West Africa Theological Seminary

Prospectus

ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS AND TRACKS

Academic programs at WATS are arranged under three departments:
(1) Department of Biblical and Theological Studies;
(2) Department of Ministries; and
(3) Department of General Studies and Church History.

Students in the Diploma in Theology program take courses without reference to any particular department.

Students in the BA in Theology program take all the courses in the Freshman and Sophomore Years regardless of their areas of preference for ministry in the future. However, they are required to choose from the following four tracks in the Junior Year: Biblical Studies, Pastoral, Mission and Christian Education.

Biblical Studies is under the Department of Biblical and Theological Studies; while Pastoral, Missions, and Christian Education are in the Department of Ministries. There is currently no track in the Department of General Studies and Church History. Competent academic advisers assist students in their choice of tracks.

Students in the B.A. In-Service (weekend) program take courses without reference to any particular department.

All Masters programs come under the general administration of the Director for Graduate Studies.

Given the increasing diversity of talents in the student body and interest in widening areas of ministry, the creation of new departments out of the existing academic departments, even in the life of this prospectus, is envisaged.

WATS Library is a Center of Campus Activity

SUMMARY OF WATS PROGRAMS

First Degree Programs
1. Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
2. Bachelor of Arts in Theology
3. Bachelor of Arts in Theology (In-Service/Weekend)
4. Diploma in Theology

Graduate Programs
5. Master of Divinity
6. Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
7. Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies
8. Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
9. Post-Graduate Diploma in Christian Ministry

BA AND DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

First Degree Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies

WATS offers the BA in Religious Studies that is jointly awarded with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Entrance requirements include five credits in WASC/GCE, in not more than two sittings. Credits are required in English language, one science subject, and in Christian Religious Knowledge. Students with three credits in WASC/GCE and a minimum of two credits from TC II are eligible to apply provided they have credits in the required subjects. In addition, candidates must pass WATS entrance exams and interviews. The details of requirements for completing the UNN-affiliated degree are available as a separate document and may be obtained by contacting the office of WATS Academic Dean.

Bachelor of Arts in Theology

The entrance requirements for the BA in Theology include five credits in WASC/GCE, or three credits from WASC/GCE and two credits from TC II and the passing of WATS entrance exams and interviews.

Candidates with acceptable diploma and higher academic qualifications in theology, religion or biblical studies are admitted into the second year of WATS first degree studies. Candidates with GPA of not less than 2.5 on a five-point scale or 2.0 on a four-point scale, and who obtained a three-year diploma in theology from a Bible college or seminary affiliated with any of the Nigerian universities, may be admitted in the third year of WATS degree programs.

Students in the BA in Theology program will major in theology and religious studies. In addition, they may specialize in one of the following tracks: (1) Biblical Studies (2) Pastoral, (3) Missions, and (4) Christian Education.

Academic Competencies

As already stipulated, the BA in Theology seeks to enable student to achieve certain specific academic goals. Having completed the course requirements for a WATS Bachelor of Arts program, the graduate should be able to:

1. Describe the purpose, distinctives, themes, and general content of the Old and New Testament.
2. Articulate knowledge of the content, general structure, and contemporary message of selected books of the Bible.
3. Practice accurate inductive Bible study.
4. Define and explain the basic Christian doctrines as understood by orthodox Christianity.
5. Communicate ideas clearly through writing and speaking.
6. Discuss great ideas and philosophies of the ancient and modern worlds.
7. Compare and contrast the elements of African Traditional Religion and Islam with the tenets of Christianity.
8. Trace the major streams of world history.
9. Describe basic concepts of Greek grammar and use of common Greek study tools available for English readers.
10. Compare Wesleyan theology with other theological systems.
11. Discuss the basic concepts of psychology and show how this understanding assists in ministry.

As stipulated already, the BA in Theology seeks to enable students to achieve certain specific professional goals. These goals are unique to the professional track (or major) the students follow. The following sections outline the goals related to the four professional tracks available.

Biblical Track

Having completed the course requirements for a WATS Bachelor of Arts program, the graduate in the Biblical track should be able to:

1. Describe the purpose, distinctives, themes, and general content of the Old and New Testament.
2. Articulate knowledge of the content, general structure, and contemporary message of the books of the Bible.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the different Bible study methods.
4. Articulate the basic Christian doctrines as understood by orthodox Christianity.
5. Communicate ideas clearly through writing and speaking.

