Distance Learning at Calvin Seminary
Online & Distance Program Options
Overview
What if learning in community didn't have to mean leaving your community?
Join a community of diverse students from around the world, learning together from expert scholars and seasoned ministry leaders. Meanwhile, continue your ministry where you are with the support you need to grow as a leader. Our flexible model keeps our online and distance programs accessible. Our community approach ensures you aren’t alone, and that you have the support you need to be successful.
Flexible Model
Adaptable to fit your life
Our flexible model is designed to give you the options that work best for you, while also providing you structure to keep you on track.
Our programs are designed so that you can fit them into your busy schedule. Though our courses include interactive discussion forums, you won’t be required to be available for “live” online meetings, allowing you to complete your reading, writing, and discussion posts when it works in your schedule.
Regular due dates for assignments throughout the semester keep you accountable in your progress, and ensure that online discussions are interactive. Students can take classes year round, with terms starting in September, February, and June.
The course requirements for our distance and residential programs are the same, meaning that students often switch from one format to another at some point during their program.
Community Learning
Don't go it alone
Deep learning happens best in community with others. We help our distance students to form a personal learning network that will challenge and support them throughout their program. This consists of:
Vocational Mentor
Formation Groups
Small Class Sizes
Contextual Learning Supervisor
Your Program Peers
Your Existing Support
Available Programs
Know your options
Our distance programs are offered in two similar formats: Online and Hybrid
Online: Our online programs are fully available online, without any requirement to come to campus for any portion of the program.
Hybrid: Hybrid programs are mostly online, with the exception of two required, on-campus Intensive Weeks each year - one week in the fall and one week in the spring.
The choice is yours! For programs that are offered in both online and hybrid formats, you can decide each semester if you want to enroll as an online or hybrid student for that upcoming semester.
Available Online and Hybrid programs
Click on the options below to see whether a program is available in fully online and/or hybrid formats
Certificate in Ministry Leadership
Certificate in Bible Instruction
Master of Arts Bible and Theology
Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership
Master of Theological Studies
Master of Divinity
Doctor of Ministry
On-campus Intensives
Planning ahead for your time on-campus
Students in a distance hybrid program will come to campus mid-semester for a week of onsite, face-to-face course work. Learn what to expect below.
Once each fall (mid-October) and spring (early March) semester, Calvin Seminary hosts a week of face-to-face classroom time for our master’s level students at our campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In person class sessions, community worship, meals, and informal time outside of class help to build on the relationships and learning established online.
On Campus Intensives are currently required for Master of Divinity (MDiv). Attending intensives is encouraged, but not required for certificate or Master of Arts students. Certificate and MA students may choose to attend the Intensives for some semesters, but not others if they’d like.
Our Doctor of Ministry (DMin) On Campus Intensives are required, and held twice a year. One week in June and one in January.
You can find specific dates for our On Campus Intensives on our Academic Calendar.
Financial Aid
Affordable from a distance
Students in our distance programs are eligible to receive scholarships that are renewable each year. See information about cost, financial aid, and affordability here.
Admissions Eligibility
Prepare to take the next steps
Calvin Seminary is approved for a Comprehensive Distance Education Program by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
US citizens and residents: eligible for all Online and Hybrid programs
International Students: Online
-Those residing outside of the United States are eligible for all online programs.
International Students: Hybrid
- International students are eligible for the following hybrid programs:
- Master of Arts in Bible and Theology
- Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership
- Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
- Master of Divinity (MDiv)
In order to travel to Grand Rapids, Michigan for the Residential Weeks, international students must secure the necessary immigration documents. See our International Student Page for more information about this process.
See our Application Instructions page for information on academic eligibility
Student Stories
From the east cost to the west coast and everywhere in between. Students who attend Calvin Seminary can do so from the comfort of their home thanks to our distance learning program.
Read their profiles here.
Request Information
Have a question?
The Admissions Office is happy to help with any questions you might have. Use the form below to reach out.