligible to test student’s Graduation Fee. If a student or place out of certain academic Westminster Seminary California is withdraws from WSC, this deposit can courses. See the Academic Policies required to initiate a review of transcripts be refunded provided that the student section of the catalogue for information of any Master’s level (M.Div., M.A.) completes the WSC Withdrawal Form, on waiving Greek and/or Hebrew, course work that a D.V.A. student pays outstanding balances, and requests Graduate Theological Writing, and Oral has completed at another theological the refund from the Business Office. Communication requirements. seminary in order to determine which and how many credits are transferable Deferred Enrollment Financial Aid as partially fulfilling WSC’s degree Upon approval by the Office of Westminster Seminary California has a requirements. All course work that is Admissions, an admitted student who wide range of financial aid opportunities transferable as equivalent to Westminster has paid the Enrollment Deposit may available to students enrolled in a Seminary California’s required or elective be granted deferred enrollment for degree program (M.A./M.Div.). Admitted courses will be transferred into the up to one additional academic year students planning to apply for financial student’s present Westminster Seminary beyond the academic term for which aid are encouraged to complete the California program. The Academic Dean the student was admitted without being WSC Application for Financial Aid or determines course equivalence on the required to reapply for admission. To WSC International Student Application basis of course descriptions, syllabi, request deferred enrollment, the student for Financial Aid (available through the prerequisites, and requirements, and in must complete the Deferred Enrollment Office of Admissions and online) and the consultation with the relevant instructors Request Form which is available online FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov, school code: of courses.
49 WSC is approved for the Department of accredited institution may transfer Master of Arts in Religion degree from Veterans Affairs educational benefits. For as equivalent to a required course an accredited theological seminary or information, contact the local Veterans or as elective credit in the student’s divinity school may be granted advanced Office or the WSC Registrar. program at WSC. The Academic Dean standing toward the Master of Divinity determines course equivalence on the degree. Students who receive advanced Request for ADA Accommodation basis of course descriptions, syllabi, standing at WSC must complete, over a The Academic Dean and Dean of Students prerequisites, and requirements, and in period of at least two academic years, work with students with disabilities who consultation with the relevant instructors at least 60 semester hours beyond request accommodation. The Dean of of courses. the M.A. or M.A.R. requirements. The Students provides orientation to campus 60 semester hours include all required resources and directs students to other Transfer credit may not be granted for M.Div. courses not previously taken potential resources for accommodation coursework at other institutions for and exclude any additional Greek or to the student’s disability. Physically courses in the WSC curriculum that Hebrew courses that must be taken to challenged students are encouraged require biblical languages (Greek and/or fulfill the WSC language requirements. to request accommodation as early as Hebrew) as prerequisites if the courses (See “Shared Credit between Degree possible in their planning process. taken at those institutions did not have Programs” in Academic Information and the biblical language prerequisites. Policies.) ADDITIONAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES At least 36 semester hours must be Transfer Credit from Unaccredited completed in a WSC degree program. Institutions ADMISSION AND TRANSFER CREDIT No transfer credit will be given for Greek Students admitted to an M.A. or M.Div. REQUIREMENTS or Hebrew language courses taken at program who seek transfer credit for
ADMISSIONS Students who intend to request transfer either the undergraduate or graduate graduate level studies completed at an credit from another graduate level level with the exception of students unaccredited institution must supply the institution must submit all regular who have taken Greek or Hebrew for following information for the evaluation required application items, including credit at Westminster Theological of each course for which transfer credit the following: Application for Admission, Seminary in Philadelphia. Language is requested: Application Fee, Ecclesiastical credits from WTS-Philadelphia may be Reference, Academic Reference, and transferred by submitting an official • A copy of the course syllabus, official transcripts from each post- transcript to the WSC Registrar’s Office stating the instructor’s name and secondary institution from which the documenting passing grades. Students the course requirements applicant has received credit. Once the who have taken Greek and/or Hebrew • At least one sample of course prospective transfer student has been language courses at other institutions work submitted in fulfillment of admitted to Westminster Seminary are encouraged to take the language course requirements. California, the Registrar will complete placement exams. a transcript evaluation to determine All decisions regarding transfer credit which courses will receive credit from No transfer credit will be given for work from unaccredited institutions are made WSC. If a transfer student desires a that has previously been used as a basis on a course-by-course basis. Acceptance preliminary transcript evaluation prior for the awarding of a Master’s or Doctoral of one course from an unaccredited to acceptance, the student may submit degree by another institution. Students institution for transfer credit carries no his or her official transcripts and request admitted to the Master of Divinity implication regarding the acceptance of for transcript evaluation to the Office of program may be granted “advanced other courses from that institution. Admissions. Transfer credit will not be standing” for course work for which they processed until the student has been have previously received a Master of Only courses in which a grade of B admitted. Arts degree in Biblical Studies, Historical (not B-) or above was received will be Theology, or Theological Studies, or a accepted for transfer credit. No more Transfer Credit Policies Master of Arts in Religion degree. See than 15 semester hours (23 quarter Westminster Seminary California may the Advanced Standing policy. hours) from an unaccredited institution grant graduate level credit for courses will be accepted for transfer credit in which a grade of C (not C-) or above Advanced Standing (M.Div. only) toward a student’s degree program at was received. Course work from an Students holding a Master of Arts or Westminster Seminary California.
50 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT or a score of at least 88 on the Internet- Writing during the fall semester of their ADMISSIONS based test with a minimum writing score first year and during each subsequent Westminster Seminary California is of 25. fall semester until the course is passed. authorized under Federal law to enroll non- The following chart summarizes the The course must be passed in order for immigrant alien students. Students of high minimum TOEFL requirements at the student to graduate from WSC. academic standing from foreign countries Westminster Seminary California for are encouraged to apply to Westminster each test format: F-1 Visa/I-20 (Certificate of Seminary California. Applicants should Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student note that, while some limited financial Test of English as a Foreign Status) assistance may be awarded by the Language (TOEFL) Requirements In order for the applicant to receive from Seminary toward tuition costs, complete Test Format Min. Score the Seminary the Certificate of Eligibility financial support (including living expenses) Internet 88 (Form I-20) necessary to obtain the F-1 is not granted to any student. International Computer 230 Visa for non-immigrant students, the students are encouraged to seek Paper 570 following conditions must be satisfied: additional means of support elsewhere. Writing (Internet) 25 All international applicants must seek and TWE (Computer/Paper) 4.5 • The applicant must be admitted show certified proof of additional financial as a full-time student to a Master’s means of support. It should be noted that Because the TOEFL exam is given only degree program. due to recent changes in the law regarding a limited number of times each year, • The applicant is required to sup- foreign students, prospective students the applicant should allow sufficient ply certification that they have are urged to start the application process time for the results to be included in the financial resources adequate to at least one year in advance of their admissions process. Applicants must provide for their expenses while
anticipated enrollment date. make their own testing arrangements in seminary without resorting to ADMISSIONS with Educational Testing Service (ETS) unauthorized employment. United In addition to the admission requirements at its website www.ets.org, via email to States law administered by the outlined above, international student [email protected], by calling TOEFL Services U.S. Citizenship and Immigration applicants must also meet the following at (609) 771-7100, or by writing to P.O. Services restricts the employment requirements to be admitted to a Master’s Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, of international students. Funds degree program (M.A. or M.Div.) at USA. Applicants should request that the may come from personal savings, Westminster Seminary California. results be sent directly to Westminster family, church or denomination, Seminary California [school code: sponsoring agencies or individu- English Language Proficiency 4980]. Please note that the student’s als, or some other dependable International applicants for whom English copy of the results cannot be used for source. If expenses will be paid is not their first language who have not admissions purposes. from personal or family savings, previously attained a degree within the the applicant must supply official United States at an accredited institution Graduate Theological Writing bank records demonstrating that are required to demonstrate sufficient (PT400) the account or accounts contain evidence of mastery of the English All non-native English speaking funds sufficient to cover expenses language for graduate study through the applicants who are admitted to WSC with for the entire degree program. If Test of English as a Foreign Language the minimum required score of 570 but expenses will be supplied by as- (TOEFL). less than 640 on the paper TOEFL test, sistance from family members or with the minimum required score of 4.5 other sponsors on a year-by-year The Test of English as a Foreign Language but less than 5.5 on the TWE, or with basis, the applicant must send is currently offered in three formats: paper, the minimum required score of 230 but certification from these sources computer, and Internet-based. Applicants less than 260 on the computer TOEFL that the sponsor (or sponsors) required to take the TOEFL must achieve test, or with the minimum required score have the resources to guarantee either a score of at least 570 on the of 88 but less than 112 on the Internet- the expenses for at least the first paper test and 4.5 on the Test of Written based TOEFL, or with the minimum year of study, and that the spon- English (TWE), or a score of at least 230 required score of 25 but less than 29 sor (or sponsors) are able and on the computer-based TOEFL with a 4.5 on the writing portion of the exam, must committed, barring unforeseen cir- minimum on the essay portion of the exam, register for PT400 Graduate Theological cumstances, to provide adequate
51 funding for the subsequent years institutions may lack accreditation by a SPECIAL STUDENT PROGRAM of the student’s degree program at recognized association and yet maintain (M.Div. Only) Westminster Seminary California. academic standards comparable to In extraordinary cases, a student • An applicant with dependents those found in accredited institutions. whose gifts for pastoral ministry must show, by statement from Since such institutions cannot offer have been strongly confirmed by the some responsible organization or reliable third-party evaluation and church but who has not completed an individual (including bank state- attestation to their academic standards, approved Bachelor’s degree program ments or tax returns), funds which Westminster Seminary California may apply for admission to the M.Div. are committed to and sufficient exercises caution in evaluating program as a Special Student. Because for the support and care of the applications and/or requests for the Seminary strongly believes that dependents at home while he or transfer credit from graduates of such an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree she is in the U.S., or sufficient institutions. Graduates of unaccredited program in the liberal arts and sciences funds for round-trip tickets and institutions are admitted under is the preferred preparation for graduate the entire support of the depen- probationary status. In order to evaluate theological study, only a limited number dents during their stay in the U.S. whether a degree from an unaccredited of Special Students may be admitted in if they are to accompany the institution meets the standards required any one year. To more clearly evaluate student. for admission, applicants must submit the Special Student application file, the following, in addition to general Westminster Seminary California has Please note that the regulations admission requirements: designated specific criteria regarding regarding the issuing of student visas the applicant’s academic history, may change at any time. It is the • A catalogue of the unaccredited ministry and employment experience, student’s responsibility to investigate institution granting the student’s and standardized examination results.
ADMISSIONS requirements through the local United degree States Consulate. International students • If the institution is in the United Education should also visit the U.S. Immigration States, a copy of the document The applicant must have completed website at www.uscis.gov for forms attesting authorization to grant at least 30 semester units (or and policies regarding coming to the degrees by the State Board of equivalent) of undergraduate study at United States as a foreign student. Education. Such authorization is an accredited or otherwise approved Once these conditions have been met, not equivalent to accreditation in college or university. Of these units, the Designated School Official (D.S.O.) the evaluation of adherence to at least 15 semester units must be in will issue the Certificate of Eligibility accepted academic standards, but humanities or liberal arts other than (I-20). Students who come to study it does show that the institution has Bible and theology (namely, English or on an I-20 must register and maintain offered evidence of its educational world literature, history, philosophy, full-time status of 12 or more units per purpose and financial responsibility ancient or modern foreign languages, semester. • A document which provides details etc.). To strengthen the application, the regarding the institutions from remaining course work should be in GRADUATES OF UNACCREDITED which the current faculty of the the above areas or in natural sciences, INSTITUTIONS institution received their graduate/ social sciences, and Bible/theology. Westminster Seminary California advanced degrees, and identify- The cumulative grade point average in has long recognized the value of ing which faculty members are undergraduate course work must be the accreditation process both as a full-time (if not clearly stated in the 3.0 or above. means of institutional self-evaluation catalogue) and self-improvement and as a means • A list of accredited institutions that Employment and Christian Service of external attestation of educational have admitted graduates of the The applicant must also have life quality to students, constituency, unaccredited institution and/or experience in employment and and other academic institutions. accepted its courses for transfer Christian service in a church or WSC also recognizes that for various credit parachurch organization. Four years reasons (recent founding of an • Two examples of assigned course of employment experience and of institution, location in a nation lacking work submitted to the institution experience in Christian service will be accreditation processes, reservations weighted as equivalent to one year about the accreditation process) certain (30 semester units) of undergraduate
52 study. The applicant must have a Ecclesiastical Reference may follow a simplified application total preparation package (combining Because a Special Student’s admission procedure to apply for the status of ministry/employment experience and constitutes an exception to normal Visiting Student. Each applicant must academic course work) equivalent to admissions criteria for the sake of submit a completed Visiting Student four years (120 semester units) of the church’s leadership needs and its Application Form, a non-refundable undergraduate study. Thus, Special confirmation of an individual’s gifts and Application Fee, TOEFL and TWE Student applicants must demonstrate maturity for ministry, special attention scores (if the applicant is not a native one of the following combinations of will be given to the evaluation offered English speaker), and an official academic and life experience: by a pastor or other church leader in transcript showing the completion of the Ecclesiastical Reference concerning a Bachelor’s degree program. • 30-59 semester units of academic the applicant’s Christian maturity, courses, plus 12 years employment experience in ministry, and potential for Visiting Students may enroll in any and 12 years Christian service/ future service in the church. class offered by WSC as long as they experience have met the prerequisites for the • 60-89 semester units of academic Additional Information class. If a Visiting Student applies and courses, plus 8 years employment Upon request by the Office ofis accepted into a degree program and 8 years Christian service/ Admissions, the applicant may be at a later date, credits earned as a experience required to demonstrate knowledge of Visiting Student will be applied to the • 90-119 semester units of aca- the liberal arts and an ability to pursue degree program. demic courses, plus 4 years em- graduate level study by submitting an ployment and 4 years Christian essay or research paper for evaluation Non-Matriculating Students service/experience by the Admissions Committee. Special Students enrolled in undergraduate
• Years of employment and Christian Students are admitted initially on or graduate programs at other ADMISSIONS service experience may be fulfilled probationary status. After completing, educational institutions may, without concurrently, but both categories with a cumulative grade point average application to and matriculation in must be fulfilled of at least 2.3, the courses specified in Westminster Seminary California, the standard M.Div. curriculum for the take courses at the Seminary for Graduate Record Examination (GRE) summer, fall, and winter terms of the transfer of credit to their current The applicant must take the GRE General first year, he shall receive confirmation degree programs. Prospective Non- Test and obtain scores at or above the of acceptance into the M.Div. degree Matriculating Students must submit a 50th percentile in the verbal and analytical program. Non-Matriculating Student Application, writing sections. Applicants should an official transcript from the institution request that the Educational Testing NON-DEGREE STUDY PROGRAMS in which the student is currently Service send GRE test results directly to Westminster Seminary California offers a enrolled, and written notification from Westminster Seminary California [school variety of study programs for students the Registrar at the institution in which code: 4980]. More information about the who do not intend to pursue a Master’s the student is currently enrolled that GRE is available at www.gre.org. degree. Students enrolled in the Visiting, each course to be taken at WSC Non-Matriculating, Certificate, and Audit is approved for credit toward their Narrative Essay Programs are required to observe all degree requirements to the Office of The Special Student applicant must also policies and procedures stated in the Admissions prior to the first day of submit a concise but thorough narrative Academic Catalogue with the exception class for the semester in which they essay that describes both the type and of those specifically pertaining to M.Div. wish to enroll. The Academic Dean duration of his Christian service/ministry or M.A. program requirements. Please makes a final determination as to experience, including dates, and specific note, students who are not enrolled in a whether a Non-Matriculating Student ministry activities (including biblical Master’s degree program are not eligible has sufficient academic background or theological study and teaching), for financial aid or veterans’ benefits. to enroll in a particular course. oversight, evaluation received, lessons learned, and the type and duration of Visiting Student Program Certificate Student Program employment experience, including dates, Students holding a Bachelor’s degree (M.A. only) responsibilities, oversight, and lessons from an approved institution who desire Westminster Seminary California’s learned. to take courses for credit at WSC certificate programs are designed
53 for those men or women for whom the to secure the permission of the Registrar, completion of a Bachelor’s degree is not complete the Audit Registration Form, feasible, who desire to develop personal and pay a non-refundable fee of one-half understanding of Scripture and theology, the regular tuition charge for each course and who anticipate pursuing no further audited. Minors (persons under 17 years academic study. The curricula for these old) are permitted to audit a course only certificate programs are identical to the when they have either graduated from high M.A. Biblical Studies, M.A. Theological school or passed the GED exam, or the Studies, and M.A. Historical Theology, instructor in charge has given permission. respectively. A limited number of WSC alumni, current full-time students and certificate students are admitted in any their spouses are eligible to audit courses one year. free of charge on space available basis.
