Welcome from the Dean!
Welcome to Oakwood University’s School of Theology Graduate Department, a steadfast beacon of faith, scholarship, and service.
Our Graduate Department honors a long-standing tradition of training and deploying faith leaders who have globally served the world. Here, we cultivate thought leaders who are rooted in rigorous study, compassionate practice, and a deep commitment to justice, equity, and grace.
What we offer:
We proudly offer two Master of Arts degree offerings in Pastoral Studies and Urban Ministries. These offerings are designed to deepen theological reflection and practical leadership. Each of our programs emphasize scholarly rigor, spiritual formation, and preparation for impactful service in church, academia, and public life.
Why Oakwood University School of Theology Graduate Department?
- We have a world-class faculty dedicated to mentoring, research, and field experiences that shape effective faith leaders.
- Vibrant learning communities that foster collaboration, curiosity, and lifelong friendships.
- Global impact through graduates who serve in churches, nonprofits, educational institutions, and mission contexts around the world.
I invite you to explore our programs, connect with our faculty and students, and consider how you might join a tradition of faithful, courageous leadership that makes a difference—today and for generations to come.
With warmth and blessing,
Emil D. Peeler, D.Min
Oakwood University
School of Theology
The Department sees its graduate instruction as a harmonious interaction of various learning strategies and resources. Qualified faculty members from the Religion and Theology Department and from other participating departments apply various methods of delivery such as lectures, classroom discussions, seminar formats, group presentations and reflection, audio-visual presentations and onsite visits that provide hands-on experience and/or stimulate learning. The culminating experience is a major field project in which participants practice how to become lifelong corporate and independent learners by discerning and evaluating a congregational need or challenge and working with the congregation to address it.
Program Location
Administration and instruction for the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies are located in the Calvin E. Moseley Religion Complex and the Bradford-Cleveland-Brooks Leadership Center. The Religion Complex, originally built in 1977 and completely renovated in 2007, houses the C.T. Richards Chapel and offices and classrooms for the Department of Religion and Theology. The Bradford- Cleveland-Brooks Leadership Center, a 10,000 square foot extension to the Religion Complex, completed in 2007, promotes continuing education in ministry. The extension includes an auditorium, four classrooms, a learning research lab, and four offices.
Accreditation:
The School of Theology Graduate Department is Accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). For questions, contact: The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada The Commission on Accrediting 10 Summit Park Drive Pittsburgh PA 15275-1110 Telephone: 412-788-6505 Fax: 412-788-6510
Diversity:
The School of Theology Graduate Department is committed to fostering diversity in all its programs, including the composition of its student body, faculty, and staff. This commitment is grounded in the belief that men and women are created in God’s image and redeemed through Christ’s death and resurrection. The value of every human being is best understood in light of this redemption price. In line with the University’s commitment to diversity and non-discrimination, the learning, teaching, and research mission of the School are enriched by the interaction and engagement with individuals across racial, national, gender, cultural and social backgrounds in an increasingly globalized world.
Statement of Educational Effectiveness
Overview
The Oakwood University School of Theology Graduate Department articulates its Statement of Educational Effectiveness as a public affirmation of its mission, learning goals, and commitment to continuous improvement. As a Historically Black College/University (HBCU), rooted in the Seventh-day Adventist Christian tradition, the School of Theology Graduate Department is committed to faith, scholarship, and service and prepares women and men for informed, faithful, and transformative leadership in church, academy, and society.
This statement describes (1) the educational goals we seek to achieve, (2) the learning outcomes we expect of graduates, (3) the methods by which we assess those outcomes, and (4) the ways in which assessment results are used to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of our academic programs.
Mission and Educational Goals
The purpose of the School of Theology Graduate Department is to develop competent Christian leaders through the delivery of graduate theological education that is Christ-centered, biblically based, and from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective, emphasizing specialized contexts of ministry. In alignment with the mission of Oakwood University and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the School of Theology Graduate Department pursues the following educational goals:
Educational Goals and Learning Outcomes
Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies
- Exemplify the character of Christ, as evidenced by a life of faith, moral integrity, and compassion for others.
- Critically evaluate Biblical, theological and interdisciplinary knowledge, from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective.
- Critically relate ministry to different cultural contexts, with an emphasis on the African-American and Seventh-day Adventist contexts.
- Design strategies for effective ministerial leadership in the local congregation, community, and the global context.
Master of Arts in Urban Ministry
- Exemplify the character of Christ, as evidenced by a life of faith, moral integrity, and compassion for others.
- Apply Biblical, theological and thermotical foundations to ministry situations in the urban context.
- Relate Seventh-day Adventist heritage and black identity to an effective urban ministry.
- Design faith-based community development programs and interventions for diverse populations in local and global settings.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the School of Theology are expected to demonstrate the following learning outcomes appropriate to their degree programs:
- Interpret biblical texts using responsible exegetical and hermeneutical methods.
- