Welcome to Edwards University
"The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned." (Isaiah 50:4, KJV)
Thank you for visiting the official website of Edwards University.
Core Characteristics of Our Educational Approach
Learning from the Thought, Life, and Ministry of Jonathan Edwards
We teach students to embody the legacy of Jonathan Edwards, serving as a foundational springboard for broader interdisciplinary research and advanced academic inquiry.
One on One Customized Mentorship
Upon submitting your original primary source reading plans, thesis/dissertation proposals, and required documentation, we design a personalized curriculum tailored precisely to your academic goals and ministry needs.
Intensive Trimester Structure
Our academic calendar operates on a 16 week semester model (12 weeks of live or online coursework followed by 4 weeks dedicated to writing comprehensive research papers or monographs). Intensive seminars and regular core courses are scheduled across global regions, including North America and Eastern Europe. We actively support the educational and seminary ministries of visionary missionaries worldwide.
Equipping Lay Leaders and Youth
We guide students from fundamental biblical literacy to advanced theological and interdisciplinary studies.
Integrated Anglo American Academic Model
Our balanced curriculum combines structured coursework with independent, self directed thesis and dissertation research.
Comprehensive Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements include the completion of required coursework, conference or seminar paper presentations, a completed research thesis/dissertation, the publication of the final research as a formal book, and the submission of a 12 hour lecture curriculum complete with PowerPoint presentation decks and public streaming access (e.g., YouTube).
Bilingual & International Degree Programs
All degree programs offer flexible instruction in English, Korean, or your primary native language. Students may attend lectures and submit written assignments in English or Korean. While standardized English proficiency scores (such as TOEFL) are not strictly required for admission, strong reading and writing skills in English are essential to successfully complete the curriculum and navigate advanced academic resources.
Degree Program Specifications
1. Bachelor’s Degree Program (B.BS.)
The Bachelor of Biblical Studies is open to high school graduates and transfer students. This program can be completed entirely in English or through our bilingual study track.
2. Master’s Degree Programs
Master of Divinity (M.Div.): Prepares candidates for diverse pastoral, missionary, and academic pathways.
Master of Christian Counseling (M.CC.) & Master of Christian Education (M.C.E.): Designed for personal enrichment, ministry preparation, or as a foundation for advanced study in counseling and education.
Master of Theology (Th.M.): An advanced research degree intended for high level theological study or direct preparation for doctoral programs.
3. Doctoral Degree Programs (Ph.D.in Christian Studies, Th.D., D.Miss.)
Admissions or transfer options into our doctoral tracks are available to qualified candidates who have completed foundational prerequisite degrees.
Joint Degree Partnerships: Edwards University offers collaborative dual and joint degree options with respected partner institutions. Courses are administered under the direction of our university, and students can earn degrees directly from partner institutions or as joint degrees.
4. Integrated Master’s and Doctoral Tracks
This integrated pathway is specifically tailored for students who hold an M.Div. but have not completed an intermediate academic master's degree (such as a Th.M. or M.A.) and wish to pursue a doctoral degree. Upon completing the required doctoral coursework phase, students receive an intermediate master's degree (e.g., Th.M.) and advance to Ph.D. candidacy to complete their final dissertation.
5. Doctoral Graduation & Faculty Preparation Requirements
Because our doctoral program aims to qualify graduates for higher education faculty positions, candidates must complete the following under faculty supervision:
A book length dissertation ready for academic publication.
Formal publication of the monograph.
A complete 12 hour course syllabus accompanied by presentation slides.
A recorded 12 hour lecture series delivered to a church, academic reading group, or public audience, made available on YouTube or an approved digital platform.
6. Required Research & Writing Seminars
Students must complete mandatory coursework in advanced research and writing methods. Candidates are required to critically evaluate at least 10 major academic books or doctoral dissertations published within the last decade (in English or their native language) along with 10 peer reviewed scholarly articles (under 30 pages each). Research must present original theories and scholarly arguments. Course papers written during individual semesters are designed to integrate directly into the final thesis or dissertation to deepen research quality and accelerate completion.
7. Faculty Advisory Board
Research guidance is provided by a structured committee system consisting of a Primary Faculty Advisor and a Secondary Advisor, ensuring rigorous feedback on all major projects.
8. Transfer Student Evaluation
Students who have completed coursework at another institution but have not finished their thesis or dissertation may apply for credit transfer. By submitting an application, official transcripts, and sample writing or essay papers, applicants receive a complimentary Academic Evaluation to determine remaining coursework requirements or immediate placement into the writing phase.
9. Trimester System & Academic Calendar
We operate on a three term annual system (trimester). Each term runs for 16 weeks. While rolling admissions are available for student convenience, official terms begin on January 1, May 1, and September 1. Registration materials should be submitted at least one month prior to the term start date to allow proper faculty assignment and program planning.
10. Tuition Payments & Financial Options
Thesis/dissertation supervision fees are equivalent to standard term coursework tuition.
Payments are processed securely online via PayPal using major credit cards under the Registration and Payment section on our website’s Academic page. Payments via check or direct bank transfer are also accepted.
Merit Scholarships: Students who pay program tuition in full up front are eligible for special institutional scholarships to support their academic commitments.
11. Scholarships & Academic Standing
Unexcused leaves of absence exceeding one year will result in academic suspension or withdrawal. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and distinguished research achievements.
12. Instructional Methodologies
Instruction combines live online lectures, scheduled independent study, and annual global intensive seminars. We emphasize a traditional tutorial model featuring direct one on one faculty supervision and regional small group seminars.
Our hybrid instructional philosophy merges the European model of independent research (common in the UK, Germany, and France) with the American coursework and dissertation structure. Qualified candidates who have completed doctoral coursework elsewhere may pursue an independent research track without repeating coursework. Graduates are considered for teaching opportunities at Edwards University or recommended to partner institutions.
13. Ecumenical & Theological Diversity
Edwards University is an independent, non denominational institution. While deeply informed by the legacy of Jonathan Edwards and the Puritans, our curriculum encourages rigorous study across the broader spectrum of Evangelical, Reformed, and Calvinist historical theology. Pastoral ordination and missionary endorsement are facilitated through the student’s home denomination, partner associations, or the International Association of Theological Schools (IATS).
14. Complimentary Academic Evaluation & Consultation
We offer a complimentary academic evaluation and directional consultation. Prospective students may submit a one page thesis/dissertation outline or table of contents (approximately 400 words) to receive initial faculty feedback.
Admissions Process
Submit Online Application
Upon submitting your online application, you will immediately receive temporary applicant status and a provisional Student ID number valid for six (6) months. During this six-month window, you must submit all remaining required documents and transcripts to finalize your enrollment.
Submit Supporting Documents & Transcripts
Upload or mail your required transcripts, writing samples, and thesis proposals using your provisional Student ID.
Admissions Interview
Participate in a brief online or telephone interview with an academic counselor.
Application Review & Official Notification
Receive your formal admission decision and fully matriculated student status upon review of your completed file.
Registration & Tuition Payment
Complete course registration and arrange tuition payments via PayPal or direct transfer.
Begin Academic Program
Access your learning portal, connect with your assigned faculty advisor, and start your coursework.
Distance Learning Notice: Edwards University offers 100% online distance learning and live interactive internet courses worldwide. Students do not need to relocate to the United States or obtain a student visa (F-1) to complete their degree programs.