Though WSC is not able to award Masters Audit privileges include regular class of Arts degrees to individuals who lack attendance, copies of all photocopied a Bachelor’s degree, a certificate with or printed material distributed free to the accompanying transcript will attest to class, and the opportunity to ask occasional the student’s completion of a unified questions in class. Normally auditors will course of studies in biblical, theological, not be permitted to participate in classroom or historical theology disciplines. exercises or recitations or to make seminar Certificate students take courses for presentations, nor will assignments or credit, pay regular fees, receive faculty examinations be reviewed or graded by
ADMISSIONS evaluation of course assignments and the instructor. Occasional visitors must examinations, and have a record of their seek permission of the instructor for each completion of certificate requirements class they wish to attend and will not maintained by the Registrar. “Credit/ have the privilege of participation in class No Credit” evaluation is used for discussion. Auditors and other members of certificate students and reported on the community have access to the library their transcripts. collection and on-site resources, and for a nominal fee they may apply for circulation The application requirements for the privileges. certificate program are similar to those for the Special Student application, and Evening Course Listener’s Pass the criteria are followed rigorously by the Program (Non-Credit) Admissions Committee (see the “Special As a service to the Christian community, Students” section above). Because WSC occasionally offers a Listener’s Pass an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree to select courses that enables an individual program in the liberal arts and sciences to attend for a reduced (non-refundable) is the preferred preparation for graduate audit fee. The Listener’s Pass is limited theological study, and because the lack to designated evening courses selected of a Bachelor’s degree often proves a before each academic term. Students hindrance to later educational goals, granted a Listener’s Pass must meet all WSC urges individuals to complete a requirements and observe all policies Bachelor’s degree at an accredited stipulated for the Audit Program. college or university and then apply to an M.A. program rather than to a certificate program.
Audit Student Program (Non-Credit) Auditors are permitted in most courses. Persons desiring to audit are required
54 ADMISSIONS
55 Financial Aid
Westminster Seminary California’s financial • Be admitted to one of WSC’s Mas- from the seminary should first contact the aid program is available to provide degree- ter’s programs (M.A./M.Div.) and Registrar and the Financial Aid Coordina- seeking students (M.A./ M.Div.) with the remain enrolled as a full-time stu- tor to discuss the academic and financial financial resources necessary to complete dent taking 12 or more academic ramifications of their decision. their seminary education. The financial aid units throughout the duration of program is designed to supplement each each semester (student loans are Financial Aid Application Process student’s own financial resources (i.e. sav- available to half-time students taking In order to apply for or renew financial aid ings, family and church support, and part- six or more units and students in at Westminster Seminary California, each time employment) through a combination their final year taking all they need student must: of scholarships, grants, and student loans. to graduate). A student in his/her • File an online Free Application for final year of study who is taking all Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the Types of Financial Aid the courses necessary for gradua- intended academic year of enroll- • Need-Based Grants and Schol- tion may receive financial aid in the ment at www.fafsa.ed.gov (West- arships – WSC offers grants and form of scholarships and grants if minster Seminary California’s school scholarships that are awarded on the they drop below full-time status. In code is G22768). This online form basis of a student’s need and do not this case, the amount of the award should be completed and submitted need to be repaid. will be based upon the percentage prior to or at the same time as the • Merit Scholarships – WSC offers of units being taken in that given WSC Application for Financial Aid. donor-supported scholarships that semester. A student is not eligible The WSC Application for Financial are based on academic achieve- to receive more than two semesters Aid will not be processed until the ment, previous leadership experi- of this pro-rated aid. FAFSA is received by the Financial ence, and potential for future minis- • Maintain a minimum grade point av- Aid Coordinator. try. Financial need may or may not erage of 2.0 each semester (some • Submit the WSC Application for be considered. scholarships require higher grade Financial Aid for the intended aca-
FINANCIAL AID • International, Denominational, point averages) demic year of enrollment. This form Cross-Cultural/Ministerial Schol- • Make satisfactory academic prog- is available on the WSC website arships and Grants – These are ress toward a degree as outlined in (http://wscal.edu/media/docs/ awarded to international students, the Academic Catalogue financialaidform.pdf) or by emailing or students with a vocational call to • Complete all required financial the Financial Aid Office at financial- cross-cultural ministry or in a particu- aid applications by the specified [email protected]. lar denomination. deadline • Submit all required documents for • Stafford and PLUS Federal Loans particular grants and scholarships, – As a Title IV (Federal Student Aid) Loss of Eligibility by Reduced Courseload including letters of interest, addi- participating school, WSC students Recipients of grants/scholarships who tional applications, and/or renewal are eligible for subsidized (loans drop below 12 credit hours during a se- applications. For more information based on need) and unsubsidized mester by reducing their course load, about the requirements for each loans through the U.S. Department taking a leave of absence, or withdrawing grant/scholarship, see the descrip- of Education. Many students also from the seminary become ineligible for tions below. qualify for Graduate Plus Loans and grants/scholarships and forfeit any aid • (Optional) To apply for a Federal Private Student Loan options. that has been awarded to them for that Stafford or PLUS Loan, submit semester. Students who lose their eligi- the Federal Student Loan Applica- For more information about any of these bility for grants/scholarships during the tion. Loan policies are outlined loans, contact the WSC Financial Aid Coor- semester will be responsible for the pay- below. The Federal Student Loan dinator. ment of any tuition not refundable under Application can be obtained online the seminary’s tuition refund policy (see at http://wscal.edu/media/docs/ Eligibility Requirements WSC Catalogue, Refund policy/schedule) federalloanapplication.pdf. For more In order to qualify for financial aid at West- that was previously covered by that aid. information, contact the WSC Finan- minster Seminary California, each student Students who intend to drop courses, cial Aid Coordinator by sending an must: request a leave of absence, or withdraw email to [email protected]. 56 New students (summer/fall applicants) ifications, no scholarship will be awarded applications by November 1. Continuing who intend to apply for financial aid are for more than eight semesters for the students must apply each year by March encouraged to complete the WSC Appli- M.Div. or six semesters for the M.A. 15 to be considered for this grant. cation for Admission and the financial aid Forms required: FAFSA and WSC Applica- application process by April 1 in order to NEED-BASED GRANTS tion for Financial Aid receive priority consideration for financial aid. Winter/spring applicants who intend WSC Grant The Titus Fund to apply for financial aid are encouraged This grant is awarded annually on the This fund is named after Paul’s epistle, a to complete the WSC Application for Ad- basis of the applicant’s financial need rich letter filled with wise counsel and en- mission and all financial aid applications as determined by the FAFSA and WSC couragement to Titus, instructing him to by November 1. These dates are recom- Application for Financial Aid. Provisional preach the gospel, teach sound and prof- mended, however financial aid applica- awards are made on a rolling basis begin- itable doctrine, establish churches with tions are processed until the first day of ning April 1 to applicants who submit the proven elders, and encourage all believ- each semester, and awards are given as FAFSA and WSC Application for Financial ers to faith and love through Christ. The they are available. Aid. Changes to the student’s financial Titus Fund was established by a supporter situation, including loss of employment or of Westminster Seminary California to pro- Most scholarships are renewable for ad- income by the student or spouse, should vide financial assistance to one full-time ditional academic years provided the be reported to the Financial Aid Coordina- student enrolled in the Master of Divinity recipient continues to meet the eligibility tor as such changes occur. Likewise, if a or Master of Arts program who demon- requirements. Continuing students should student receives outside financial assis- strates financial need through the comple- apply for financial aid renewal no later than tance, such as a third-party scholarship or tion of the Westminster Application for March 15. Late applications will be con- church support, after receiving an initial Student Aid and FAFSA. The scholarship sidered as they are received; however, re- award from WSC, the student should no- is to be awarded by the WSC Financial turning students who submit applications tify the Financial Aid Office immediately. Aid Committee on an annual basis and after the deadline may receive reduced In such cases, initial need-based award applied to the student’s tuition account in scholarship and/or grant awards. calculations may change in order to dis- two equal amounts for the fall and spring tribute funds equitably to all students. semesters. SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, AND
ACADEMIC AWARDS Though the WSC Grant is typically award- The Titus Fund is renewable on an annual FINANCIAL AID ed to full-time students taking 12 or more basis provided the student demonstrates WSC offers a variety of scholarships and units per semester, a student in his/her ongoing need of financial support, is en- grants that are awarded on the basis of final year of study who is taking all the rolled continuously as a full-time student financial need, previous academic per- courses necessary for graduation may re- (12+ units per semester) and maintains a formance, denominational affiliation, and ceive the grant if they drop below full-time minimum 2.5 grade point average. ministry interests. All available resources status. In this case, the amount of the Forms required: FAFSA and WSC Applica- will be used to determine eligibility, includ- award will be based upon the percentage tion for Financial Aid ing the student’s initial admissions file and of units being taken in that given semester references, the student’s current records, (e.g. if the student is enrolled for six units, Im Family Grant faculty and staff consultation (when appro- the student would receive half of what he Established by an alumnus of Westminster priate), and the information provided on or she would qualify for if enrolled for 12 Seminary California, the Im Family Grant is the WSC Application for Financial Aid. units). A student is not eligible to receive for M.Div. students who are married and All scholarship or grant awards are cred- more than two semesters of this pro-rated have children. The $1,000 grant is de- ited to the recipient’s tuition account. In grant. A student who registers for more signed to encourage students in need by no case shall the amount awarded exceed than the number of units required to com- helping them with seminary costs. the amount of actual billed tuition for a plete the degree in a particular semester Forms Required: FAFSA, WSC Application particular term. If a student is simultane- (e.g., taking extra electives) will not have for Financial Aid, and letter to WSC Financial ously working toward two Master’s degree those additional unit hours included in the Aid Committee requesting consideration programs (dual enrollment) any financial calculation of the grant. assistance in the form of a scholarship or Psalm 113:3 Fund grant will be applied to the billed tuition All new student applications submitted This fund will provide a credit at the for the student’s primary degree program by April 1 will receive full consideration. Westminster Seminary California Book- only. Though most scholarships are renew- Students who are beginning their studies store that may be used to purchase able for students who meet minimum qual- in the winter or spring should submit all necessary textbooks, Bible software, 57 and supplies. Recipients will be selected The scholarship is named in honor of the The You Kye-Soon Memorial based on the FAFSA and WSC Applica- memory and legacy of Minnie Gresham Scholarship tion for Financial Aid. The Psalm 113:3 Machen. Throughout her life, she was The family of Mrs. You Kye-Soon, as a me- Fund is given to needy students who are valiant for the truth of the Reformed faith morial of her life of faith in her savior Je- studying to preach the gospel. and had profound influence on her son, J. sus Christ and of her concern to make the Forms required: FAFSA and WSC Appli- Gresham Machen, through formative train- gospel known, instituted the You Kye- Soon cation for Financial Aid ing in the Scriptures and the confessional Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is tradition of the Reformed faith. The Minnie awarded to a deserving full-time student MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS Gresham Machen Scholarship Committee in the Master of Divinity program. The will award the scholarship to one or more award will be reviewed annually and can be Presidential Merit Scholarship female recipients each year who meet renewed for the student who has done ad- The Presidential Merit Scholarship is the following criteria: the recipient must equate work at WSC and continues to have awarded to students based upon prior be a female student admitted to an M.A. financial need. Applications for this schol- academic performance and the poten- program at WSC, be a member in good arship will consist of a one-page, typed tial for future leadership in both ordained standing of a Bible-believing church, show letter describing the applicant’s spiritual and non-ordained vocations. Students evidence of high academic achievement, background, demonstrated financial need, who have been awarded this scholarship and demonstrate financial need through and future plans for ministry. All awards will in their first year may request renewal the WSC Application for Financial Aid. The be applied to the recipient’s tuition at WSC. in subsequent academic years (up to scholarship will provide tuition aid for up Forms required: FAFSA, WSC Application eight semesters for the M.Div. or six to three years of study, depending upon for Financial Aid, and one-page letter as semesters for the M.A.), provided they the need of the recipient. described above are enrolled for12 units throughout the semester and maintain a minimum GPA Admitted students desiring to apply for the DENOMINATIONAL of 3.0. scholarship must submit a 250-500 word Forms Required: FAFSA and WSC Appli- essay explaining why they wish to study Church Matching Grant cation for Financial Aid at Westminster Seminary California and The Church Matching Grant seeks to bring how they plan to use their theological and churches and the Seminary together in sup- Awes Scholarship biblical education after graduation. Appli- port of a student’s first year. This grant was
