Q & A Overview
Q. Which degree programs does Corban University School of Ministry offer?
A. Since the merger of NBS with Corban University in 2010 changes were introduced in the degree programs. By fall 2011, all programs will be on the semester schedule instead of the quarter system. Online courses are also available. In addition to the M.Div. degree that is currently offered, an M.A. in Christian Leadership has been created that is a stepping stone for those who wish to go on for Ph.D. studies. A Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program, because of its modular format, requires a minimum of five years to complete—three years of coursework and two years of work on a thesis dissertation/project. It is recommended that students take a consistent load each term that will enable them to balance school, family, work and ministry. The M.Min. and MTS programs were merged into the M.A. in Christian Leadership.
Q. What kind of accreditation does Corban University School of Ministry have?
A. Corban University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This organization is listed by the United States Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Q. Does Corban University School of Ministry offer specific degrees in counseling, social work, the chaplaincy and other fields?
A. While Corban University offers master’s degrees in counseling, education and business, the School of Ministry offers theologically grounded and biblically sound programs that are crucial to being a good counselor, social worker, chaplain, etc. Each of the School of Ministry’s degree programs are designed to equip students for a variety of ministries and fields. The training offered at Corban is life-changing—teaching believers how to ask the right questions, taking them through the process of learning to think instead of just memorizing content, and infusing their Christian worldview with a solid biblical foundation.
Q. Will I be involved in ministry while I am studying at Corban?
A. Yes! The goal is to prepare godly servant leaders to make an impact on the world for Christ, students are urged to be involved in ministry where they can work out their theological training and make practical, relevant application. Both the Ministry Coordinator and the Student Services department assist students in finding ministry positions.
Q. In addition to being academically qualified to teach, what other qualifications do Corban University School of Ministry faculty members possess?
A. Faculty members have collectively served in a variety of capacities, as seen below. A more extensive list can be found on our website faculty pages.
- Author of published articles in professional journals and Christian magazines
- Guest lecturer/missionary/teacher at seminaries, colleges, institutes, conferences and camps in the States and overseas, including: England, Scotland, Canada, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Bangladesh, Singapore, Japan, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Peru, South Africa and India
- Proficient in: Greek, Hebrew, German and Japanese
- Senior pastor
- Superintendent of Christian school
- Board member of Northwest Baptist Home Mission and Council member of Northwest Association of Regular Baptist Churches, 1985-96, 1999 to present
- Memberships in: the Evangelical Theological Society, Evangelical Philosophical Society and Society of Biblical Literature
- Presenter of papers at meetings of professional societies
- Student in Near Eastern Languages department, University of California at Berkley
Q. What scheduling options do you have for students who work full-time or have to commute?
A. We offer classes on Mondays from 9 a.m.–2:20 p.m., Tuesday/Thursdays, Wednesdays/Fridays from 8 a.m.–12:15 p.m. and on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6–8:45 p.m. Online classes are also available for your convenience.
Q. What makes Corban University School of Ministry different from other seminaries and grad schools?
A. At Corban, students are known by name. With an on-site teaching faculty, students have the advantage of being taught and personally mentored by professors instead of teaching assistants. Faculty members invite students to talk with them about personal issues as well as academics and theology. It is not uncommon for graduates to maintain personal contact with their professors, asking questions about ministry and theological issues as well as current trends in Christianity.
In addition, Corban is known for its high academic standards. Professors expect excellence from their students and instill in them a desire to pursue excellence in every area of life to the glory of God. Students are not given an easy out when it comes to answering hard questions; rather, they are challenged to genuinely pursue God by searching the Scriptures.
Q. Is financial aid available?
A. In addition to federal loans and VA benefits for qualified applicants, we also offer other scholarship options. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more details, or check out our Costs and Financial Aid section on the website.
Q. What is the billing procedure for tuition and student/registration fees?
A. Payment for tuition and fees is due on the first day of classes each semester. Any student who is unable to pay his or her bill in full must make arrangements with the Business Office on the first day of classes.
Q. What is the community like at Corban University School of Ministry?
A. Students who have visited or attended Corban University School of Ministry have likened its atmosphere to being with family. The ratio of students to professors is around 10:1, so students have opportunities to interact with professors both inside and outside of the classroom. It is not uncommon to have professors over for dinner, or to eat with them in the deli at lunch time. They maintain an open door policy in their offices as well.
Corban welcomes both men and women to study in any of the degree programs we offer. While we do not believe that women should be ordained for the senior pastorate, we do strongly urge women to be equipped for a variety of other ministries both inside and outside the local church context.
Our students come from diverse backgrounds and vary in age from recent college grads to retirees. Some are established in a local ministry here; others have just moved to the area and are looking for ministries and/or working to support themselves through school. Some work full-time at secular jobs and attend evening classes. Single students moving to the area will often share an apartment or a house off-campus. Feel free to contact Student Services for job & housing options before you arrive (kgoertzen@corban.edu).
Q. What are the entrance requirements?
A. To qualify for admission to a degree program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year accredited institution and must have demonstrated a high level of competency according to your academic record. Evidence of a saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a desire to walk in obedience to Him is crucial.
Q. What if I do not have a 4-year bachelor’s degree?
A. CUSM permits a limited number of mature individuals who have not earned a bachelor’s degree, but meet all other admission requirements, to enroll in certificate programs. If during the course of their studies the student completes a baccalaureate degree and other admission requirements are met, the student may enter a degree program. CUSM does allow a percentage of students into the degree programs who do not have a baccalaureate degree. Certificate students may take advantage of this option if they meet all other admission requirements.
