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
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how to try a masters-level class (credit, audit, or CEUs) while still discerning
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how to take a course(s) to fulfill a graduate theological requirement
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view our current and upcoming course schedules
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learn about tuition, admissions, and more
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or, click here to register for a virtual visit.
Summer & Fall 2025 Course Registration is open!
100-200 level courses open to new students, *300-level courses have a minimum requirement of BI-101 AND BI-172 (unless otherwise noted in MyWesley, Self-Service).
Summer Semester
The Summer 2025 semester runs from May 19-August 19, 2025. Registration opens March 17, 2025 The full summer 2025 course schedule will be made available here.
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)
Drops after the first day of a given summer class will result in the assessment of full tuition and may result in a failing grade for the course.
For the Complete summer Schedule visit https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/schedule.
Pre-course assignment information is listed on Blackboard prior to the start of the class for those who have registered at least 2 weeks before the start date.
Have questions? Email Admissions@wesleyseminary.edu or call (202)885-8659.
Fall Semester
The Fall 2025 semester registration opens March 24, 2025. Course schedules are available here.
Fall 2025 (Masters): August 25 to December 12, 2025 Registration deadline**: September 5, 2025
*Registration deadline: End of second full week of classes, 9/6/2024; 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, 9/5/2025.
†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.
Fall Semester
February 1: To be considered for Merit-based Financial Aid & the Student Pastor track
March 1: International Applicants
May 1: Need-based financial aid
July 15: Final deadline for Master's level applicants
August 15: Non-degree applicants
November 15: Early admission priority (for next fall)
Spring Semester
December 15: Final deadline for Master's level applicants
December 15: Final deadline for January Term (J-Term) Non-degree applicants
January 15: Spring Non-degree applicants
January-Term (J-Term)*: January 5 to January 16, 2026, Deadline to register for J-Term: December 18, 2025 - . Click here to view the course schedules.
*ABOUT J-TERM
*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.
Wesley annually holds a two-week session in between the New Year's holiday and the start of the spring masters semester. Credits taken by a student during J-Term count toward the spring semester total hours for the purposes of student loans, financial aid, student loans, and continuing enrollment. This session is comprised of several one-week and two week intensive courses.
Spring Semester
October 20, 2025- Registration opens for Master’s J-Term/Spring 2026 semester. Limited enrollment period first two weeks of registration. Click here to view the course schedules.
Spring 2026 (Masters): January 21 to May 8, 2026 Registration deadline**: January 30, 2026
**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)
No Classes:
- Holiday - January 19, 2026, MLK Jr. Day – No Classes; Seminary offices closed
- Reading Week - March 2-7, 2026
- Easter Recess - April 11, 2026 - Easter Recess begins at noon. No Classes through April 5, 2026
*Commencement is May 11, 2026
What Is the "Try-A-Class" 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.
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
- Meeting a denominational course requirement for 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 non-degree 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.
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
Certificate in Faith & Public Life
Courses for Academic Credit:
Apply as a non-degree student to take one or two courses to meet requirements of your denomination, church, or graduate school study.
Course requirements should be registered for "credit" on the application form. Official transcripts are required for admission.
Do you attend a Partner School? Click here to learn more.
Please note: Courses taken for academic credit earn graduate-level credit and can be applied toward a Master's degree at Wesley.
How to Apply:
Apply and register as a "New Non-degree student" with this form: Click here
Returning Non-degree students, please use WesleyWeb to login and register: https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/my-wesley/.
Questions? Email admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
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:
You may take any masters-level course for continuing education units:
- If you have already completed a masters-level theological degree.
- And if you are a:
- church leader,
- member of the clergy, or
- employee of a church or affiliated organization.
Note: You will receive a certificate indicating the course you attended and the assignment you completed. CEUs will not be shown on your Wesley academic transcript.
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
Current degree-seeking students of Wesley Theological Seminary enrolled full-time may audit one course each Fall or Spring semester free of charge.
Alumni of Wesley Theological Seminary may audit one course for free per academic 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.
Non-Degree Application & Registration
Click here to begin your non-degree application.
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.