FINANCIAL AID This award was funded by Mrs. Johanna cations are to be addressed to the Minnie established to help churches actively sup- Awes in order to serve as a testimony of Gresham Machen Scholarship Committee port seminarians and to share in the great God’s faithfulness to her and her husband. and must be submitted by April 1. task of pursuing theological education. Eligibility is based on high academic stand- Forms required: FAFSA, WSC Application ing, full-time enrollment in the M.Div. degree for Financial Aid, and an essay as de- The number of grants from this fund is lim- program, under care of a presbytery (or scribed above ited and awards are processed in the order equivalent) as a student of theology, proven in which the requests are received. The record of leadership ability, and potential Marjorie McGill Student Aid Fund Seminary, within the given limitation, will for leadership in the church of Christ. The This fund was established through the gen- match the contribution of a congregation up financial need of the student may be con- erous gift of Marjorie McGill, who desired to to a maximum of $1,000 per student. The sidered. Such grants are normally given for aid the furtherance of the gospel through church’s contribution will be applied to the one year, but may be given for two or more the work of Westminster Seminary Califor- first semester and the matching portion will years based on the student’s performance. nia. Her desire was that the name of our ex- be applied to the student’s account during Forms Required: FAFSA and WSC Applica- alted Lord be glorified in the lives of those the second semester provided they are en- tion for Financial Aid who are trained to travel to the ends of the rolled full time throughout the semester. This earth, bringing the Word of life to a lost and grant is not based on financial need. The The Minnie Gresham Machen dying world. The recipient of this grant will church’s contribution to the matching grant Scholarship be a full-time M.Div. student preparing for comes from the student’s home church and The Minnie Gresham Machen Scholarship the gospel ministry who has completed his is available only for the first full year of study was established to encourage and enable first year of studies, continues to make sat- at WSC. For more information, please con- talented women to take advantage of ad- isfactory academic progress, has a clear tact the Financial Aid Coordinator. vanced theological education at Westmin- vocational calling to the gospel ministry, ster Seminary California in order to equip and demonstrates financial need. In the event that a request is received from them to answer God’s calling in the home, Forms required: FAFSA and WSC Applica- a church after the fund for that academic the academy, and the church. tion for Financial Aid year has been exhausted, WSC will contact 58 the church to ensure that the church still among ethnic communities traditionally Forms required: WSC Application for Fi- desires to contribute to the student’s edu- underrepresented by Reformed churches. nancial Aid, and a statement as described cation without contribution from the Church above Matching Grant program. This scholarship pays a percentage (up to Forms Required: A contribution from the 100%) of the recipient’s tuition and fees The Walter Swets Scholarship applicant’s church and a letter (on church for up to three years of study at WSC. for Hispanic Students letterhead) requesting participation in the This scholarship was instituted in honor Church Matching Grant at WSC Recipients will be African-American or His- of the ministry of Rev. Walter Swets, who panic-American students who are selected served as a pastor in the Christian Re- Reformed Scholarship Fund by the Anniversary Scholarship Committee formed Church from 1959 until his retire- This scholarship was established by friends in consultation with WSC’s Financial Aid ment in 1997. of the Seminary to encourage students from Committee. Additional criteria include the Reformed churches to attend Westminster following: United States citizenship, enroll- The recipient of this scholarship will be an Seminary California. This scholarship is only ment at Westminster Seminary California Hispanic full-time student who has dem- available for first-year WSC students. as a full-time student, and completion of onstrated financial need, is enrolled in a all required financial aid forms. Recipients degree program at Westminster Seminary Recipients are chosen each year by the will be selected annually. In addition to the California, and intends to minister to the Seminary’s Student Financial Aid Commit- criteria above, continuation of an award Hispanic population within the United States tee according to the following criteria: ac- is contingent upon: enrollment as a full- or in another country. During the years that ceptance for full-time study as a first-year time student at WSC, maintenance of a WSC has no Hispanic student(s) meeting student, membership in good standing in a 3.0 cumulative grade point average for the above criteria, the scholarship may be Reformed or Presbyterian church, demon- each academic year, the annual commit- awarded to another student(s) who has in- strated financial need, and demonstrated tee review of the recipient’s financial aid terest in pursuing Hispanic ministry, either Christian leadership. data, and completion of the M.Div. degree as a missionary, pastor of a congrega- Forms required: FAFSA and WSC Applica- within three years (six semesters) or the tion, or servant to a congregation that is tion for Financial Aid M.A. degree program within two years seeking to reach out to Hispanics. (four semesters). Trinity Presbyterian (OPC) Forms required: FAFSA, letter of application The award will be reviewed annually and
Scholarship noting eligibility and future plans/goals, and can be renewed for the student who has FINANCIAL AID A scholarship provided by the Trinity Presby- WSC Application for Financial Aid done adequate work at WSC and contin- terian Church (OPC) of Medford, Oregon, is ues to have financial need. A letter (no awarded to a student in the Master of Divin- The Elijah and Elizabeth Owens more than two pages typed) should be ity program who is a member in good stand- Scholarship Fund submitted to the Financial Aid Committee. ing in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, is The Elijah and Elizabeth Owens Scholarship This letter should consist of the follow- under care of an OPC presbytery, and is Fund was established in honor of the minis- ing: the individual’s spiritual background, planning to serve as a pastor in the OPC. try of Pastor Elijah Owens who served for financial need, and goals and plans for The student must also have a demonstrated more than thirty-six years as a chaplain in ministry. financial need. the California State Prison system. Chaplain Forms required: FAFSA, WSC Application Forms required: FAFSA and WSC Applica- Owens’ ministry through both the spoken for Financial Aid or the International Ap- tion for Financial Aid and the written word has influenced the lives plication for Financial Aid, and a letter as of many inmates to come to a knowledge of described above MINISTERIAL/CROSS-CULTURAL the doctrines of God’s sovereign grace. The SCHOLARSHIPS purpose of this scholarship fund is to pro- Timoteo Scholarship Fund vide financial assistance to students enter- By providing financial assistance for The Anniversary Scholarship ing the gospel ministry who have financial promising Hispanic students from church- A generous donor created this award to need. Priority is given to those with an inter- es associated with the North American celebrate WSC’s twenty-year anniversary est in prison ministry or chaplaincy. Presbyterian and Reformed Council of preparing pastors and other leaders (NAPARC) and other Presbyterian and Re- for the Reformed community. By provid- In addition to submitting the WSC Applica- formed churches abroad, this scholarship ing financial assistance to promising tion for Financial Aid, each applicant must is instituted to encourage leadership de- African-American and Hispanic- American provide a written statement of no more than velopment among Hispanic communities students, this scholarship is designed three pages in length, double spaced, de- traditionally under-represented among to encourage leadership development scribing goals and plans for future ministry. Reformed churches. 59 The scholarship will be awarded annu- gram as listed in the Academic Catalogue. Recipients of this award willl be non- Ameri- ally to one student by the WSC Financial Because these grants are not to exceed can/Canadian students who have demon- Aid Committee in consultation with the the amount of tuition, the student’s fees, strated financial need and who are selected principle donors. Candidates must have rent, food, transportation, and other living by the WSC Financial Aid Committee. Stu- demonstrated financial need, evidence expenses must be supplied from other dents who have received this award in their of previous academic achievement, and sources. first year and have maintained a 2.5 grade potential for future leadership within the When students return to their country of point average may reapply to the Financial church. Preference will be given to first origin, one year of support from the Interna- Aid Committee in each successive year year students and the scholarship is re- tional Student Aid Fund will be forgiven for until they graduate. Renewals are made newable for students who are continually each year of ministry in that country. If stu- at the discretion of the Committee based enrolled at WSC and maintain a 3.0 GPA. dents desire to minister in a country other upon its knowledge of a student’s financial than their country of origin they may peti- situation, fitness for ministry, or change in Priority consideration will be given to stu- tion the Financial Aid Committee to approve ministry goals. dents who have a stated intention to min- such a ministry as fulfilling the loan obliga- ister in Hispanic communities in the United tions. Under no circumstances may ministry Applications for the scholarship must be States or abroad upon graduation, and a in the United States be approved as meet- made to the Financial Aid Committee by April preference will be given to students who ing that obligation. If students do not return 1. The application is in the form of a one- are able to secure matching funds through to their country of origin and do not receive page essay describing the applicant’s previ- their local churches (evidenced by a writ- approval from the Financial Aid Committee ous educational and church experience and ten commitment from their church to con- to minister elsewhere in fulfillment of their future ministry goals in their home country. tribute to their education if the applicant is loan obligations, students are expected to Forms required: WSC International Applica- awarded the scholarship). repay the loan, in full, twelve months after tion for Financial Aid and a one-page essay Forms Required: FAFSA, WSC Application completion of studies at Westminster Semi- as described above for Financial Aid, and a brief statement of nary California. The International Student the applicant’s background and particular Financial Aid Application should be received The Martin and Alice Bielema ministry goals. by the Financial Aid Office by April 1. Stu- Foreign Student Financial Aid Grant dents will be notified in early May if they This award was instituted by Mrs. Doris INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS have received funds from the International Bergsma and Mrs. Sandra Kolk in memory
FINANCIAL AID AND GRANTS Student Aid Fund. Additional regulations of their parents, Martin and Alice Bielema. It governing this fund and the loan contract serves as a memorial to the Bielemas’ lives Canadian Student Grant form may be obtained from the Financial Aid in service to our risen Lord and love for for- WSC offers financial assistance based on Coordinator. eign missions. The recipients of this award the disparity between Canadian and U.S. will be non- American/Canadian students currencies. The Canadian grant will vary International students who have been who have demonstrated financial need and every year based on the exchange rate. granted financial aid in their first year and who are selected by the Financial Aid Com- In order to qualify for this grant, students have maintained a 2.3 grade point average mittee. Priority will be given to those stu- must demonstrate financial need and cer- may reapply to the Financial Aid Commit- dents who sign a pledge stating that they will tify that at least 90% of their resources tee for aid in each successive year until return to their native country to apply their are in Canadian dollars. Contact the Finan- they graduate. Westminster Seminary California education. cial Aid Office for more information. Forms required: WSC International Applica- The award is applied to tuition at WSC. Form required: WSC International Applica- tion for Financial Aid; and, once awarded, Form required: WSC International Applica- tion for Financial Aid a signed agreement outlining the terms of tion for Financial Aid the award WSC International Student Aid Fund The Yune-Sun Park Scholarship Financial aid in the form of a loan from Trinity URC Visalia International This scholarship is funded annually by the the International Student Financial Aid Scholarship family of the Reverend Yune-Sun Park as a Fund is made available to international The Trinity URC Scholarship is awarded an- memorial to Rev. Park’s prayers and con- students who are committed to ministry in nually to one or more international students stant support of Westminster Seminary their own countries after their study in the at Westminster Seminary California who California. The Seminary’s Financial Aid United States and who indicate this in writ- intend to return to their country of origin Committee chooses annual recipients of the ing. Students receiving this award must to strengthen the ministry of their home award with preference given to non-North pursue full-time studies in a degree pro- churches. American students preparing for service in
60 their home country upon graduation. ory of the Rev. Arthur Forest Wells, a Pres- • Must complete and submit all docu- Form required: WSC International Applica- byterian minister in St. Louis, Missouri, and mentation required, and certify the tion for Financial Aid Baltimore, Maryland. The interest earned information is true, correct, and from this fund is used to support the WSC accurate The Stewart New Zealand Student Library and to help build the personal library • Must be working toward a Master’s Aid Fund of a selected student upon graduation from degree program enrolled in at least The purpose of the Thomas and Grace WSC. The recipient will be a graduating six units each semester (for classes Stewart New Zealand Student Aid Fund is M.Div. student recognized as upholding the that were not previously attempted) to encourage students from New Zealand to highest standards of scholarship, subscrib- with the exception of seniors in attend Westminster Seminary California and ing to the Westminster Confession of Faith, their final year who are taking all to return to New Zealand after graduation and having the career goal of serving as a they need to graduate. These se- to minister in a church faithful to Reformed minister of a congregation in a Presbyterian niors are eligible to take out federal doctrine. Awards of up to one year’s tuition or other Reformed denomination. loans when they are enrolled less will be made from this fund. The awards will than 6 hours. This exemption is be in the form of an interest-free loan that FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS only available to seniors for two will be forgiven at the rate of $1,500 per semesters. year of active ministry in New Zealand after Westminster Seminary California partici- • Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible graduation. Should an award recipient elect pates in the Federal Student Aid (Title IV) noncitizen not to return to New Zealand, or if he is later Program enabling students to apply for • Male students between the ages of called elsewhere, the balance of his loan ob- federally supported Stafford and Graduate 18-25 must be registered with the ligation to the fund shall be repaid in three PLUS Loans. Loans are contingent upon en- Selective Service years. For further information, applicants rollment; if the student’s enrollment ceases • Must make satisfactory academic should contact the Financial Aid Coordinator. during a semester, he/she may need to re- progress toward a Master’s degree Form required: WSC International Applica- turn all or a portion of the funds. program tion for Financial Aid • Must demonstrate financial need There are two types of Stafford Loan: Subsi- in order to qualify for a subsidized ACADEMIC AWARDS dized, in which the Federal government pays loan the interest while the student is enrolled at • Must use federal financial aid funds
