Wesley FlexMA Q&A
Got questions? We have answers for you!
Wesley FlexMA: The Basics
Wesley’s flexible Master of Arts program gives you theological grounding if you are:
- Curious and want to understand your faith more deeply
- Pursuing ministry in the world as part of your profession or passion
- Looking for a flexible curriculum
It also allows you to self-design a degree plan for specialized studies such as:
- Faith and politics
- Faith and health
- Multicultural ministry
Traditionally, full-time students complete the degree in three-to-four semesters – that could be in two years. But the beauty of the Wesley FlexMA is that you design studies to fit your life, work and ministry. Study part-time or do as many courses a semester that work for you. You have up to 7 years to complete your Wesley FlexMA.
To graduate with your Wesley FlexMA, you will complete 36 credit hours of course work (different courses are either 1-, 2- or 3-credits per course, so depending on the courses you choose will decide how many courses you need to take) . Only one course (IS-100) is required. This course is in your final semester, and it includes a final project.
As a graduate degree program, the Wesley FlexMA usually requires transcripts from previous studies indicating that you hold at least an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Sometimes, exceptions are made for those with significant ministry experience on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Admissions (link to discuss your particular situation).
If you are an international student, your transcripts will be accessed by the Registrar for appropriate academic credit. For more information about our Global Gateways MA, click here.
Wesley provides courses in a variety of formats, to fit your learning preferences and schedule:
- Online (in real time with Zoom sessions and/or on your own time)
- Hybrid (three Friday-Saturdays per semester with the remainder of the coursework completed online on your own)
- Classroom (traditional, in-person teaching)
- Field (opportunities offered through the Practice of Mission and Ministry – please discuss options with Admissions)
Wesley Flex MA: Designing Your Degree And How To Use It
Wesley is with you every step of the way, providing a personal academic advisor who will be available to help guide you through the process of designing your M.A. degree.
There is a wide range of options open to you with a Wesley FlexMA. Here are some of the ways you can design a flexible curriculum within the 36 credit hours, and the ministries/options open to you with a Wesley FlexMA.
Are you interested in being a deacon in your church? Are you now or would like to fill an ordained/non-ordained pastoral role in your denomination? For members of The United Methodist Church, there are certain requirements that the Wesley FlexMA can meet.
Explore the FlexMA for those seeking UMC Deacon’s Orders
Are you an artist? Do you seek a way to integrate art and spirituality? Do you want to deepen your liturgical planning or faith expression through the arts?
Explore the FlexMA with a Theology And The Arts Specialization
Do you have a passion for God and politics? Do you seek to work in Washington at the intersection of faith and politics? Are you a congressional staffer who wishes to bring a faith-based grounding to your work? Are you preparing for a ministry in social justice and want to connect to like-minded politician, advocates and others in Washington, D.C.?
Explore the FlexMA with a focus on Public Theology
Do you feel called to lead in African American contexts and communities, grounded in the social, historical, and theological nuances of African American religious culture?
Explore the FlexMA with the WTS African American Church Studies Specialization
Do you currently work in youth ministry or for a child-centered non-profit? Would you love to work as an advocate for children in a government or NGO setting? Do you want your work to make life more just for children?
Explore the FlexMA with a Children and Youth Ministry and Advocacy Specialization
Do you wish to be a chaplain, pastoral worker or volunteer in settings where a theological grounding would deepen your effectiveness? Are you a professional psychologist or counselor seeking to serve professional clergy or people of faith with a formation in theology and ministry?
Explore the FlexMA with a focus on Pastoral Care
Are you curious about your faith? Do you want to learn more about the Bible, and understand the reasons why Christians believe and practice as they do?
Explore the FlexMA with a focus on Faith Foundations
Do you love to preach at your church, but haven’t taken a degree in Religion or Theology? Would taking courses focusing on preaching, worship and homiletics excite you and expand opportunities for you to serve either full or part-time?
Explore the FlexMA with a focus on Homiletics
Does Scripture come alive for you whenever you read it? Do you enjoy teaching Sunday School or leading Bible Study, or wish to but feel you don’t have the “school knowledge” of the Old and New Testament that would really make you the best teacher you are called to be?
Affording A FlexMA
That is the great things about the Wesley FlexMA – you can structure your FlexMA to be affordable for you through a number of different ways: studying part-time, taking advantage of Wesley scholarships or working opportunities while you study. We will work with you to make your Wesley FlexMA possible.
Wesley tuition is calculated by credit hours. As of January 2022, it is $682 per credit hour, so your tuition will vary per semester, depending on how many credits you take. Remember, courses may provide 1, 2 or 3 credits towards the 36 credits required to graduate with a Wesley Flex MA.
Degree candidates are certified as full-time when enrolled in at least 9 credit hours per semester. To be considered a half-time student, you must be enrolled in at least 5 credit hours per semester.
There are a wide range of scholarships open to Wesley students, as well as federal financial aid. Learn more here. Application deadlines for Financial Aid and Scholarships for Fall 2022 is February 1, 2022.
Next Steps — Are you ready to FlexMA?
who will be happy to help you with all your questions: (202)885-8659, admissions@wesleyseminary.edu or click here to set up a personal consultation with an Admissions Team member
Learn more on how to arrange for a visit here
Application materials and recommendation forms are available at www.wesleyseminary.edu/apply
