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Western Seminary’s Center for Lifelong Learning (WSCLL) provides seminary-level technology-mediated education to both resident and non-resident students. The Center’s academic programs include seminary courses for students who have been admitted to degree, diploma or certificate programs, and non-credit courses for those who desire advanced ministry training for their own personal growth and development.
Historically, Western has been a pioneer in external education, introducing video courses in the early 1980s. Today the Center for Lifelong Learning offers a wide variety of learning options, including DVD-ROM/Internet and audio courses. Those who benefit from external studies include: pastors and other church personnel seeking on-the-job training; missionaries satisfying mission board requirements or continuing education needs; prospective pastors, missionaries, and others considering full-time ministry; future and current resident seminary students; lay leaders, teachers, and workers desiring in-depth biblical and theological training, and those with a course-specific interest.
External students have many educational options from which to choose. For graduate credit, students may:
- Earn up to one-half of the 60-hour Master of Arts in Ministry and Leadership or two-thirds of a Master of Divinity degree by distance education. When combined with the program’s distinctive on-campus intensives, students have an effective option for completing a masters program without relocating to a Western Seminary campus.
- Use external studies to supplement the residential component of their degree program, as long as at least 30 hours of either a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts program are completed via residential studies. This option is ideal for students who desire to begin, continue or finish their seminary studies at a location that precludes attendance at a Western Seminary campus. (This option is dependent upon the availability of appropriate courses, which are selected with the approval of the program advisor.)
- Earn a 30-hour Graduate Studies Diploma, the equivalent of one full year of resident study. Some diplomas may be earned entirely through distance education. Courses taken toward these diplomas may apply to other Western educational programs. Interested students should consult the Admissions Office.
- Earn a 16-hour Graduate Studies Certificate. Some certificates may be earned entirely through distance education. Courses taken toward these certificates may apply to other Western education programs.
- Complete DVD-ROM/Internet courses on a course-by-course basis. Western Seminary courses address many of the most important areas of the Christian life and ministry preparation and will help any individual grow in grace and in truth. Christian school teachers in the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) should check with their ACSI offices to ensure that CLL courses will satisfy certification requirements in Bible and professional studies.
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