The Samuel and Ann Van Til Student least half-time in an accredited institution, solely for educational purposes FINANCIAL AID Scholarship Prizes and Unsubsidized, in which the student is re- • Must not be in default on any Fed- The children of Samuel and Ann Van Til insti- sponsible for all interest that accrues on the eral Student Aid Program loan tuted these scholarship prizes in coopera- loan from the day of disbursement. The max- tion with Westminster Seminary California imum combined annual amount (Subsidized Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in order to honor their parents’ love for and Unsubsidized) a student can borrow To maintain eligibility for student loans, the Reformed faith and its witness to the under the Federal Stafford Loan program each student must make Satisfactory world through the Seminary. The fund was is $20,500. The Stafford Subsidized Loan Academic Progress (SAP). SAP includes established in 1994 through an estate be- is need-based and may not exceed $8,500. both a cumulative grade point average quest of Mr. and Mrs. Van Til and receives of at least 2.0 and reasonable progress continuing memorial donations from family The Graduate PLUS Loan carries a higher in- towards a degree. Progress is measured and friends. The fund’s annual investment terest rate than the Stafford Loan. Students by the number of credits earned per year proceeds are used to encourage exemplary must have already applied for their maxi- and is outlined in the chart below for full- Reformed scholarship by awarding grants mum Stafford Loan eligibility before qualify- time students. for continued full-time study at Westminster ing for a PLUS Loan. Contact the Financial Seminary California. One prize is awarded Aid Coordinator with any questions about each year for the best major paper (15-20 student loans. MINIMUM UNITS TO BE COMPLETED pages) submitted in each of the Seminary’s Year M.DIV. M.A.B M.A.T. M.A.H.T. departments: Biblical Studies, Theological Eligibility Criteria 1 24 24 24 24 Studies, and Practical Theology. The faculty, Students are eligible to borrow money 2 48 48 48 48 in coordination with the Academic Dean, se- under the Federal Stafford Loan Pro- 3 73 74 74 73 lects the recipients. gram if they are enrolled in a Master’s 4 97 degree program and satisfy all of the fol- 4.5 110 The Arthur Forest Wells Memorial Award lowing provisions: Credits to be earned per academic year for each degree program. This fund was established in 1980 in mem- 61 For part-time students, those who take be- mester. If a student begins enrollment in the student may still owe a balance to WSC. tween six and 11 credits a semester, the the winter or spring, two disbursements are Federal regulations mandate that students length of their program for SAP purposes still required. The first will occur 30 days af- who withdraw or do not return from a leave will be extended by one semester for each ter the start of classes for new borrowers. of absence must complete a loan Exit Inter- semester a student is enrolled part-time. The second disbursement will occur at the view. See Academic Information and Poli- In extreme situations, the school may calendar midpoint of the loan period. cies for more information about withdraw- waive this requirement in the event that a ing or taking a Leave of Absence. student drops below these levels. A letter Ineligibility Status stating the student’s circumstances and A student will be considered ineligible for Title IV Refund Policy the request to continue eligibility for finan- federal financial aid if he or she: Federal regulations stipulate that if a stu- cial aid must be submitted to the Financial dent withdraws prior to completing 61% Aid Committee for review. The Financial Aid • Exceeds the maximum time frame of the semester, Title IV funds must be re- Committee reserves the right to consult for program completion, based on turned. The amount that must be returned with the Academic Dean, Dean of Students, units attempted is calculated based on the amount of aid and faculty advisors if necessary and ap- • Drops below a cumulative grade the student earned. If a student withdraws propriate. point average of 2.0 at the end of and Title IV funds must be returned, the each semester or school year student may owe a balance to WSC. After FINANCIAL AID • Has completed fewer units than the 60% of the semester has been completed, established minimum at the end of a all aid is considered to have been earned Loan Application Process semester and need not be returned. In the event that Students who need to apply for a student the student fails to notify the Registrar and loan must follow these steps: Petition Process Financial Aid Coordinator of his/her with- A student who desires to appeal the finan- drawal, the last date of class attendance • Fill out a Free Application for Federal cial aid disqualification or ineligibility status will be used as the withdrawal date. Student Aid (FAFSA). This may be for federal aid must complete and submit accessed online at the Federal Student Aid Petition Form to Repeated Courses www.fafsa.ed.gov. Westminster the Financial Aid Committee indicating the Repeated courses are excluded from fed- Seminary California’s school code is reason for consideration. This petition eral financial aid eligibility calculations. In
FINANCIAL AID G22768. form is due no later than the established order to maintain full-time status, students • Submit the WSC Application for deadline for the semester for which he or repeating a course must register for that Stafford Loans to the Financial Aid she wishes to receive aid (typically two course in addition to the six credit hours Coordinator. weeks after the start of the semester). If required for loan eligibility for the semester the petition is approved, reinstatement in question. Repeated courses do count First time borrowers at WSC must also: of financial aid eligibility will not exceed a towards the student’s academic progress. period of one school year, regardless of • Fill out an Entrance Interview before remaining academic requirements. If the VETERANS’ BENEFITS a loan may be processed. This may petition is denied, reinstatement of financial be done either online or in the Finan- aid eligibility begins as soon as the student WSC is certified by the Department of cial Aid Office. meets the satisfactory academic progress Veterans Affairs as an institution at which • Fill out a Master Promissory Note requirements. veterans may receive educational benefits. (MPN) with the Department of Educa- Veterans can contact the Department of tion. Like the Entrance Interview, this Withdrawal/Leave of Absence (LOA) Veterans Affairs to determine their eligibil- may be filled out online. In the event that a student desires or needs ity. For additional information regarding to withdraw or to take a Leave of Absence veterans’ benefits at WSC, please contact Upon withdrawal, dismissal, or in the se- (LOA) from WSC, written notification must the Registrar. mester prior to graduation, all students first be submitted to the Registrar. With- who have received Title IV funds must also drawing from classes or WSC entirely may complete an Exit Interview either online or adversely affect the status of a student in the Financial Aid Office. loan, including the following: reduction in the qualification for subsidized monies, the Disbursement Scheduling return of some or all of a loan, the begin- Federal regulations mandate at least two ning date of the grace period, or the terms loan disbursements, usually one per se- for repayment of loans. Upon withdrawal 62 Student Life
A COMMUNITY OF FAITH a Christian community of faith not only the growth of every believer and does Westminster Seminary California is in the classroom, but also in a variety of not assume to itself the church’s respon- more than an academic institution built forums outside of class which promote sibility for the nurture of the spiritual life on a beautiful ten-acre campus in the spiritual life, faith and fellowship. of the student. Therefore, students are hills of Escondido. It is a community of urged to commit to the life and work of a faith existing to glorify God and to make DEVOTIONAL LIFE local congregation of their choice. the gospel of Christ known through the The spiritual life of Westminster Semi- church. The WSC community is a diverse nary California is nurtured by morning THE WESTMINSTER STUDENT one, composed of faculty, staff, and stu- devotions on Tuesdays and Thursdays ASSOCIATION dents from a variety of denominations. and student-advisor prayer groups on The Westminster Student Association This variety, especially among the stu- Wednesdays. Morning devotions speak- (WSA) was established to promote dent body, ensures an atmosphere of ers include faculty, local pastors, mis- Christian fellowship and growth among challenging and stimulating discussions sionaries, and Christian lay people. All students, faculty, staff, and their fami- about theology and ministry. This com- devotional exercises are governed by lies. It also provides a voice for student munity is also unified under the banner of the Word of God, which remains the true concerns. The WSA coordinates a vari- Christ and God’s revelation. The faculty guide in Christian worship and prayer, as ety of activities throughout the school and students study his Word together, well as in all other activities of the Chris- year, such as dinners, guest speakers, believing that the church is best served tian life and life on campus. It is only the student-faculty softball game, BBQ by those who know and love that Word. when the believer, with the help and guid- lunches, sporting events, tournaments, The Seminary is united in sharing a pro- ance of the Holy Spirit, returns continu- and events in the student lounge. These found commitment to Christ and to his ally to the great scriptural doctrines of events are supported through an an- gospel as recorded in the Scriptures God, of sin, and of grace, that true bless- nual Student Association Fee that is and expressed in our common confes- ing is to be obtained. WSC recognizes collected from full-time students. The of- sions of faith. Each student experiences the indispensable role of the church in ficers of the Association (president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer) are elected annually by all full-time students.
WESTMINSTER WOMEN’S STUDENT LIFE FELLOWSHIP Westminster Women’s Fellowship (WWF) is an on-campus organization that is made up of the diverse group of women connected to WSC, including students and administrators as well as the wives of faculty and students. The Westminster Women’s Fellowship is intended to pro- vide opportunities for new women at the Seminary to cultivate friendships with— and benefit from—those who have long associations with WSC. Monthly activi- ties are planned to address theological and practical issues or simply to provide time for WSC women to get together. The monthly events hosted by WWF are supported with a portion of the Student Association Fee.
63 WESTMINSTER KOREAN is designed to encourage both students to online resources from anyplace in the FELLOWSHIP and pastors and to give counsel regard- library. The Westminster Korean Fellowship ing the rigor and joy of shepherding (WKF) exists as a resource for students Christ’s flock. THE BOOKSTORE AT WSC serving in Korean-American churches to The Bookstore at WSC is located on the (1) facilitate networking and (2) create LIBRARY central quad of the campus. The book- forums for biblical reflection about ap- The library houses over 120,000 titles store stocks course textbooks, faculty plying Reformed theology in the Korean- and subscribes to over 260 periodi- authored books, and other important American church. WKF holds informal cals. A substantial collection of works theological and pastoral resources. In discussion groups about pressing issues on Reformed theology is augmented by addition to books, the bookstore also in Korean-American ministries. WKF ac- an excellent collection of materials in sells audio lectures, magazines, and tivities are supported with a portion of biblical studies and church history. Of seminary apparel. These resources are the annual Student Association Fee. special note are the microfilm editions also available for purchase online at of titles in Evans’s American Bibliogra- www.wscal.edu/bookstore. THE WARFIELD SEMINAR phy and Migne’s Patrologiae (Greek and The Warfield Seminar is an opportunity Latin Fathers), Corpus Reformatorum (all NUZI TABLET for students to engage in informal con- the works of Calvin), and numerous six- The Nuzi Tablet is WSC’s weekly e- versation with professors on their cur- teenth- and seventeenth-century Puritan newsletter that is distributed via email rent research. Named after theologian texts. throughout the fall and spring semes- B.B. Warfield, it is held about three times ters. The Nuzi Tablet provides informa- a semester. A professor makes avail- Through membership in the State- tion about current on-campus or com- able a paper that he has been working wide California Electronic Library Con- munity events, academic dates, refund on, often in preparation for a conference sortium, the library affords unlimited schedules, convocation schedules, presentation, journal article, or chapter online searching of Online Computer updates, reminders, and other helpful in a book. At the Warfield Seminar the Library Center’s (OCLC) large book da- information for WSC students. professor presents his argument and tabase along with nearly seventy other engages in discussion with students and discipline-specific periodical databases FIELD EDUCATION/INTERNSHIP professors about his research and con- through OCLC’s FirstSearch service PROGRAM clusions. Students have the opportunity (39 of these databases contain full-text Westminster Seminary California’s Field to expand the horizons of their theologi- documents that can be read online or Education Program is designed to inte- cal education through these unique en- printed). grate on-campus studies with part-time gagements. ministry in local churches. Field Educa-
STUDENT LIFE The library also has online access to tion involves supervised hands-on min- DEN DULK LECTURES the premier religion and theological istry experience and opportunities for The Robert G. and Nellie B. den Dulk Lec- periodical database, ATLA, the full-text evaluation and reflection with mentors, tures on Pastoral Ministry were endowed religion database in Proquest, indexing peers, and professors, in which stu- by friends of Westminster Seminary Cali- and abstracting of religion periodicals in dents are given opportunities to develop fornia when Bob den Dulk resigned as Religious and Theological Abstracts, and the skills and gifts necessary for effec- the second president of the Seminary. In the full text of seminal works from the tive ministry. The Field Education Pro- appreciation for the den Dulks’ 30-year Reformation and Post-Reformation eras gram at WSC provides an opportunity service to the Westminster Seminaries in through the Digital Library of Classical for Master of Divinity students to gain both Pennsylvania and California and in Protestant Texts. practical ministry experience to which recognition of their passion for preparing they can apply the information learned pastors to preach the Word of God faith- Access to these online resources is a in the classroom. In this way the WSC fully and powerfully, Westminster Semi- significant advance in information re- curriculum seeks to balance intense nary California designated the proceeds trieval that faculty and students now take Christian scholarship with practical min- of this endowment to bring an experi- advantage of on and off campus. To sup- istry. The Director of Field Education ad- enced pastor to the campus each year port the new online services, the library vises students of service opportunities to address students preparing for the has expanded its computing resources and coordinates the fulfillment of field ministry of the Word, as well as pastors by installing a wireless network that al- education requirements with the M.Div. engaged in ministry. This lecture series lows laptop users in the library access students and pastoral internship super-
64 visors. Each M.Div. student is required Aid Coordinator. Considering the inherent who have also been admitted to West- to register for the pastoral internship financial risks in the event of a student minster Seminary California as students, (FE691) during the spring semester of or family member’s accident or illness, may take courses for credit at 50% of his first full year of study at WSC. The WSC strongly encourages all students to standard tuition fee. If both students are Field Education Program requires seven take part in this health insurance plan or full-time, the spouse taking the lesser hundred (700) hours of supervised min- another comparable health plan. Interna- number of units will receive the discount. istry experience. tional students are required to carry medi- cal insurance and, therefore, are strongly EMPLOYMENT AND MINISTERIAL Students preparing for the pastoral encouraged to use this plan. For more PLACEMENT ministry are urged to work under the information, visit http://wscal.edu/wsc- Churches from around the country supervision of a local church throughout gateway/current-students. regularly contact Westminster Seminary the course of their seminary education. California regarding open ministerial posi- Churches throughout San Diego, Riv- SPOUSE EDUCATIONAL PRIVILEGES tions. These opportunities are made avail- erside, and Orange counties regularly Full-time students enrolled in 12 or more able to graduating students and alumni provide information regarding internship units per semester and their spouses through our campus-wide email list-serv. opportunities that current students may may audit courses without charge. Chil- Community members often advertise be able to pursue in fulfillment of their dren of full- or part-time students wishing part-time positions for students through Field Education requirement. Students to audit a course are subject to regular the Nuzi Tablet and the bulletin board in are also encouraged to return to their audit fees. Spouses of full-time students, the Student Lounge. home churches to serve during the sum- mer months if feasible.
HOUSING The Office of Admissions is available to as- sist admitted students in finding suitable accommodations by providing informa- tive resources on housing opportunities in the community. These opportunities may include rooms, houses, or apartments for rent in Escondido and elsewhere in San Diego County. New students should plan to arrive in the area and seek accommo-
dations during the summer before the fall STUDENT LIFE semester, no later than two weeks prior to the beginning of classes. Students en- rolling in Greek I during the summer term should plan on arriving in early July.
