Try a Class at Wesley:
By offering daytime, evening, weekend, and online courses Wesley allows you to explore the Christian tradition, world religions, artistic expression, faith and politics, and much more.
Use this page to explore
- how to try a masters-level class (credit, audit, or CEUs) while still discerning
- view our current and upcoming course schedules
- learn about tuition, admissions, and more
- or, click here to register for a virtual visit.
Non-Degree Application & Registration
Click the icon to begin your non-degree application.
SPRING 2021 Course Brochure PDF
Click the icon to view the 100-300 masters-level courses open to entering students.
Textbooks
Click the icon to view the textbook listing for the Fall 2020 term.
Non-degree study at Wesley Theological Seminary
This is an option if you are:
- Still discerning which degree program best fits your call to ministry
- You simply want to take a couple of master's level classes to transfer to another program of study.
- You are hoping to audit classes to gain or refresh knowledge
- Finding continuing education units (CEUs) to be beneficial to ongoing ministry
With very few exceptions, almost all master's courses offered at Wesley are open to non-degree students:
- To be admitted as a non-degree student, you must be a graduate of a regionally accredited college and must submit a completed application form. Additionally, you must send an official transcript directly from the undergraduate college or university to the Wesley Office of Admissions. Non-degree students are not eligible for financial assistance or campus housing.
- Non-degree students may apply for entry to the M.Div., M.A., or M.T.S. degree programs by completing the respective full application process. If recommended by the Admissions Committee for entry, you may apply a maximum of nine hours credit from your non-degree student period toward the degree. Some degree applicants may be admitted into the non-degree student status because of an incomplete application for degree status.
To be admitted as a non-degree student, you must be a graduate of a regionally accredited college and must submit a completed application form. Additionally, you must send an official transcript directly from the undergraduate college or university to the Wesley office of admissions. Non-degree students are not eligible for financial assistance or campus housing.
Additionally, students admitted to the for-credit Wesley @ Pfeiffer University deacon's education, National Capital Semester for Seminarians, or U.S. Contexts Certificate programs are classified as non-degree students and granted the same privilege to freely take courses from among Wesley's fall and spring semester, or J-Term and summer term offerings.
Finally, the non-degree Certificate in Christian Studies provides focused education for personal theological enrichment. The Certificate in Christian Studies Program has a rolling admissions/registration process.
Visit Non-degree Programs to learn how to apply to the following programs:
Children and Youth Ministry and Advocacy
Certificate in Faith and Public Life
National Capital Semester for Seminarians (NCSS)
Other Non-degree Certificates
*Non-degree students are ineligible for financial aid and scholarships and are unable to obtain campus housing.
Ready to try a class but don't know what course to take?
View the degree plans for the Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, and Master of Theological Studies by clicking here.
2020-2021 Academic year tuition:
$682 per credit hour
Audit: $100 per credit hour
Wesley Alumni: one course per year (audit only) at no charge and $100 per hour for each subsequent course.
Continuing Education Units (CEU) :
Many professional church staff and clergy are required to obtain CEUs on an ongoing basis throughout their career. The same courses that are available for audit may also be taken for CEUs. For UMC staff and clergy fulfilling requirements, explore the guidelines for continuing education here.
Please note: Courses taken for CEUs will not earn graduate-level credit and cannot be applied toward a Master's degree at Wesley.
Tuition:
$100 per CEUƗ
Ordained clergy, diaconal ministers, or full-time lay denominational employees may enroll in regular semester courses and receive Continuing Education Units.
Ɨ For billing purposes, one semester hour equals 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
How to Apply:
Apply and register as a "New Continuing Education student" with this form: Click here
Returning Continuing Education students, please use WesleyWeb to login and register: https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/my-wesley/.
Questions? Email admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
Alumni of Wesley Theological Seminary may audit one course for free per year. Audit tuition is $100 per credit hour. Please note: Courses taken for audit will not earn graduate-level credit and cannot be applied toward a masters or doctoral degree at Wesley.
What Is The Non-Degree Application Process?
Begin by having an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university then click here to begin the application and registration form.
Also, you may visit our "Apply" page to learn about our application process and specific requirements by degree (or non-degree) program. Please contact Wesley's Office of Admissions if you have any questions by calling (202)885-8659 or email admissions@wesleyseminary.edu.
What Is The Degree Application Process?
Begin by having an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university then click here to learn about our application process and specific requirements by degree (or non-degree) program. Please contact Wesley's Office of Admissions if you have any questions by calling (202)885-8659 or email admissions@wesleyseminary.edu.
Where Are Classes Held?
- Due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, most classes are held online. View the Fall semester update here.
- Main campus: Wesley classes are held primarily at the main Wesley campus (4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW).
- Wesley Downtown:We also hold classes at Wesley Downtown (900 Massachusetts Avenue, NW).
