B.S. Christian Ministries Degree

General Education Requirements

Students in these majors meet the general education competencies by taking the approved standard courses or meeting competencies except as otherwise noted.

Admission to Professional Majors

Admission to the majors within the Division of Practical Theology may require a formal screening process separate from the initial declaration of intent. The process includes the successful completion of the prescribed courses designated by each major. Students need to have a GPA of 2.25 cumulative and 2.5 in the coursework required for the major. Students must also file application forms including a written essay and references. In some cases a personal interview with school faculty may also be required. Enrollment in some advanced courses in the division is restricted to those admitted to these majors. A student needs to start the application to the major process by the end of their sophomore year (60 credit hours) and after the successful completion of the designated courses in his or her respective majors. Delay on this process will prohibit students from enrolling in advanced courses in their professional major.

Continuation in Professional Majors

Students must maintain a cumulative 2.25 GPA and a 2.50 academic GPA in coursework required for the major. Failure to do so may necessitate repeating courses or withdrawal from the major. The School of Theology and Ministry faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student who in its judgment fails to satisfy the standards of Christian character, moral integrity, and social fitness required for a professional minister.

Wesleyan Students

Students anticipating future service in The Wesleyan Church should include Wesleyan Church History/Discipline (REL-431) among their elective courses. The Christian Ministries and Pastoral Ministries majors are specifically designed to meet all the academic requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church. Any deviation from the course requirements should be approved in writing by both the Dean and the Executive Director of Education and Clergy Development for The Wesleyan Church. Students who are members of The Wesleyan Church should be in contact with their District Board of Ministerial Development (DBMD) prior to applying for admission to the professional majors.

Graduate Credits-in-Escrow

A senior who is currently enrolled at Indiana Wesleyan University and who is within the last semester of completing course requirements for the baccalaureate degree may, with the approval of the appropriate dean register for a maximum of two graduate courses per semester. Such students who desire to take additional graduate courses after earning the baccalaureate degree must follow the regular admission procedure.

Graduate courses may not be counted at Indiana Wesleyan University for both graduate and undergraduate requirements.

Advanced Standing with Credit

Graduates of undergraduate programs with relevant theological courses in Bible, theology, church history, and practical theology, and who enroll in the relevant graduate programs of the School of Theology and Ministry may receive advanced standing with credit on the basis of competence achieved in certain undergraduate courses. Advanced standing with credit may not exceed 25% of the total hours in the program. Advanced credit may be granted for the courses listed below under the following conditions:

1. The courses were taken at a regionally accredited or ABHE accredited institution. The School of Theology and Ministry reserves the right to determine whether or not courses are equivalent.
2. A student has received at least a "B" in the specific courses as indicated with at least one course on the 300 or 400 level and no course below the 200 level, and
3. The student successfully demonstrates competency of the required graduate course outcomes through either an oral or written assessment performed by a designated academic representative of the School of Theology and Ministry.

• Completion of 124 semester hours; however, some majors may result in the student earning greater than 124 credit hours by graduation.
• Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Completion of the designated semester hours in the major area with a GPA of 2.25 or higher as required by the major. Additional requirements as prescribed by each department must also be met.
• Completion of all general education requirements

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.