TheologicalWesley
Learn Light Lead
Wesley Theological Seminary’s mission is to equip persons for Christian ministry and leadership in the church and the world, to advance theological scholarship, and to model a prophetic voice in the public square.
Welcome to Wesley Theological Seminary
Find Your Path at Wesley
Master of Divinity
Master of Theological Studies
Master of Arts
Doctor of Ministry
In-Person – Online – Hybrid
Only At Wesley
• Our graduates are in ministry in all 50 states and in 20 countries as leaders of churches and non-pro t organizations
• The racial-ethnic composition of Wesley re ects the mid-Atlantic region:
45% Black/African-American, 4% Asian, 3% Hispanic/Latinx/Spanish Origin, 7% Non-Citizen Residents,
5% Race Unknown, 2% Multi-racial, 32% White
• A growing body of Latinx and Asian American students.
• Founded in 1882 and a liated with The United Methodist Church
• 38 different religious • 60% denominations represented women among the student body
• Discussion-based classes • 16:1 average 6-10 students Student to Faculty ratio
• Introductory lectures average 25-50 students
• After graduation… 80% of 2021 M.Div graduates had a vocational placement 100% of MA and MTS graduates were employed in vocational placement “or other work”
Our Global Classroom
Students from 20 countries bring the richness of their cultures and experiences of Church and society to Wesley’s campus. At the same time, Wesley’s campus stretches around the world, as our professors collaborate with seminaries and missionary churches around the world, teaching on almost every continent. John Wesley said, “the world is my parish” –at Wesley, the world is our classroom.
Preparing the people of God for the work of ministry
Choose a Degree to Best Fit Your Call:
Engage theologically and practically with faith, ministry and the community.
Master of Divinity
The Master of Arts is our most flexible program. You can shape your degree from start to finish. Explore your theological curiosity or underpin your current vocation. Our degrees are tailored to fit your vocational goals. Wesley provides the foundation necessary to commit to your calling, whether you want to train as a pastor or chaplain, teach Sunday school, lead a nonprofit organization, work on Capitol Hill, or develop entrepreneurial management skills.
The Master of Divinity degree will help you fulfill the requirements to become ordained within most mainline Christian denominations.
Master of Theological Studies
The Master of Theological Studies has served those who wish to continue in post-graduate education and those hoping to work in the nonprofit and government sectors. We offer Dual Degrees in International Peace & Conflict Resolution and International Development with American University.
Master of Arts
Two Paths to Pursue Your Call
Doctor of Ministry
Our Doctor of Ministry offers you an advanced degree combining practical ministry experiences with academic rigor and spiritual depth for those who already have a Master of Divinity or its equivalent degree from an ATS-accredited seminary. Beth and Maria, DMin ‘22
Students at Wesley Theological Seminary can pursue their education in two paths: in-person or ex.
In-person:
For students who live on-campus or commute within the DC Metro Area and prefer a traditional mode of teaching
Flex:
For students joining us around the country, and anyone who prefers multiple modes of learning including:
• Online (Asynchronous with optional synchronous zoom sessions)
• Hybrid (one week in-person per semester with the remainder of the coursework completed online)
• Hi ex (In-person and virtual via Zoom)
ATS requirements for master’s degree and DMin
81 credits for MDiv; 60 credits for MTS; 36 credits for MA
• Virtual (Asynchronous online with required synchronous zoom classes on specific dates, at specific times)
• Field (opportunities offered through the Field Education office)
Specialize Your Education
Specialize your education in one of the following areas:
• African American Church Studies
• Children & Youth Ministry and Advocacy
• Community Engagement
• General Chaplaincy
• Military Chaplaincy
• Public Theology
• Student Pastor Program
• Theology & the Arts
Wesley Theological Seminary is part of the Washington Theological Consortium, which allows students to crossregister for classes at any of the 14 seminaries within the Mid-Atlantic region.