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE The Seminary has established a rela- tionship with United Healthcare Student Resources through which a student insur- ance plan is offered to all students who are enrolled in nine or more academic units per semester. Plan details and eli- gibility requirements are provided to all admitted students who plan to enroll for credit prior to each academic year. The health insurance policy, booklet, and application forms are available on the WSC website or through the Financial
65 Academic Information and Policies
Beginning Your Seminary Program Students must register for classes for that time, the Enrollment Deposit will be Once a student is admitted to Westminster each semester at the time listed in the credited to the student’s Graduation Fee. Seminary California, the Registrar Academic Calendar or a late fee of $50 will assist the student with organizing will apply. Prior to registering, continuing If a student withdraws from WSC, this class schedules, planning course work, students must secure their Faculty deposit can be refunded provided that the and registering for classes. To ensure Advisor’s approval on their registration student completes the WSC Withdrawal academic order, WSC has created the forms and complete any additional Form, pays outstanding balances, and following procedures and policies related paperwork (extramural petitions with requests the refund from the Business to beginning course work and sustaining approval of faculty, directed research Office. Refunds must be requested within the student in the program. Students course approvals, class conflict180 days of submitting the Withdrawal should review the registration, placement, approvals, prerequisite waivers). These Form or the refund is forfeited. and academic policies to become familiar forms (and additional paperwork) are with how WSC organizes degree programs available from the Registrar or online Registration Changes and how to begin and continue studies at http://wscal.edu/wsc-gateway/ A student may add or drop courses successfully at the Seminary. current-students/. A student has not by submitting a completed Add/Drop completed registration for a course Form to the Registrar within the dates REGISTRATION PROCESS until all necessary paperwork has been listed in the Academic Calendar. Under AND POLICIES submitted to the Registrar. normal circumstances, the Add/Drop Form will not be processed through Registration Process WSC Enrollment Deposit electronic mail or fax. For information The registration process requires The Seminary requires a $100 Enrollment concerning refund and withdrawal dates, completing and submitting information Deposit as part of the enrollment process please see the refund schedule on the within the registration packet to the for all students enrolling in a degree Academic Calendar. During the grace Registrar. This registration packet will program. Students returning from a leave period (the period between registration be sent to all newly admitted students of absence or other interruption of course and official billing), a student must obtain one month prior to the registration due work are not required to submit a new the Registrar’s approval for registration date (listed in the Academic Calendar). deposit unless they officially withdrew changes, but the Add/Drop Fee will not Students who are admitted less than and the previous Enrollment Deposit was apply. Once a student is officially billed, one month prior to the start of classes refunded. Enrollment Deposits should typically one month prior to the beginning will register during WSC orientation be submitted with the new student’s of the semester, an Add/ Drop Fee will be or by making other arrangements (a registration, which is due by July 1 for new charged to the student’s account per form late registration fee of $50 will apply). summer/fall students and by December submitted, including the Class Conflict and Continuing students will receive this 15 for winter/spring students. Directed Research Petitions submitted ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND POLICIES packet in their student mail boxes. after the date of official billing. After the These forms are also available online The Enrollment Deposit verifies abeginning of the semester, a student is and outside of the Registrar’s Office. student’s enrollment status and retains not normally permitted to add a course. The registration packet will include a all accepted financial aid awards. If an In extraordinary circumstances a student registration form, a degree program Enrollment Deposit is not processed by may request permission in writing to add sheet, class schedules and, for new the registration due date, financial aid a course after its class sessions have students, information regarding awards will be considered inapplicable and begun and, upon the written approval registration policies and the enrollment the funds redistributed. of the instructor, the student’s Faculty deposit. Following registration, the Dean Advisor, and the Registrar, may enroll in of Students will assign a Faculty Advisor Once received, the Enrollment Deposit is the course. In such cases students will who is also available to advise each retained in the student’s account until the be permitted to enroll in a semester-long student on a course of study. student submits the Graduation Application course only before the fifth class day of near completion of his or her degree. At the semester, in a month-long course
66 only before the third class day, and in a The Director of Field Education will advise the student will return. The LOA, together week-long course only before the second students, monitor progress, review with any additional leaves of absence, class day. Students may drop courses evaluations, give reports to the field must not exceed a total of 180 days in with the written approval of the instructor, education committee and the faculty and, any 12-month period. Failure to return the student’s Faculty Advisor, and the when the field education requirement is from an official and approved LOA results Registrar, until the deadlines stated in completed, give a grade of “Credit” or in a withdrawn status and will affect the the Academic Calendar. After the dates “No Credit.” This requirement must be student’s loans, as stated in his or her identified in the Academic Calendar met prior to graduating from the Master of Master Promissory Note. This action may as “Final drop date without academic Divinity program. include expiration of the grace period and/ penalty,” students withdrawing from a or immediate entry into repayment. (For course will receive a failing grade unless WSC requires that students begin their official details, the student should contact granted an exception for extraordinary field education early in their Seminary his or her lender.) circumstances through written petition to program in order to maximize its value. the faculty’s Committee on Petitions. M.Div. students are required to enroll in A student granted an LOA is not considered the program during the second semester to have withdrawn and, thus, no return of The effective date for dropping a course is of their first year, unless enrollment federal loan calculation is required. Upon the date on which the Registrar approves deferral is granted by the Director of Field the student’s return from the LOA, he or the Add/Drop request. Courses dropped Education. If a first-year M.Div. student is she then continues to earn the Federal between the first and the seventh week enrolled in second semester classes, the Student Aid previously awarded for the of a semester will not be recorded on the Field Education Program will be added entire period. If a student does not return student’s permanent record. Withdrawal to his registration. For more information, to the Seminary at the end of an approved under any other circumstance will result please contact the Director of Field LOA (or takes an unapproved LOA), the in a failing course grade which will appear Education. (See the fee schedule for the student’s withdrawal date is the date the on the transcript. When a student notifies Pastoral Internship tuition.) student began the LOA and the withdrawal the Registrar of his or her withdrawal from the Seminary will apply. For from a course (or from the institution) LEAVE OF ABSENCE readmission under these circumstances, after the stated deadline for dropping Students who intend to take one or two the student must contact the Office of a course without academic penalty, a semesters off from WSC (not including Admissions. grade of W/F (withdraw/failing) is entered winter or summer terms), with the intention in the student’s academic record and of returning, should go through the leave WITHDRAWAL transcript. The W/F, like F, is weighted at of absence process. A student who plans to leave and not zero grade points in the calculation of the to take further courses for credit must student’s cumulative grade point average; Leave of Absence Process officially notify WSC by going through the but it attests that the student notified the Enrolled students who have completed at withdrawal process. Registrar appropriately of the intention to least one semester may request a Leave withdraw. of Absence (LOA) for a maximum of two Withdrawal Process consecutive semesters (not including Any enrolled student withdrawing from Registration for the Field Education winter or spring terms). WSC must complete the Request for ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND POLICIES Program (M.Div.) Withdrawal Form in order to withdraw Field education is an integral requirement The Request for Leave of Absence and receive a refund of their Enrollment of the Seminary’s Master of Divinity Form can be obtained online or from the Deposit (see WSC Enrollment Deposit program, since the program is designed Registrar. The submission of the LOA above). The withdrawal form may be to prepare men for the pastorate. form should be completed as soon as the obtained online or from the Registrar. Consequently, the program includes student is aware that he/she will not be The date of withdrawal is determined not only academic studies but also the able to register for any given semester. when the student began the withdrawal opportunity to exercise and develop This form must be submitted to be granted process or when the student ceases ministry skills through this supervised official leave of absence. This form asks attendance if they do not submit official internship program. The Field Education for the reason for the LOA, expected notification in a timely manner. A student Program (FE691) requires 700 hours of semester of return, student signature, and is also required to obtain withdrawal supervised and evaluated ministry in a date of request. WSC will grant an official approval from the Dean of Students, the broad spectrum of pastoral experience. LOA if there is sufficient expectation that Library, the Business Manager, and the
67 Registrar. Withdrawing from a course exam is held prior to the start of fall and administered three times per academic may adversely affect a student’s financial spring semesters by arrangement with the year. All incoming students are required to aid eligibility. Consequently, if a student Old Testament faculty. take the English Bible Exam during their has taken part in any part of the WSC first semester of studies. Failure to take Financial Aid program, a student will be Each test covers the fundamentals of the exam will result in a failing grade on the required to receive withdrawal approval grammar, vocabulary, and translation of exam, and will require the student to take from the Financial Aid Coordinator after selected Scripture passages. Sample OT520 English Bible Survey. Students a discussion of financial circumstances, tests are available through the Office of who take the English Bible Exam and fail loan eligibility, and any tuition responsibility Admissions. it on their first attempt have opportunity to after withdrawal. Tuition will be refunded retake the exam the next time it is offered. as determined by the WSC tuition refund Greek and Hebrew courses at the Students who take and fail the exam twice, schedule. The Federal Loan Refund Policy Seminary are considered propaedeutic or who fail to take the exam when required will apply in the event that a loan has and will not be counted toward the total to do so, are required to take OT520 been distributed and the student has not number of units required for graduation. English Bible Survey the next spring completed 60% of the semester (for more However, grades resulting from these semester. See the Academic Calendar for information, see the Financial Aid section courses are calculated into a student’s examination dates. under Title IV Return Policy). grade point average. A score of 110 or higher out of 150 If a student is a teaching assistant, his Greek and Hebrew Audit Policy questions is required in order to be or her withdrawal may also result in Normally auditors are not admitted exempt from OT520 English Bible Survey. a violation of a student’s contract. A into language courses, but they may Each student must pass the exam or teaching assistant should contact his or be admitted under one of the following OT520 prior to registering for OT601, her professor to determine the extent to conditions: OT701, OT702, NT601, NT602, NT701, which this may result in penalties before • The student has previously taken and ST604 and ST605. submitting the withdrawal form. the course for credit at WSC • The student has “tested out” of the Graduate Theological Writing ACADEMIC PLACEMENT course by examination. Students PT400 Graduate Theological Writing is whose performance on a placement designed to assist students in developing Greek and Hebrew Placement exam indicates that they do not competencies in such areas as organization Westminster Seminary California believes need to take Greek I and/or Hebrew and composition of essays and papers, that knowledge of the original biblical I and who are enrolled or will enroll correct use of source materials in writing, languages is essential for the study of full-time (12 units minimum) in the clarity and style in sentence syntax and God’s Word. Therefore, incoming students current or next semester may audit paragraph construction, diction, grammar, without knowledge of Greek should enroll the waived course(s) without an punctuation, and spelling. An admitted in Greek I during the summer term. Audit Fee student has the opportunity to obtain a • The student does not plan to enroll waiver of PT400 Graduate Theological Students with prior studies in Greek in a degree program at Westminster Writing. To do so, he or she must submit or Hebrew may “test out” of some of Seminary California. Those who an academic paper by August 15 for those ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND POLICIES the language requirements by taking a later decide to enroll in a degree entering in summer term or fall semester, placement exam given by the Biblical program at the Seminary will be or by January 15 for those entering in Studies department. Students who have required to take the class for credit the winter term or spring semester. begun study in WSC’s Hebrew and/or and will not be able to test out of The paper must be at least five pages Greek curriculum may not subsequently the language requirement. (1,500 words) long and must include at take the placement exam in the biblical least ten footnotes, a bibliography, and language(s) studied in WSC courses. Knowledge of the English Bible a signed statement reading: “I certify Undergraduate and graduate language A thorough knowledge of the English Bible that this writing sample reflects my own courses do not transfer into a WSC is expected of all students at Westminster efforts and activity in research, reasoning, program (including as electives). A Greek Seminary California. In order to ensure that composition, and editing, unassisted by placement test is held on the day prior to all students have an in-depth understanding any other person.” If the paper is judged the beginning of Greek I during the summer of the Bible, the Seminary has established to reflect adequate skill in research, and winter terms. The Hebrew placement an English Bible Exam. The examination is composition, grammar, and the use of
68 sources and skills necessary for success at and may be released or published • Seminary officials (or office per- WSC, the student may be exempted from without the student’s consent: full name, sonnel ancillary to the officials) the course. address (local, home, or electronic mail), who require access for legitimate telephone number, photograph, date and educational purposes such as Public Speaking Requirement place of birth, program of study, dates of academic, disciplinary, health, or All M.Div. students are required to enroll into attendance, degrees and awards received, safety matters. Seminary officials PT410 Oral Communication during the first most recent previous educational institution may include, without limitation, fall semester unless a waiver is granted. It attended, and participation in officially the president, deans, department is possible for the student to obtain a waiver recognized Seminary activities. Students chairs, faculty members, the if the student delivers a brief devotional who do not wish directory information to be Seminary’s legal counsel, judicial speech and demonstrates adequate oral released or made public must inform the officers, counselors, and the communication skills (in preparation, Registrar’s Office, in writing, at the time the Admissions Committee. Seminary structure, and delivery) to representative information is submitted by the student. officials also include individuals faculty of the Department of Practical employed by—or under contract Theology prior to the first fall semester Confidentiality of Personally to—the Seminary to perform a of study. Signing up to deliver the speech Identifiable Information special task, such as an attorney is overseen by the instructor of PT410 All personally identifiable information or auditor, and individuals acting as during the WSC New Student Orientation contained in student records other than official agents of the Seminary who week. Master of Divinity students who do directory information is considered are performing a service on behalf not receive exemption from PT410 will be confidential information. This information of the Seminary. required to take the class before enrolling includes, but is not necessarily limited to: • Officials of other educational institu- in PT504 Sermon Preparation and Delivery academic evaluations, general counseling tions to which the student seeks or and the advanced homiletics practica and advising records, disciplinary intends to enroll (on condition that (PT603, PT604, PT704, and PT708). For records, financial aid records, letters of the student upon request is entitled more information, contact the Dean of recommendation, academic references, to a copy of such records) Students. Your First Speech, a booklet that medical or health records, clinical • Appropriate federal, state, or local provides more information regarding this counseling and psychiatric records, officials or authorities, consistent requirement, is available online or from the transcripts, test scores, field evaluations with federal regulations Registrar’s Office. on internships or field work undertaken as • Organizations conducting studies part of a Seminary program, and other for—or on behalf of—educational POLICIES ON THE DISCLOSURE OF academic records. “Personally identifiable agencies or institutions STUDENT RECORDS information” means that the information • Accrediting organizations to carry includes: (a) the name of the student; (b) out their accrediting functions Students’ Rights of Privacy and Access the address of the student; (c) a personal • Parents of a dependent student to Records, FERPA, and FTC Gramm- identifier such as social security number; as defined in Section 152 of the Leach-Bliley Financial Privacy Act or (d) a list of personal characteristics Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Westminster Seminary California, in or other information that would make (provided that the Seminary takes accordance with the Family Educational the student’s identity easily traceable. reasonable steps to assure itself ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND POLICIES Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, The Seminary will generally not disclose of the parent’s right to claim the as amended, has adopted this Policy on personally identifiable information to third student as a dependent) Disclosure of Student Records to address parties without the written consent of the • Parents or guardians of a student, the following issues: (1) disclosure of student. The consent should specify the where the information pertains to directory information; (2) confidentiality of records to be disclosed, the purpose of violations of any federal, state, or personally identifiable information; and (3) the disclosure, and to whom the records local law, or of any Seminary rule student rights to inspect, review, and seek are to be disclosed. However, personally or policy governing the use or pos- amendment of their records. identifiable information may be disclosed, session of alcohol or a controlled without the student’s consent, to the substance, and the student has Disclosure of Directory Information following individuals or institutions, or in committed a disciplinary violation Information concerning the following items the following circumstances: • In connection with the student’s about individual students is designated application for or receipt of finan- by the Seminary as directory information cial aid