- Online: Some classes are held entirely online.
- Hybrid/Blended: Wesley courses are also offered in a blended/hybrid format, which means the class is held both in a classroom and online using Blackboard.
Are There Exams and Papers With Each Course?
If taking the course for credit, there are class requirements, such as assignments and final papers/exams. More information is provided following registration in course materials made available prior to the start of class.
Spring 2021
Registration opens for Master’s J-Term/Spring 2021 semester on October 19, 2020.
January-Term (J-Term)*: January 4 to January 15, 2021
Spring 2021 (Masters): January 21 to May 8, 2021
Spring 2021 (Masters) Registration deadline**: February 6, 2021
*J-term courses are offered as an intensive before the spring semester starts. Students registering for J-Term courses should be aware that they will have reading and pre-course work before the J-Term starts. More information on J-Term is available at https://wesleyseminary.edu/academics/academic-calendar/j-term/.
**Registration deadline: End of second full week of classes; LAST DAY OF REGISTRATION PERIOD: Last day to add course with instructor’s signature; change course from credit to audit; drop course without a “W”; drop course with full refund. †Late registration: Instructor permission required for registrations submitted less than two weeks prior to the start of a course)
Summer Semester
The Summer 2021 semester runs from May 24-July 30, 2021. Registration runs from March 15 - May 21, 2021* The full summer 2021 course schedule will be available in March 2021. Courses may be taken for academic credit, continuing education units, or audit. *Late registration: Instructor permission required for registrations submitted less than two weeks prior to the start of a course)
Highlights of our previous summer Masters-level online courses:
Online:
- RA-175-OL Biblical Storytelling - Dr. Tracy Radosevic
- ST-231-OL Bonhoeffer in Post Truth World - Dr. Timothy Snyder
- ST-247-OL Howard Thurman, Mystic, Prophetic, Theologian - Dr. C. Anthony Hunt
- CF-133-OL Teaching and Learning in Christian Education - Dr. Jana Strukova
- CM-239-OL Ministry & Self-Care - Dr. Matthew Braddock
- CM-251-OL Polity of the UMC - Dr. Jonathan Lemaster-Smith
- CM-270-OL Praxis of Holistic Evangelism - Dr. Scott T. Kisker
Have questions? Email Admissions@wesleyseminary.edu or call (202)885-8659.
Fall 2021
Fall 2021 registration runs from March 29, 2021 to August 23, 2021*†. The semester will run from August 30-December 18, 2021. View the previous Fall 2020 course schedule PDF here: Fall 2020 Course schedule
*Registration deadline: End of second full week of classes; LAST DAY OF REGISTRATION PERIOD: Last day to add course with instructor’s signature; change course from credit to audit; drop course without a “W”; drop course with full refund.
†Late registration: Instructor permission required for registrations submitted less than two weeks prior to the start of a course)
Do you have additional questions? Please click on our Frequently Asked Questions below for more information. Or, email admissions@wesleyseminary.edu.
Spring 2021 Semester
December 15: Final deadline for Master's level applicants
December 15: Final deadline for January Term (J-Term) Non-degree applicants
January 15: Non-degree applicants
Fall 2021 Semester
November 15, 2020: Early admission priority
February 1, 2021: To be considered for Merit-based Financial Aid, Student Pastors, Community Engagement Fellows
March 1, 2021: International Applicants
May 1, 2021: Need-based financial aid
July 15, 2021: Final deadline for Master's level applicants
August 15, 2021: Non-degree applicants
Please contact one of Wesley's Recruiters about your plans for seminary:
Elizabeth "Liz" Pruchnicki, Recruiter
epruchnicki@wesleyseminary.edu
202-885-8653
Liz Pruchnicki received her B.A. in Public Relations & Spanish from Syracuse University in 2014 as well as an M.A. in International Relations in 2017. Liz is a 2020 graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary with a Master of Theological Studies. She seeks to serve those who are passionate about the Gospel and the Great Commission who have a desire to explore and walk into their calling. Read more about Liz here.
Elijah Ferebee, Recruiter
eferebee@wesleyseminary.edu
202-885-8642
Elijah is a Wesley Master of Divinity graduate. Raised in Brooklyn, NY, Elijah earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Virginia State University. While an undergrad, Elijah heard and felt God’s call. Today, Elijah is dedicated to empowering and uplifting others through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believing his life’s greatest reward is the ability to glorify God with everything that he is and with all he has been given! Learn more about Elijah here.
Learn About Life as a Full-time Wesley Student
Our virtual events are designed to give you a window into the Wesley community. Learn more and register.
We’d love to help you find the learning or visit opportunity that’s right for you. Request information here or Contact the admissions office at admissions@wesleyseminary.edu.