The Consortium offers four certificate programs:
• Muslim-Christian Studies
• Criminal Justice & Reconciliation
• Ecology & Theology
• Ecumenism
Wesley o ers non-degree certi cates for students interested in exploring one of the following areas:
• African American Church Studies
• Children & Youth Ministry and Advocacy
• Faith and Public Life
• Heal the Sick
Become a Ministry Innovator
The Wesley Ministry Innovation Fellowship is a one-year, cohortbased experience that includes community formation, spiritual direction, graduate-level courses, and hands-on experience leading innovation available through summer 2026. Innovators use the Design Thinking process to work with local pastors to solve “sticky problems” related to young adult engagement. The Fellowship culminates with coaching on how to tell the story of the year. Innovators leave with experience coaching congregational innovation and with access to a variety of resources to fuel their own collaboration and consulting endeavors. Each Ministry Innovator earns an $8000 stipend and four graduate academic course credits.
The Wesley Community
Located in the heart of the nation’s capital
At Wesley, classroom and field learning become one in preparing you for the real practice of ministry. Our students grow from their experiences working with local churches, hospitals and nonprofit agencies. Our location provides the seminary with a presence in the public square, and a home at the crux of poverty and power, theology and politics.
Find a Home at Wesley Theological Seminary
There is a place for you here!
Student Organizations
• Association of Black Seminarians
• Plumbline Justice
• Korean Student Association
• Student Council
• Of Sacred Worth
• Gente Latinx
Wesley promotes a global vision of ministry in which we learn alongside fellow Christians in the classroom and around the world. We provide opportunities for students to study abroad through our intercultural immersions or spend a semester abroad.
Center for Public Theology
Designs innovative initiatives to bridge gaps between faith communities and political action.
wesleyseminary.edu/ice/programs/public-theology
Community Engagement Institute
Offers immersive study and praxis of ministry— parish, urban and beyond.
wesleyseminary.edu/ice/about-us/overview-2
The Henry Luce III Center for the Arts and Religion features “The Holy Swirl” by Jessie Hou in the Sacred Ground exhibit.
Wesley Innovation Hub
Fosters groundbreaking initiatives that harness the power of technology, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. wesleyseminary.edu/wesley-innovation-hub
The Henry Luce III Center for Arts and Religion
Focuses on the intersection of community-engaged art and spirituality. luceartsandreligion.org
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Conducts leading edge research for the local church. churchleadership.com
Affording Seminary
A sense of financial well-being enables you to better focus on your preparation for your future ministry. Wesley Theological Seminary is committed to making your education here financially feasible.
Cost of Attendance
Wesley is committed to making seminary education accessible to everyone with a call. The following is an estimate for tuition and expenses for the 2024-2025 school year.
Tuition:
• $795 per credit hour for Master’s
• $750 per credit hour for DMin
Fees:
• $712 per semester for Master’s students (includes library fees, parking permit, and some student activities)
• $265 per term for Master’s students enrolled in fewer than 4 credit hours
• $76 per semester for Doctoral students
Books and Supplies estimate: $159 per 3-credit course
Scholarship Awards
Wesley is proud to support students with institutional aid. Scholarships are awarded to both full and part-time degree-seeking students. Prospective students should inquire with their local church or denominational offices to learn about additional funding opportunities as there may be designated scholarships for seminarians.
Housing at Wesley is more than just dorm accommodation — it’s community.
Living on Campus
Wesley offers students the opportunity to live in one of our on-campus residence halls. In addition to campus housing for single students, there are options for married students, students with children, and those who commute to campus 1-3 days a week. Please see our website for more information about the cost of housing, wesleyseminary.edu/housing.
Take your next step: Inquire. Visit. Apply.
We host monthly events throughout the year to introduce you to our community. If you can’t make it for an event, we’re happy to host you for a per-
sonal visit to tour the campus, attend a class, meet students and faculty, and worship with us in Oxnam Chapel.
Master’s Application Deadlines:
December 15: Applications due for spring semester
February 1: Early admission priority deadline for fall semester
February 1: Deadline to be considered for merit-aid and special programs for fall semester
March 1: Deadline for international applications
July 15: Applications due for fall semester
Doctoral Application Deadlines:
February 15: Spring (May/June)
October 15 : Winter (January/March)
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