69 • In compliance with a judicial order or professional or paraprofessional act- may request a list of all persons making lawfully issued subpoena (on condi- ing in his or her professional capacity confidential recommendations. tion that a reasonable effort is made or assisting in his or her paraprofes- to notify the student of the order sional capacity, and that are made, A student who believes that any information or subpoena, if legally permitted to maintained, or used only in connec- contained in his or her education records do so) tion with treatment of the student and is inaccurate or misleading, or otherwise • In case of an emergency, to protect are not disclosed to anyone other in violation of his or her privacy rights, the health or safety of students or than the individuals providing the may request that the Seminary amend the other individuals. treatment. These records may be records. The student should first discuss reviewed, however, by a physician or his or her concerns with the individual The Seminary will inform a party to whom other appropriate professional of the responsible for the office where the records a disclosure of personally identifiable student’s choice are maintained. If the student is not satisfied information is made that it is made only on • Financial records of the parents of the with the resolution, the student should the condition that such party will not disclose student or any information contained contact the individual to whom that person the information to any other party without in those records reports. If still not satisfied, the student the prior written consent of the student. An • Records of instructional, supervisory, may contact the appropriate vice president exception to this is in the case of mandatory and administrative personnel and edu- or designee. The final level of appeal is a disclosure to comply with a judicial order or cational personnel ancillary to those formal hearing. To obtain a hearing, the lawfully issued subpoena. persons, that are in the sole posses- student should file a written request with the sion of the maker of the record and Registrar. The hearing will be conducted in Inspection and Review Rights; Right to are not accessible or revealed to any accordance with the requirements of FERPA. a Hearing other individual except a temporary A currently or previously enrolled student substitute for the maker The substantive judgment of a faculty has the right to inspect and review his or • Institutional records of students that member about a student’s work (grades her educational records. This right does may be maintained by the Seminary in or other evaluations of work assigned) is not extend to applicants, those denied a computer printout or similar format not within the scope of a FERPA hearing. admission, or those admitted who do not (so long as this computerized infor- A student may challenge the factual and enroll. Seminary officials may require that mation is not intended to be distrib- objective elements of the content of requests for access be submitted in writing, uted outside the Seminary), as long student records, but not the qualitative and and may ask for, but not require, the reason as the original source of computer subjective elements of grading. for the request. The Seminary will comply information is available in the office or with requests to inspect and review a department having original jurisdiction If as a result of a hearing the Seminary student’s records that it has determined to for the records determines that a student’s challenge is honor within a reasonable period of time, but • Records that only contain information without merit, the student will have the right, in no case more than forty-five days after the about a person after that person was and will be so informed, to place in his or request was made. no longer a student at the Seminary her records a statement setting forth any (e.g., information collected by the reasons for disagreeing with the Seminary’s Records that students are not entitled Seminary pertaining to accomplish- decision. ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND POLICIES to access include: ments of its alumni) • Those portions of a student’s records A student has the right to file complaints • Confidential letters and statements of that contain information on other concerning alleged failures by the Seminary recommendation placed in a student’s students. to comply with the requirements of record before January 1, 1975, or FERPA and the implementing regulations. confidential letters and statements of Students may be invited but not required to Complaints should be addressed to the recommendation to which students waive their right of access to confidential Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. have waived their rights of access letters of recommendation for admission, Department of Education, 400 Maryland • Employment records of students as academic references, honors or awards, Avenue, S.W., Washington DC 20202- 4605. Seminary employees or employment. Failure to execute a waiver Students are encouraged to bring any • Records that are made or maintained will not affect a student’s admission, receipt complaints regarding the implementation of by a physician, psychiatrist, psy- of financial aid, or other Seminary services. this policy to the attention of the Registrar. chologist, pastor, or other recognized If a student signs a waiver, he or she
70 ACADEMIC PETITIONS taking a directed research elective must be completed by the end of will have a course number assigned the examination period of the same Directed Research Petition to the course by the Registrar after term. Failure to meet these dead- (Elective Courses Only) completing the petition. lines will automatically result in an Professors are pleased to arrange • Completion Deadline: All written “F” for the course, unless a further research courses on subjects of interest research papers and other work extension is granted by faculty ac- for qualified students. These courses must be completed by the last day tion prior to the end of that term. will be conducted by means of assigned of classes of the same term, and reading, a thesis, and conferences with any final exam must be completed Class Conflict Petition the professor and/or an examination. by the end of the examination pe- A student may petition to fulfill These regulations and procedures also riod of the same term. Failure to requirements for two overlapping classes. apply to Institute of Theological Studies meet these deadlines will automati- Both professors must sign the petition. courses offered by Westminster Seminary cally result in an “F” for the course, Under these circumstances, the student is California. unless a further extension is granted expected to divide his or her attendance by faculty action prior to the end of between classes and complete all Directed research courses may be one, that term. assignments. two, or three semester units in credit value. The instructor shall indicate on the Extramural Petition • Class Conflict Petition Procedures: Directed Research Agreement the number (Required Courses Only) The petition must be completed, of credit units assigned to the particular A student who desires to take a required signed by instructors of the conflict- course in light of the amount of research, course through independent study must ing courses, and submitted with the writing, and faculty consultation required. fill out an Extramural Petition Form student’s registration form for the available on the Seminary website or from semester or term. A student will • Directed Research Qualifications: the Registrar. Extramural Petitions are not be allowed to register for either Directed research courses may be approved only by a vote of the Faculty course until the petition, signed by pursued only by students who are Committee on Petitions. both professors, is submitted to the registered for regular class work, Registrar. The student is responsible unless they have previously attained • Petition Procedures: The petition to: obtain the Class Conflict Petition a general academic standing of 2.8 deadline is one week prior to the Form from the Registrar or online, or better at the Seminary. Gener- end of registration week. The Com- make arrangements for attendance ally, directed research courses mittee normally will not approve late and obtaining materials for both are taken with full-time faculty. If a petitions. The student is responsible courses, obtain all material covered student wishes to pursue a directed for obtaining the Extramural Petition in both courses, obtain the profes- research course in an area in which Form from the Registrar’s Office or sors’ signatures, and submit the only an adjunct professor special- online. The student should meet with completed petition to the Registrar izes, the petition must be approved the professor to arrange fulfillment during registration. Registration by the Academic Dean. of course requirements and obtain for these classes is not completed • Directed Research Petition Proce- the instructor’s signature. The peti- until the form is submitted to the ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND POLICIES dures: Arrangements for directed tion must explain why the student Registrar. If this occurs after official research courses should be made cannot take the course when and billing, the Add/Drop Fee will apply. prior to the scheduled registration as it is ordinarily offered. The stu- date as printed in the Academic Cal- dent should submit the completed Waiver of Prerequisites endar. A petition form available from petition to the Academic Dean. The If applicable, course descriptions specify the Registrar or from the Seminary student must register for the course prerequisites—namely, courses that website must be completed, signed at the time of registration (if the must be taken previously in order to fulfill by the professor and student, and petition is granted). assignments and expectations acceptably. submitted prior to the term or se- • Extramural Petition Completion For example, successful completion mester in which the course is to be Deadline: All written research pa- of Hebrew and Greek courses (or taken. If the materials are submitted pers and other work must be com- performance on the language placement after official billing has occurred, the pleted by the last day of classes of exams) is prerequisite to enrollment in Add/Drop Fee will apply. A student the same term, and any final exam various biblical studies and systematic
71 theology courses because these courses In the case of extenuating circumstances be re-administered to any student at a later require interpretation of Scripture in (long-term personal illness or personal date, and a failing grade will be received its original languages. In extraordinary or family crisis of a traumatic nature), on the examination. circumstances and for weighty reasons, a student may request to be excused a course instructor may grant a waiver of from taking a final examination at its Plagiarism prerequisite if, in the instructor’s judgment, scheduled time and reschedule the exam. Plagiarism is a serious offense. It a student would be able to complete Such requests must be presented to the is sometimes committed through course requirements acceptably even instructor, in writing or electronically, carelessness, sometimes as a conscious without the background that is ordinarily and granted by the instructor prior to intention to deceive. Since the definition necessary for optimal student learning. the scheduled time of the examination. of acceptable and unacceptable use of The instructor may grant permission to others’ words and ideas varies from society Students seeking waiver of prerequisites take the final exam before the date when to society and from context to context for a course must obtain the Request of grades are due to the Registrar (see the within any given society, and because of Waiver of Prerequisite Form from the Academic Calendar), or the student may their concern for the seriousness of this Registrar’s Office, discuss with the course file a petition for an Incomplete with the offense, the faculty adopted a detailed instructor the rationale for requesting Dean of Students. Unless the instructor “Statement on Plagiarism” for inclusion the waiver and the requirements of the has granted the student’s request for in the Student Handbook. It says (in part): course, obtain the instructor’s signature permission to defer the exam or an “Since ideas and their communication are expressing acceptance of the waiver, Incomplete has been granted by the Dean one of the most important ingredients and submit the Request of Waiver of of Students or the Committee on Petitions, in any academic institution, it is most Prerequisite Form with the student’s term absence at the scheduled examination important that we, as a community, make or semester registration to the Registrar. period will result in a failing grade on the abundantly clear our expectations with Students will not be registered for the exam. regard to the sharing and transmission of course until the waiver is submitted to ideas. We think it essential that no one ever the Registrar. After official billing the Add/ Each examination must be taken in the present as his or her own the academic Drop Fee will apply. scheduled classroom. Withdrawal to achievements of another. Certainly the areas other than the restroom or lounge intellectual contributions of others may ACADEMIC POLICIES is not permitted. Computers (notebooks, be utilized, but whenever they are, full laptops, desktops, or others) capable credit must be given to the one whose Academic Honesty - Honor System of storing or retrieving data files may ideas they are. In a word, plagiarism must Examinations at WSC are conducted on the not be used in writing examinations. be avoided at all costs.” Every student is honor system. Each student is responsible All examinations are conducted by the expected to read, understand, and follow to maintain this system without blemish. honor system and honor pledge. The this statement. A more detailed explanation of the honor responsibility lies directly upon each system is found in the Student Handbook student to maintain this honor system Attendance that is given to all new students at the New without blemish. The following pledge It is expected that students will attend Student Orientation. is to be written out and signed on each every class for which they are registered. examination paper: “I pledge my honor that Absences caused by illness or other ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND POLICIES Final Examinations I have neither given nor received verbal or justifiable causes will be permitted to a The Academic Calendar indicates the written assistance during this examination limited extent. If, in the judgment of the dates of final examinations of each beyond that permitted by the instructor instructor, these permitted absences or semester or term. Morning exams start in charge.” All examinations require other (unauthorized) absences endanger at 8:30 a.m. promptly and end at 11:30 the submission of the pledge with the the standing of the student in the course, a.m.; afternoon exams start at 1:00 p.m. examined student’s signature on the test the instructor shall advise the student and end at 4:00 p.m. (unless otherwise or examination booklet. No student with and notify the student’s Faculty Advisor. specified by the professor). Students are unpaid financial obligations to the Seminary Further absences will normally result in a expected to take examinations at the (including library fines) will be allowed to failing grade in the course. scheduled time. Examinations for evening take final examinations unless the student and Saturday courses will be administered has made satisfactory arrangements prior Incomplete Course Work at the normal class time during finals to the start of final examinations. In such A student is expected to complete all work week. circumstances, a final examination will not within the current term. In extraordinary