Q. How do I get an application?
A. You may download forms or apply online. If you have any difficulty with the application process, please contact Karen Pease in Admissions for assistance: cusm@corban.edu / 1-877-311-6104
Q. What is required for a complete application?
A. Application files will be reviewed by the Admissions Office when the following items have been received:
1. Application form, including personal testimony.
2. Official transcripts sent directly from all colleges and grad schools attended.
3. Three reference forms from a pastor, educator/employer and friend.
4. $50 (US) application fee.
Q. How can I get an update on the status of my application?
A. You may contact the Admission Office (cusm@corban.edu) any time to get an update on your application status.
Q. When should I apply?
A. You should have your completed application to the Admissions Office at least six weeks prior to the start of the semester for which you are applying. Earlier applications are always appreciated.
Q. Is it possible to transfer credits from another accredited seminary/grad school into a degree program at Corban University School of Ministry?
A. Yes. Some credits may be transferred to your degree program at CUSM, based on similarity of coursework and total number of credits taken at each institution. No more than a quarter of the credits required for the completion of your degree program at CUSM may be transferred from another school. Contact the Registrar to have your transfer credits evaluated.
Q. Will Corban University School of Ministry recognize the work I completed at Bible college?
A. Corban University School of Ministry provides the opportunity for qualified students to “test out” of courses based upon classes they took at an accredited Bible college or Christian liberal arts college. Exemptions from classes come in the form of elective substitutions, not credits. Corban desires each student to be well trained without having to unnecessarily repeat information they have already learned.
Q. Will someone help me register for classes? When can I expect to do that?
A. As soon as you receive notification of acceptance for admission, you will be asked to submit a $200 tuition deposit. Within one week after paying your deposit and after registration has opened for the following semester, you can set up an appointment with the Admissions Office for assistance in registering online. Please view course schedules.
Q. What is the history of Corban University School of Ministry?
A. Corban University School of Ministry was established at a time when modernism had overtaken many Baptist theological schools where pastors were trained. Bible-believing Baptists were protesting, but as long as they were dependent upon institutions whose faculty members did not believe the Word of God to produce their pastoral leadership, the spiritual darkness would only get worse. The chosen course was to establish seminaries—schools of pastoral training that would be loyal to the truths of God's Word and send out men who believed the Book.
Dr. William Matthews, pastor of the Memorial Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California, gathered a founding committee to establish the Los Angeles Baptist Theological Seminary (now known as Corban University School of Ministry). The first home of the seminary was the Calvary Baptist Church of Los Angeles. The school was incorporated on May 25, 1927. Dr. Matthews served as the first president until his death in 1943.
In 1946 at the suggestion of the then president, Henry Thiessen, the undergraduate division of the seminary began to offer classes as a liberal arts college. The schools became known as "Los Angeles Baptist College and Theological Seminary." Dr. Hermann Austel, graduate and presently distinguished professor of Old Testament and Bible exposition, began teaching while he was a student (1953). He served as dean of the seminary for many years and continues on our faculty today, providing a valuable, spiritual link to our godly heritage.
The next major event in the history of the school, took place in 1959. Dr. John R. Dunkin assumed the presidency of the school, and a beautiful campus was acquired in Placerita Canyon in Newhall, CA. The school moved to that campus in 1961.
After prayerful consideration, it was felt that the seminary would prosper in a greater way if it were separated from the college. Thus, in December of 1973, the seminary was transferred to Tacoma, Washington and renamed Northwest Baptist Seminary.
Dr. Charles Wagner, pastor of Temple Baptist Church, was appointed president. After meeting the first year in Temple Baptist Church, the former J.P. Weyerhaeuser estate was purchased and became the home of the seminary.
Dr. Charles Wagner served as president until 1983. After three further administrative changes, Dr. Mark Wagner, son of Charles and a board member at the time, became president in 1993.
Under Dr. Mark Wagner’s presidency, previous long-term debt was eliminated, renovation projects of the education building and the lower level of the chapel were completed, the heating system in the various buildings were replaced or updated and a campus-wide computer network was installed.
In March 2010, as part of the merger process between Northwest Baptist Seminary and Corban University, Dr. Reno Hoff became president. In addition, the name of the school was changed to Corban University School of Ministry. Plans are in place to expand programs and offer online courses by fall 2011.
God has been faithful to the work at Corban University School of Ministry for over 80 years. We look forward to seeing how God will direct CUSM and the lives and ministries that are impacted here in the years to come. Click here for a history of Corban University.
Q: I am confused about the use/definition of the name “School of Ministry” in Tacoma.
A: Because of the merge with NBS and because it had a different location from Salem, the push has been going on for several months to brand the new faculty and programs there as the Corban University School of Ministry. That was mainly done to educate our constituents in the Puget Sound area about the change. This has inadvertently resulted in a pendulum effect where we now have a tendency to think of Tacoma as “the School of Ministry.” That notion belies the fact that Corban is at both locations. Thinking of Tacoma as “the School of Ministry” leaves out the very important fact that the School of Ministry exists in Salem as well. So for clarification, it would be more accurate to refer to it as Corban University Tacoma Campus or Corban University Salem Campus. When we need to speak about the School of Ministry we can refer to the campus as well. So if we were to refer to the faculty in Tacoma: they are Corban University faculty. They work at the Tacoma campus. They are part of the School of Ministry.