Pastoral Track

Having completed the course requirements for a WATS Bachelor of Arts program, the graduate in the Pastoral track should be able to:

1. Explain the purpose, mission, and scope of the Church from biblical, historical missiological perspectives.
2. Engage in pastoral ministry at a beginning level
3. Preach an effective expository sermon.
4. Conduct a meaningful worship service.
5. Perform the duties of the pastor or evangelist.
6. Guide the local church in a missions program.
7. Engage in personal evangelism.

Missions Track

Having completed the course requirements for a WATS Bachelor of Arts program, the graduate in the Missions Track should be able to:

1. Understand the biblical and theological foundation of the Christian mission.
2. Be familiar with the problems of cross-cultural communication in Christian missions.
3. Lead people of other religions and culture to personal faith in Christ, using various approaches.
4. Use scriptural methods for effective cross-cultural church planting.
5. Lead converts in the mission field into wholesome growth through effective preaching.
6. Counsel prospective candidates for cross-cultural missions.
7. Develop an understanding essential for effective interaction with followers of other religions.

Christian Education Track

Having completed the course requirements for a WATS Bachelor of Arts program, the graduate in the Christian Education Track should be able to:

1. Explain the historical basis of Nigeria’s educational system.
2. Motivate students to become high achievers using various theories of learning and teaching.
3. Engage in the teaching of Christian Religion Knowledge (CRK) in primary and post-primary institutions.
4. Exhibit an open and tolerant attitude towards those of other religions.
5. Demonstrate skills in the use of resource materials in the teaching of CRK.
6. Understand and utilize the principles and methods of teaching Christian Religious Knowledge in a pluralistic society.

Courses in Anglican Liturgy

WATS is a nondenominational seminary. However, we have always had among our pastors-in-training a significant plurality of ordinands from the Anglican Communion. The seminary therefore strives to provide this strategic block of our students with adequate training in the Anglican liturgy. These courses are vetted by one or more of the Anglican bishops within Nigeria and are taught by qualified Anglican priests sent to the seminary by them. See specific course listings for these liturgical classes below.

Bachelor of Arts in Theology

Core Requirements

First Year, semester 1
 MN 158 Principles of Evangelism                 3 
 EN 111 Use of English I                         3 
 MN 111 Christian Ministry                       2 
 OT 112 Introduction to OT                       3 
 TH 101 Spiritual Life Formation                 3 
 TH 121 Gifts, Signs and Miracles                3 
                                                17 

First Year, semester 2 
 BI 131 Biblical Interpretation                  3 
 EN 112 Use of English II                        3 
 MN 112 Introduction to Islam                    2 
 NT 111 Introduction to NT                       3 
 CE 156 Church Ministry in Education             3 
 PP 152 Psychology                               3 
                                                17 

Second Year, semester 1 
 EN 263 Advanced Writing Skills                  3 
 NT 259 Pauline Epistles                         3 
 NT 203 NT Greek Grammar I                       3 
 BI 274 Biblical Theology I                      3 
 OT 233 History of Israel                        3 
 MI 245 World Christian Movement I               3 
 IT 201 Information Technology I                 2 
                                                20 

Second Year, semester 2
 BI 275 Biblical Theology II                     3 
 HT 224 World Civilization                       3 
 MN 236 Homiletics                               3 
 MI 246 World Christian Movement II              3 
 NT 204 NT Greek Grammar II                      3 
 HT 243 History of Christianity in West Africa   3 
 IT 202 Information Technology II                2 
                                                20 

 
Third Year, semester 1
 EN 348 Research Methods                         3 
 BI 364 Biblical Hermeneutics                    3 
 HT 335 Church History I                         3 
 MN 302 Pastoral Theology                        3 
 TH 325 Systematic Theology I                    3 
 Ministry Track                                  3 
                                                18 

Third Year, semester 2 
 NT 323 Synoptic Gospels                         3 
 NT 322 Johannine Literature                     2 
 HT 336 Church History II                        3 
 OT 376 Major and Minor Prophets                 2 
 TH 326 Systematic Theology II                   3 
 Ministry Track                                  3 
                                                16 