72 circumstances, however, a student may sion is granted by faculty action be made in writing and submitted to the petition for an Incomplete. If the petition prior to term end, at the request of Academic Dean, explaining the student’s is granted, the “I” grade will remain on the the student. circumstances and proposing a plan for transcript until the course work has been successful completion of seminary course completed. Then the “I” will be replaced Double Submission of Papers work if reinstatement is granted. If the with the final letter grade. It is contrary to academic ethics to appeal is granted, the faculty may also submit an identical paper for credit in grant whatever credit for work already An Incomplete grade may be granted two or more classes at Westminster completed it deems appropriate. only when the student’s work in the Seminary California or one which has been course has not been completed because submitted for credit at another institution. Since probation is designed to help the of extenuating circumstances. These The only exception is that students student demonstrate and develop his circumstances may include long-term enrolled in PT400 Graduate Theological or her academic competency, neither personal illness, personal or family Writing may, with the knowledge and probation at admittance nor academic traumatic crisis, or other reasonable and consent of both instructors, submit the probation shall be recorded on a student’s unforeseeable events. same paper in PT400 and another course permanent transcript. If a student is taken concurrently. dismissed for academic cause, however, An Incomplete grade may not be given when the statement “Academically ineligible a student has simply failed to complete Academic Probation to reenroll” will appear on his or her the work or fails to take an examination Probation status is a means by which transcript. due to lack of discipline or organization, the Seminary seeks to alert and assist a church ministry, job responsibilities, or student whose academic standing is in Grading System other ordinary circumstances. The Dean of jeopardy. Its purpose is both to emphasize Every credit is calculated by the use of Students will determine whether adequate the need for change in the student’s a grade point system. Grade points are cause exists for granting the Incomplete. approach to theological study and to assigned to grades as follows: provide the guidelines and support for A 4.0 grade points No Incomplete will be granted such a change. When a student is placed A- 3.7 grade points automatically. Student initiative is required on academic probation, his or her Faculty B+ 3.3 grade points to petition for an Incomplete. Advisor and/or the Dean of Students B 3.0 grade points • Incomplete Petition Procedures: will meet with him or her to discuss the B- 2.7 grade points The student is required to obtain factors contributing to previous academic C+ 2.3 grade points the Incomplete Petition Form from difficulty. C 2.0 grade points the Registrar or online, obtain the C- 1.7 grade points signatures of the professor and the A student will be placed on academic D+ 1.3 grade points Dean of Students, and return the probation if his or her cumulative grade D 1.0 grade point completed petition to the Registrar point average falls below 2.0 after D- 0.7 grade point by the last day of classes. completing 25 semester units of course F 0.0 grade point • Deadlines for Completing Incom- work at WSC. The student remains in W/F 0.0 grade point plete Course Work: In the case of a probation status until his or her cumulative A through D- are passing. ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND POLICIES granted Incomplete, all outstanding grade point average is raised to 2.0 (the F is a failing grade, no credit given. course requirements must be fin- minimum grade point average required for W/F indicates formal withdrawal for a ished and graded by the last day of graduation). course after the deadline for dropping classes of the next semester, or by without academic penalty, no credit given. some earlier date agreed upon by A student must raise his or her cumulative CR is passing, no points calculated in the professor and the student. Any grade point average to 2.0 within 30 grade point average. arrangement for work to be turned semester units after being placed on NC is not passing, no points calculated in in must allow time for the profes- probation. Failure to do so will be grounds grade point average. sor to grade it by the last day of for dismissal. I is incomplete work, anticipating further classes of the following semester. work to be completed. Failure to meet these deadlines will A student dismissed for academic automatically result in an “I/F” for reasons may appeal to the faculty for A student’s general standing is the result the course, unless a further exten- reinstatement. Such an appeal should of the total number of grade points
73 earned divided by the total number of winter term without the permission of the Information Pertaining to Veterans semester units taken. Courses in which Faculty Committee on Petitions prior to For students receiving Department of credit/no credit grading is employed registration. The minimum full-time course Veterans Affairs benefits, credit-unit are not calculated in the grade point load during winter term is three credit values have been designated as follows: average. Grades received in Hebrew and units. The only degree requirement not bearing Greek courses taken at the Seminary are “credit units” is FE691 Pastoral Internship calculated in the grade point average. Change in Degree Program but the course is certified as a three- A student is admitted into the degree credit course. All other courses bear In a course in which a failing grade has program for which he or she applies. “credit units” as stated in this catalogue. been received, a student may be granted Students wishing to change their degree In accordance with the rules of the permission by the professor to take a program must submit to the Registrar a Department of Veterans Affairs, a student reexamination or complete a re-assignment formal application form with their Faculty receiving veterans’ benefits will be placed of sufficient quality to raise the grade to an Advisor’s signature along with the Change on probation if his or her cumulative grade F/D. Such work must be completed within of Program Fee of $15.00. The Change of point average falls below a 2.0. He or 21 days after the Registrar notifies the Program Application Form is available from she may continue to receive veterans’ student of the failing grade. If the grade is the Registrar or online. benefits while on probation for a maximum raised to a D, the student receives credit of two semesters. If he or she is allowed for the course, but no grade points are Shared Credit Between Degree to remain on academic probation beyond counted in calculating general standing. Programs this period, all veterans’ benefits will be Students desiring to pursue two Master’s terminated. Grade Reports and Appeals degrees from Westminster Seminary Following summer and winter terms and California, either simultaneously or GRADUATION the fall semester students receive grade sequentially, may apply up to 25 semester reports for courses completed that term. hours of overlapping coursework toward Requirements for the Degrees After spring semester students receive the fulfillment of degree unit requirements To qualify for a Master of Divinity or Master a copy of their unofficial transcript. Any in both programs. The successful of Arts degree at Westminster Seminary discrepancy between these documents completion of all required courses and California, a student must fulfill and and the student’s personal record must be of the specified number (and disciplinary successfully complete all requirements and brought to the attention of the Registrar distribution, where appropriate) of elective receive a cumulative grade point average in writing. Students have a period of four units is required in each program in order of 2.00 or higher at the completion of months from the day that grades are to receive the degree. required course work. issued to question or challenge the grades recorded on their transcripts. After the Repeated Courses Application for Graduation four-month period, grades will be final and A student is permitted to repeat a course Any student planning to graduate must permanent. in which a grade has already been earned. complete an Application for Graduation When a course is repeated, both the first and return it to the Registrar’s Office by Course Load and the second grades are figured into the the date listed on the application. The The minimum full-time course load for M.Div. total cumulative grade point average and Graduation Application is available online ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND POLICIES and M.A. students during fall and spring both grades are shown on the student’s under the Current Students section of the semesters is 12 credit units. Six to eight transcript. WSC website. credit units are considered a half-time load; and nine to eleven units are considered a Transcript Requests Commencement three-quarters-time load. These definitions To request a transcript, complete the Commencement exercises are held once apply to all students except for seniors in Transcript Request Form that is available each academic year at the end of the their final two semesters who are taking online or from the Registrar’s Office. spring semester. All students who are all courses that they need to graduate. Official transcripts are $5.00 per copy. eligible to receive degrees are expected These seniors, if taking less than 12 Unofficial copies are free to students. to participate in the commencement hours, will be considered full-time for Transcripts must be requested in person ceremony. If requirements for the degree purposes of course auditing and financial or by mail. Telephone or fax requests will were completed by the end of the fall aid. No student may take more than 20 not be accepted. No transcripts are issued semester or winter term, a student who units during a semester or five during the for students with unpaid accounts. is unable to be present at the ceremony
74 may petition the faculty for permission to to discipline (through due process as consumed on campus or at a Seminary receive the degree in absentia by giving described in the Faculty Handbook, function. As a Christian institution, the reason for his or her inability to attend Student Handbook, and Staff Handbook) the Seminary is eager to help anyone the commencement ceremony. and, in cases of serious unrepentant or struggling to overcome the misuse of continued violation, may be required to drugs or alcohol. The Seminary will help Prospective graduates must pay all debts leave the Seminary. There are lengthy find counseling support for a student to the Seminary, including the library, no statements in the Student Handbook or employee through the Institute for later than the last day of classes of the concerning plagiarism and the use of Biblical Counseling and Discipleship or spring semester in order to participate drugs and alcohol (see summaries below). other appropriate agency. This policy in the commencement exercises. Neither Offenses defined by these policies are is outlined in detail in the Student and a diploma nor a final transcript will subject to discipline. Other offenses which Faculty Handbooks. be released until a student’s financial violate our confessional standards and are obligations to the Seminary are met in full. therefore subject to discipline, with the Sexual Harassment possibility of expulsion, include (but are not God’s Word commands respect The Graduation Fee will be billed to the limited to) the following: participation in the for others and the maintenance of student prior to graduation and is typically occult, profane or blasphemous language, sexual purity in thought, word, and processed with the Graduation Application. expressions of disrespect for others, deed. Scripture condemns the use of If the Enrollment Deposit remains on the contentiousness, divisiveness, slander, influence by persons of either sex to account, these funds will be used to pay physical assault, unbiblical termination of exploit others sexually, and it instructs the Graduation Fee in full. pregnancy, sexual misconduct (including Christ’s followers to avoid all sorts rape, incest, fornication, adultery, prurient of impure speech. As a community Graduates are expected to attend a use of pornography, lewd conduct, under the lordship of Christ, WSC graduation reception held in connection homosexual behavior), unrepentant intends to preserve an environment with the commencement exercises, divorce which was obtained on unbiblical that is free from sexual harassment. normally on the evening preceding the grounds, lying, dishonesty (particularly The Seminary’s policy defining sexual ceremony. This reception provides an violations of the honor system), disruptive harassment and the procedure for opportunity for fellowship with faculty behavior, theft, and damage to the investigating allegations is published in and fellow-graduates and for corporate property of others. Such discipline may the Student and Faculty Handbooks. reflection on the seminary experience. also be brought against those who violate civil law, except in those rare cases where Non-Discrimination Policy STUDENT CONDUCT AND the civil law contradicts the Scriptures. Westminster Seminary California does NON-DISCRIMINATION Student conduct is under the supervision not discriminate on the basis of race, of the faculty, acting through the Dean age, color, national and ethnic origin, Code of Conduct of Students. The faculty reserves the disability, or gender in the administration Westminster Seminary California is a right to dismiss from the Seminary a of its educational policies, admissions distinctively Christian community of student whose conduct is found to be policies, services, or scholarship and scholars and expects its students and unsatisfactory. The Student Handbook loan programs. The Seminary Board employees to conform to the standards states students’ rights to due process and and faculty understand the criteria ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND POLICIES of behavior set forth in Scripture and the procedures followed in hearings and for the gospel ministry set down in in the historical Reformed confessions. appeals in cases of student discipline. Scripture as limiting candidacy for These standards teach that authentic the gospel ministry to qualified males. goodness is a state of the heart, the Substance Abuse Because the Master of Divinity program product of regeneration by God’s Holy Westminster Seminary California is is designed to prepare candidates for Spirit. We cannot judge another’s heart, committed to being an institution free of official pastoral ministry, only men are and therefore we cannot judge the internal the use of illegal drugs and of the abuse admitted to the M.Div. degree program. thoughts and attitudes that produce good of alcohol. All faculty, staff, and students Women as well as men receive gifts and or wicked actions. But we can and must are required as a condition of employment calling from God to serve in various non- take account of the external actions that and/or enrollment not to use illegal drugs ordained ministries. Therefore, women Scripture praises or condemns. Those or abuse alcohol. Illegal drugs may not and men are encouraged to enroll in the whose actions violate these biblical and be used at or brought to the campus or Master of Arts programs. confessional standards may be subject any Seminary activity. Alcohol may not be
75 Appendices
FINANCIAL INFORMATION TERMS OF PAYMENT 2011-2012 ACADEMIC YEAR Tuition and fees are due one week prior to the start of each semester. Payments for winter and TUITION AND FEES summer term classes must be paid in full by the The following tuition and fee schedule has been approved by the Westmin- first day of class. Payments may be made by ster Seminary California Board of Trustees for the 2011-2012 academic cash, check, money order, or credit card (Visa year. Tuition and fees are subject to change for subsequent academic years. or MasterCard).Students unable to pay the full semester’s charges should make prior arrange- Tuition ments with the Business Office to fulfill their $370.00 Tuition per semester unit financial responsibilities through a deferred-pay- $1,110.00 FE691 Pastoral Internship ment plan. The deferred-payment plan allows stu- (Registration required for M.Div. students during their dents to defer up to 66% of their tuition charges. second semester) A minimum 34% of tuition, plus fees, must be $185.00 Audit Fee (per unit, non-refundable) paid one week prior to the start of the term. The $50.00 Listener’s Pass for select evening courses (per course remaining balance of tuition must be in two 33% [2 units] and non-refundable) monthly payments. A 1.5% service charge will be added to the unpaid balance each month. No Application Fees individual who has unpaid financial obligations to $30.00 Application for Admission Fee (non-refundable) the Seminary or library shall be permitted to reg- $15.00 Visiting Student Application Fee (non-refundable) ister, take final examinations, receive a degree, $100.00 Enrollment Deposit (refundable with official withdrawal or be issued an official transcript. Final exams approval and will be applied to ensuing Graduation Fee) will not be re-administered to any student at a later date. Student Fees Refunds $50.00 Late Registration Fee (see Academic Policies and the A student who gives the Registrar written noti- Academic Calendar for registration deadlines) fication of his or her withdrawal from courses $20.00 Student Association Fee per semester (all full-time students, during any academic term, or of a desire to non-refundable after second week of the semester) change his or her enrollment in a course from $15.00 Library Fee per semester (for all students) credit to audit status, will receive a tuition refund $25.00 Technology Fee (for all students) according to the following schedules. If the stu- $15.00 Add/Drop Fee (per transaction) dent withdraws from a course before the class $15.00 Change of Program Fee has met, all tuition will be refunded (this does not $5.00 Official Transcript Fee include a refund of Drop Fees, Audit Fees, Lis- $100.00 Graduation Fee (paid through the Enrollment Deposit) tener’s Passes, or Enrollment Deposit unless the 1.5% Service fee on unpaid balance withdrawal form has been completed and submit- ted). The Student Association Fee will not be re- funded after the first two weeks of the academic
APPENDICES period. Refunds owed for Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans are not calculated according to WSC’s tuition refund schedule. Federal Student Aid re- cipients should see the Financial Aid Coordina- tor for information on refunds or payments due.
76 PAYMENT AT A GLANCE
TERM PAYMENT DUE Summer 2011 July 26, 2011 Fall 2011 August 25, 2011 Winter 2012 1st Day of Class Spring 2012 January 30, 2012
Refund Schedule
Refund Calendar (2011-2012)
REFUND % SUMMER ‘11/GREEK 1 FALL ‘11 WINTER ‘12 SPRING ‘12 100% 7/26–7/27 9/1-9/8 Winter refunds 2/6-2/13 80% N/A 9/9-9/15 are listed below 2/14-2/20 60% 7/28-7/29 9/16-9/22 and are based 2/21-2/27 40% N/A 9/23-9/29 upon first day of 2/28-3/5 NONE 8/1 9/30 and after class and length 3/6 and after of course.
