About Us
Corban University, Salem, Ore., has expanded its area of influence as a result of the merger with Northwest Baptist Seminary of Tacoma, Wash. The seminary, and Corban’s existing ministry programs, have been reorganized into the Corban University School of Ministry. There are now two campuses, one on the former NBS site in Tacoma, Wash., and the other on Corban’s main campus in Salem, Ore.
The transition, combining the two institutions’ faculty, and refinement of programs, resulted in a stronger undergraduate and graduate program for ministry students. Corban has historically had a strong undergraduate Bible and ministry program with students who graduate every year as ministry majors. All students also complete a Bible minor. Adding the school of ministry completes that trajectory for those students seeking graduate and doctoral degrees.
Since April 2010 a significant amount of work has gone into the redevelopment of the School of Ministry. Financial aspects were reworked to put the school on a more solid footing and academic programs were combined and refined to not only keep the strength areas, but also to give added relevance in today’s technological world. Wherever possible, module and online courses are being added to make post-graduate work more feasible for those adults who have jobs or are already in ministry.
The School of Ministry currently holds regional accreditation with Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. This organization is listed by the United States Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Corban University is an academic community with a Baptist heritage that bases its existence on the concept of ministry through the application of the “Great Commission” as presented in Matthew 28: 19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you…” All its academic programs are Christ-Centered equipping students to have a biblical worldview on all issues of life.
The University began 75 years ago in Phoenix, Ariz., as Phoenix Bible Institute and later moved to Oakland, Calif., incorporating as Western Baptist Bible College. In 1948 the GARBC’s National Representative, H.O. Van Gilder, became the president and served until 1964. His term remains today as the longest-running for any president. Western Baptist moved to Oregon in 1969 and its name changed in 2005 to Corban, meaning “a gift dedicated to God.”
What’s new?
The M.Min. and MTS programs were merged into an M.A. in Christian Leadership that has three different tracks: Spiritual Formation, Non-profit Leadership and Christian Teaching. In addition the M.Div. degree and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) programs are still available.
What’s ahead for 2011?
Classes for Fall 2011 will be converted from quarters to the semester system. Classes offered online are continually being developed.
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.
For further information about CUSM click here for the Q&A section.
