About Westminster Theological Seminary
Westminster Theological Seminary is a reformed Christian theological seminary located in Glenside, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1929 by J. Gresham Machen, who was concerned about the spread of liberalism in the Presbyterian Church. The seminary is committed to the study of the Bible and the theology of the Reformation.
Here are some key facts about Westminster Theological Seminary:
- The seminary has a faculty of over twenty-five scholars, who are renowned for their expertise in biblical studies, theological and historical studies, and pastoral ministry. Many of the faculty members are published authors and speakers on various theological topics.
- The seminary offers graduate programs in Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Religion (MAR), Master of Theology (ThM), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in various fields of theological and biblical studies. The MDiv and MAR are designed for those who want to pursue vocational ministry, while the ThM and PhD are for those who want to specialize in teaching and research.
- The curriculum of the seminary is centered on the study of the Bible and various theological traditions, including Reformed theology, Presbyterian doctrine, and Christian ethics. The courses are designed to help students grow in their understanding of Scripture and their ability to apply it to their lives and ministries.
- The seminary is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. The accreditation assures that the institution has met rigorous academic standards in terms of faculty qualifications, curriculum, and student learning.
- The seminary also offers a robust program of chapel services, community life, and extracurricular activities to help students deepen their spiritual formation and build relationships with their peers and faculty members. These activities include worship conferences, sports teams, fellowship groups, and service projects.
Grading and GPA System
Westminster Theological Seminary employs a grading system that evaluates student performance according to the following scale:
- A - Excellent
- B - Good
- C - Satisfactory
- D - Poor
- F - Failure
- WP - Withdrawal Passing
- WF - Withdrawal Failing
- I - Incomplete
In addition, the seminary uses a grade point average (GPA) system to compute the overall academic performance of students. The GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the number of credits attempted, and ranges from 0.00 to 4.00. The minimum GPA requirement for graduation is 2.0.
Conclusion
Westminster Theological Seminary is a well-respected institution of higher education for those seeking to pursue biblical and theological studies. With a strong focus on the study of the Bible, Reformed theology, Presbyterian doctrine, and Christian ethics, the seminary prepares students for a lifetime of ministry and service in the church and in the world. Its faculty and staff are committed to providing a rigorous academic program, a vibrant spiritual community, and a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth.