Winter 2012 Two- and Three-Week Courses 100% end of the 2nd day of class 60% end of the 3rd day of class 40% end of the 5th day of class none after the 5th day of class
* No withdrawal without academic penalty after the 5th day of class
One-Week Courses 100% end of the 1st day of class 60% end of the 2nd day of class 40% end of the 3rd day of class none last day of class and after
* No withdrawal without academic penalty after the 4th day of class
APPENDICES Full Summer - Directed Studies 100% 1st week of June 80% June 60% July 40% end of scheduled summer term
* No withdrawal without academic penalty after July
77 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MR. RONALD W. PRINS Administrative Staff Elder (URC), Escondido, CA GOVERNMENT PRESIDENT Westminster Seminary California is gov- MR. PETE SARA W. Robert Godfrey erned by a self-perpetuating Board con- Elder (PCA), Escondido, CA sisting of eighteen Trustees, all of whom ACADEMIC DEAN have served as ministers or elders in DR. BENJAMIN E. SASSE J.V. Fesko Presbyterian and Reformed churches. At Elder (URC), Freemont, NE least six but no more than nine must be EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT ministers of the gospel. Each Trustee is DR. SCOTT SWANSON Steven D. Oeverman required to subscribe to the confessional Elder (URC), Chino, CA standards of the Seminary in a pledge VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT similar to that required of the faculty. All MR. ROGER SWETS Dawn G. Doorn corporate powers are exercised by or un- Elder (URC), Alto, MI der the authority of the Board of Trustees. SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT THE REV. DALE VAN DYKE Cynthia J. McBurney MR. DANIEL J. BRYANT Pastor (OPC), Wyoming, MI Elder (OPC), McLean, VA DIRECTOR OF STEWARDSHIP THE REV. DERRICK VANDER MEULEN Henry Doorn THE REV. ANDREW CAMMENGA Pastor (URC), Kauai, HI Retired Pastor (URC), Escondido, CA LIBRARY DIRECTOR THE REV. BRIAN D. VOS John Bales THE REV. C. J. DEN DULK Pastor (URC), Caledonia, MI DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT Pastor (CRC), Sparta, MI Trustees Emeriti MANAGEMENT Mr. Lewis Aukeman Mark J. MacVey MR. LYLE FABER Mr. Jack Brouwer Elder (URC), Escondido, CA Mr. Edward Brower ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR Dr. Norman Byer Katie Chappell THE REV. DR. DAVID HALL Dr. James D. Carson Mr. Alfred Clark Pastor (PCA), Powder Springs, GA Mr. Peter De Jong REGISTRAR & DEAN OF WOMEN Dr. Donald J. Paauw, Sr. Heather Gideon THE REV. SUNG YUN HAN Mr. Claude Wierenga Dr. Thomas Ziegler Pastor (PCA), Los Angeles, CA FINANCIAL AID COORDINATOR Dr. Joseph Garrisi (deceased) Barbara Clark The Rev. Alexander De Jong (deceased) THE REV. ERIC HAUSLER Dr. Robert G. den Dulk (deceased) Pastor (OPC), Ada, MI The Rev. Robert Nicholas (deceased) DEAN OF STUDENTS Mr. John Verhoeven (deceased) Julius J. Kim MR. MILTON D. HODGES Mr. G. Fred Wheeler (deceased)
APPENDICES Elder (PCA), Deatsville, AL Mr. Harlin Wilson (deceased) DIRECTOR OF FIELD EDUCATION Dennis E. Johnson Faculty Emeriti MR. CRAIG KNOT The Rev. Dr. Derke P. Bergsma Elder (CRC), Flossmoor, IL The Rev. Dr. Robert B. Strimple BUSINESS MANAGER The Rev. Dr. Meredith G. Kline Dan TerHorst MR. JAMES W. ONNINK (deceased) Elder (OPC), Oostburg, WI The Rev. Dr. Edmund P. Clowney (deceased)
78 DIRECTOR OF WEBSITE AND INTERNAL DESIGN Young-Mi Cha
DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS Brenda Jung
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Barb Van Solkema
DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE Elizabeth McDaniel
I.T. SPECIALIST Adam Claus
BUSINESS OFFICE ASSISTANT Diane Belnap
LIBRARY PUBLIC SERVICES ASSISTANT Dan Wagner
Further Administrative Services
ACCREDITATION J. V. Fesko
HUMAN RESOURCES Steven D. Oeverman
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISOR Mark J. MacVey APPENDICES
79 ACADEMIC YEAR 2011-2012
2011 Summer Term 2012 Winter Term
Apr 11-15 Registration for Summer Term & Fall Nov 7-11, 2011 Registration for Winter Term for continuing Semester for continuing students students July 1 Registration and Enrollment Deposit due Dec 9, 2011 Registration by mail for new Winter Term by mail for new Summer Term and Fall students or late fee will apply Semester students Jan 3 Classes begin July 25 Greek Placement Exam at 9:00 AM Jan 3 Greek Placement Exam for new winter July 26 Greek I begins at 8:00 AM students; Hebrew by appointment with July 27 Final day to add/drop Greek I without OT faculty authorization Jan 9 English Bible Exam at 3:00 PM Aug 17 Greek I final drop date without academic (Required of all new students and those penalty not passing in fall) Aug 26 Classes end Jan 27 Classes end Aug 30 Greek I Final Exam at 1:00 PM Jan 28-31 Reading period Sept 5 Labor Day: WSC closed Feb 1-3 Final exams Sept 6 Grades due to Registrar Feb 17 Grades due to Registrar
2011 Fall Semester 2012 Spring Semester
April 11-15 Registration for Fall Semester for Nov 7-11, 2011 Registration for Spring Semester for continuing students continuing students July 1 Registration and Enrollment Deposit due by Dec 9, 2011 Registration by mail for Spring Semester mail for new Fall Semester students for new students Aug 23 Placement exams: Greek at 9:00 AM; Jan 3 Greek Placement Exam for new spring Hebrew by appointment with OT faculty students; Hebrew by appointment with OT Aug 31 New Student Orientation for summer/fall faculty students: Reception for new students at Feb 6 Classes begin 7:00 PM Feb 21 Final day to drop without authorization Sept 1 Classes begin Apr 2-6 Spring Vacation Sept 5 Labor Day: WSC closed Apr 6 Good Friday: WSC is closed Sept 12 English Bible Exam at 3:00 PM Apr 13 Final drop date without academic penalty (Required of all new students) Apr 16-20 Registration for Summer Term and Fall Sept 16 Final day to drop without authorization Semester for continuing students Oct 21 Final drop date without academic penalty May 11 Classes end, papers due at 10:00 AM Nov 7-11 Registration for Winter Term and Spring May 12-16 Reading period Semester for continuing students May 17-24 Final exams Nov 24-25 Thanksgiving holiday: WSC closed May 26 Commencement Dec 2 Classes end, papers due at 10:00 AM June 8 Grades due to Registrar APPENDICES Dec 3-7 Reading period Dec 8-15 Final exams Jan 6, 2012 Grades due to Registrar
80 ACADEMIC YEAR 2012-2013
2012 Summer Term 2013 Winter Term
Apr 16-20 Registration for Summer Term & Fall Nov 5-9, 2012 Registration for Winter Term for Semester for continuing students continuing students July 1 Registration and Enrollment Deposit due Dec 14, 2012 Registration by mail for new Winter Term by mail for new Summer Term and Fall students or late fee will apply Semester students Jan 7 Greek Placement Exam for new winter July 23 Greek Placement Exam at 9:00 AM students; Hebrew by appointment with July 24 Greek I begins at 8:00 AM OT faculty July 25 Final day to add/drop Greek I without Jan 8 Classes begin authorization Jan 14 English Bible Exam at 3:00 PM Aug 15 Greek I final drop date without academic (Required of all new students and those penalty not passing in fall) Aug 24 Classes end Feb 1 Classes end Aug 28 Greek I Final Exam at 1:00 PM Feb 2-5 Reading period Sept 3 Labor Day: WSC closed Feb 6-8 Final exams Sept 4 Grades due to Registrar Feb 22 Grades due to Registrar
2012 Fall Semester 2013 Spring Semester
April 16-20 Registration for Fall Semester for Nov 5-9, 2012 Registration for Spring Semester for continuing students continuing students July 1 Registration and Enrollment Deposit due by Dec 14, 2012 Registration by mail for Spring Semester mail for new Fall Semester students for new students Aug 28 Placement exams: Greek at 9:00 AM; Feb 11 Greek Placement Exam for new spring Hebrew by appointment with OT faculty students; Hebrew by appointment with Aug 29 New Student Orientation for all students: OT faculty Reception for new students at 7:00 PM Feb 11 Classes begin Aug 30 Classes begin Feb 26 Final day to drop without authorization Sept 3 Labor Day: WSC closed Mar 25-29 Spring Vacation Sept 10 English Bible Exam at 3:00 PM Mar 29 Good Friday: WSC closed (Required of all new students) Apr 8-12 Registration for Summer Term and Fall Sept 14 Final day to drop without authorization Semester for continuing students Nov 2 Final drop date without academic penalty Apr 19 Final drop date without academic penalty Nov 5-9 Registration for Winter Term and spring May 17 Classes end, papers due at 10:00 AM semester for continuing students May 18-22 Reading period Nov 22-23 Thanksgiving holiday: WSC closed May 23-30 Final exams Dec 7 Classes end, papers due at 10:00 AM June 1 Commencement Dec 8-12 Reading period June 14 Grades due to Registrar APPENDICES Dec 13-20 F Final exams Jan 3, 2013 Grades due to Registrar
81 Map & Directions
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
FROM THE NORTH: Via Interstate 5 or 15 – Take Highway 78 east, into Escondido. At Broadway, where 78 turns right and becomes a surface street, continue straight ahead on Lincoln Avenue. At Rose Street, turn right. Rose merges with Boyle Ave south of E. Valley Parkway, and the Seminary campus is at the intersection of Boyle and Bear Valley Parkway on the hill overlooking Bear Valley.
FROM THE SOUTH: Take Highway 163 north to Interstate 15 north and then exit at Via Rancho Parkway. Turn right on Via Rancho MAP AND DIRECTIONS Parkway (which becomes Bear Valley Parkway) and continue approximately 4.5 miles to the Seminary campus at the intersection of Bear Valley Parkway and Boyle Avenue. Turn right on Boyle and enter the gates of the Seminary.
82 Index
A Denominational Grants/Scholarships 58 Academic Awards 57-61 Devotional Life 63 Academic Calendar 80-81 Directed Research Petition 71 Academic Dean 14 Directions to Seminary 82 Academic Freedom 8 Doctrinal Commitment 7 Academic Information and Policies 66-75 Double Submission of Papers 73 Academic Honesty 72 Academic Probation 73 E Access to Records (FERPA) 69-71 English Bible, Knowledge of 68 Accreditation 8 English Language Proficiency 51 Administrative Staff 78-79 Enrollment Deposit 48-49 Admissions 46-54 Extramural Petition 71 Certificate students 53-54 General requirements 46-50 F Graduates of unaccredited institutions 52 F-1 Visa/I-20, see International Students 51-52 International students 51-52 Faculty 10-21 Non-degree applicants 53-54 FAFSA 56 Special students 52-53 Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Admission on Probation 48 of 1974 (FERPA) 69-71 Advanced Standing (M.Div.) 50 Federal Stafford Loans 61-62 Apologetics Course Description 40 Eligibility Criteria 61 Appendices 76-81 Federal (Title IV) Refund Policy 62 Apply, How to 48-50 Petition Process 62 Association of Theological Schools 8 Repeat Courses 74 Attendance 72 Satisfactory Academic Progress 61 Auditing 54, 68 (Greek and Hebrew) Fees 76 Field Education 44, 64 B Final Exams 72 Behavioral Standards 75 Financial Aid 56-62 Board of Trustees 78 Church Matching Grant 58 Bookstore 64 Denominational 58 International Student Aid 60-61 C Merit 58 Center for Pastoral Refreshment (CPR) 9 Need-based Grants 57 Church History Course Descriptions 36-37 Scholarships and Grants 57-61 Church Matching Grant 58 Stafford Loans 56, 61-62 Class Conflicts 71 Commencement 74-75 G Conduct, Student 75 General Requirements, see Admissions, 46-50 Course Descriptions 34-45 Grading System 73 Course Load 74 Graduates of Unaccredited Institutions 52 Course Requirements by Degree Program 32-33 Graduate Record Examination (GRE) 48, 53 Graduate Theological Writing 51 D Graduation, Application for 74 Dean, Academic 14 Greek and Hebrew Placement 68 Dean of Students 14 Greek and Hebrew Auditing 68 Degree Change 74 Degree Programs 22-33 H Degree Requirements Historical Theology Course Descriptions 37-38 M.Div. 22 History of the Seminary 7 Biblical Studies 24 Honor Pledge 72 Theological Studies 26 Housing 65 Historical Theology 28 Christian Studies 30
83 INDEX I Q/R Incomplete Coursework 73 Refunds 76 Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies 9 Refund Calendar 77 Institute of Theological Studies Course Descriptions 44-45 Registration 66-67 International Student Aid 60-61 Repeated Courses 62, 74 International Students 51-52 F-1 Visa/I-20 51 S Introduction to the Seminary 7-9 Scholarships and Grants 57-61 School Code (FAFSA) 62 L Sexual Harassment 75 Leave of Absence 62, 67 Spouse Educational Privileges 65 Library 64 Student Association 63 Listener’s Pass 54 Student Body 7 Locale 8-9 Student Health Insurance 65 Student Life 63-65 M Student Loans (Stafford) 61-62 Map 82 Students’ Rights of Privacy 69-71 Master of Arts Program Substance Abuse 75 Biblical Studies 24-25 Systematic Theology Course Descriptions 38-40 Christian Studies 30-31 Theological Studies 26-27 T Historical Theology 28-29 TOEFL 51 Master of Divinity Program 22-23 Transfer Credit 50 Merit Scholarships 58 Transcript Request 74 Mission of the Seminary 7 Travel Reimbursement 46 Tuition and Fees 76 N Need-Based Grants 57 U New Testament Course Descriptions 35-36 Unaccredited Institutions 52-53 Non-Degree Seeking Applicants 53-54 Non-Discrimination Policy 8, 75 V Non-Matriculated Student 53 Veterans 49-50, 74 Notification of Admission 48 Visiting Campus 46 Nuzi 64 Visiting Student Program 53
O W/X/Y/Z Old Testament Course Descriptions 34-35 Westminster Women’s Fellowship 63 Orientation, Student 49 Western Association of Schools and Colleges 8 Withdrawal or Leave of Absence 62, 67-68 P Papers, Double Submission of 73 Payment, Terms of 76 Policies, Academic 66-75 Plagiarism 72 Practical Theology Course Description 41-44 President 10 Public Speaking Requirement 69
This catalogue is a statement of the policies, personnel, programs, and financial arrangements of Westminster Seminary California as projected by the responsible authorities of the seminary. The seminary reserves the right to make alterations without prior notice, in accordance with the seminary’s institutional needs and academic purposes.
Designed by Kristine J.H. McClure (www.highlyanimated.com) Photography by Kristen Bons, Daniel Chang, Young-Mi Cha, Suzzonne Donovan, Louis Felix, Brenda Jung, and Mark Vander Pol
84 INDEX