Year Four, semester 1 
 AT 432 African Traditional Religion             3 
 NT 407 Romans and Galatians                     3 
 TH 427 Theology of Holiness                     3 
 TH 447 Ethics                                   2 
 Ministry track                                  6 
                                                17 

Year Four, semester 2 
 EN 449 Project Writing                          6 
 PP 418 Philosophy                               3 
 TH 423 Wesleyan Tradition                       2 
 Ministry track                                  6 
                                                17 

Total Hours Required                           142 

Professional Track Requirements

Choose one of the following four professional tracks in which to concentrate during the third and fourth year of the B. A. program. When the schedule on the previous page calls for hours in the “track”, the student will select from the appropriate track below the courses for the year and semester in which he is registering.

                                              Hrs Year Sem 
Pastoral Track (24 hours)
 MN 305 Church Administration                   3   3   a  
 MN 327 Expository Preaching                    2   3   a 
 MN 306 Women in Ministry                       2   3   b 
 SO 379 Church and Society                      3   3   b 
 MN 497 Internship                              2   3   b 
 MN 407 Pastoral Counseling                     4   4   a 
 MN 437 Church Planting and Growth              3   4   a 
 MU 418 Church Music and Worship                3   4   b 
 FA 467 Christian Family Living                 3   4   b 

Missions Track (23 hours)
 MI 305 Cultural Anthropology                   3   3   a 
 MI 307 History of Missions                     3   3   a 
 MI 366 World Religions                         3   3   b 
 MI 497 Internship                              2   3   b 
 MI 409 Discipling Muslim Background B.         3   4   a 
 MN437 Church Planting and Growth               3   4   a 
 HT 438 History and Teaching of Islam           3   4   b 
 Ministry Elective                              3   4   b 

Biblical Track (24 Hours)
 NT 309 Advanced Greek I                        3   3   a 
 NT 369 Hebrew and General Epistles             3   3   a 
 NT 319 Advanced Greek II                       3   3   b 
 BI 339 Apocalyptic Literature                  3   3   b 
 OT 429 Elements of Hebrew Grammar              3   4   a 
 OT 449 OT Wisdom Literature                    3   4   a 
 OT 459 Hebrew Grammar and Syntax               3   4   b 
 BI 497 Departmental Seminar                    3   4   b 

Christian Education Track (23 hours)
 CE 325 History & Phil. of Christian Ed.        3   3   a 
 CE 345 Teaching and Gen. Methodology           3   3   a 
 CE 336 Education Administration                3   3   b 
 CE 497 Internship (Teaching Practice)          2   3   b 
 CE 437 Psychology of Education                 3   4   a 
 CE 457 Curriculum Development                  3   4   a 
 CE 468 Sociology of Education                  3   4   b 
 CE 479 Int. to Guidance and Counseling         3   4   b 

WATS In-Service Program

West Africa Theological Seminary offers a BA in Theology for in-service students on the weekends. The classes hold on Fridays and Saturdays. The entry requirements for the BA in Theology for in-service students are the same as the BA in Theology in the regular program. These are five credits in WASC/GCE including English language. Also the candidate will be required to pass the WATS entrance exam and interview as well as show evidence of a serious involvement in ministry.

The courses are offered on a modular basis. Each module consists of either 45 or 30 hours of classroom instruction, over a 5-week period, including assignments, quizzes and a final exam. These courses are offered in order to provide on-the-job training for pastors and other ministers of the Gospel who are in serious need of sound theological education.

One advantage of this modular system is that a student can enter and finish any time at his or her own convenience. Also the students will have the privilege of being taught by excellent and experienced teachers, who are in most cases members of the faculty. Another advantage of this program is that an in-service student enjoys the same course renderings that the regular students are enjoying, and will matriculate and graduate alongside with them.

In keeping with our spiritual formation focus, students are offered mentoring/counseling services as part of their spiritual cum academic development. WATS stands for sound spiritual and academic excellence.

Chapel services are held every Saturday from 11 a.m. – 12 noon.

Further information/enquiry as well as application forms can be obtained from the office of the Registrar/Co-ordinator of In-Service Program, West Africa Theological Seminary, 36 Olukunle Akinola Street, Ipaja, PMB 003, International Airport, Lagos.

Diploma in Theology

This program involves two years of full-time study. It is designed for those called into full-time service as pastors, evangelists, church administrators and missionaries. The academic entrance requirement is the equivalent of secondary education, such as WASC or GCE, with a minimum of four credits.

The first thirty-two semester hours are pre-college level and preparatory for more advanced college-level work. The second thirty-two semester hours are college level. A WATS student who successfully completes the Diploma program with a minimum of 2.0 GPA may apply for direct entry into the Bachelor of Arts program and complete that program in three more years.

The general thrust of the Diploma program is twofold: (1) to prepare the student for college studies by strengthening fundamental use of English and development of study habits, and (2) to give the student a broad introduction to Christian studies and ministry. When the student has completed the Diploma program at WATS, he should be able to:

1. Give testimony to a personal experience of the New Birth in Jesus Christ.
2. Practice discipleship as evidenced through personal devotions and commitment to living a holy live as empowered by the Holy Spirit.
3. Show perseverance in completing tasks and maintaining wholesome relationships expected of a mature person.
4. Use the English language at the level expected of second-year college students.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to good study habits essential for success in college and livelong learning.
6. Discuss intelligently the general structure and content of the Old and New Testaments and describe their inter-relationships.
7. Practice inductive Bible study with special attention to the New Testament Gospels.
8. Apply elementary skills in the ministry of prayer, preaching and evangelism.
9. Discuss basic concepts involving man’s nature and relationship with society.
10. Qualify for direct entry into the B.A. program provided the GPA is at least 2.0 on a four-point scale.

Diploma in Theology Requirements

First Year, semester 1 (16 hours)
 OT 052 Old Testament Survey               3 
 EN 061 Basic English Skills I             3 
 MN 051 Ministry through Prayer            3 
 MN 031 Introduction to Ministry           3 
 MN 041 Supervised Ministry I              1 
 GS 041 Study Skills                       3 

First Year, semester 2 (16 hours) 
 NT 051 New Testament Survey               3 
 EN 062 Basic English Skills II            3 
 MN 052 Ministry through Preaching         3 
 BI 052 Inductive Bible Study              3 
 TH 052 Survey of Christian Doctrines      3 
 MN 042 Supervised Ministry II             1 

Second Year, semester 1 (17 hours) 
 MI 158 Principles of Evangelism           3 
 EN 111 Use of English I                   3 
 MN 111 Christian Ministry                 2 
 OT 112 Introduction to OT                 3 
 TH 101 Spiritual Life Formation           3 
 TH 121 Gifts, Signs and Miracles          3 

Second Year, semester 2 (17 hours) 
 BI 131 Biblical Interpretation            3 
 EN 112 Use of English II                  3 
 MN 112 Introduction to Islam              2 
 NT 111 Introduction to NT                 3 
 CE 156 Church Ministry in Education       3 
 PP 152 Psychology                         3 

Total Hours Required                      66 

Diploma in Computer Operations

In the Institute of Computer Technology, WATS has a very well-equipped computer facility. We offer a number of computer options for our students. In addition to computer courses open to WATS theological students, there are specialized computer programs for those concentrating in this area.

Duration: Six months. Students are admitted into this program at the beginning of the first and second half of each year—in January/February and again in August/September.

The Institute of Computer Technology offers a diploma in the following areas:

1. Desktop Publishing
2. Data Processing
3. Computer Maintenance/Installation
4. Computer Programming
5. Data Base Management
6. Electronic Spreadsheet Word Processing

Detailed information about WATS computer programs, including financial information, may be obtained by contacting the Registrar.

Certificate in Computer Operation

Duration: Four months. Students for the certificate program are admitted thrice yearly: January-April; May-August; and September-December.

The Institute of Computer Technology offers a certificate in the following areas:

1. Desktop Publishing
2. Data Processing
3. Computer Maintenance/Installation
4. Computer Programming
5. Data Base Management
6. Electronic Spreadsheet
7. Word Processing

Detailed information about WATS computer programs, including financial information, may be obtained by contacting the Registrar.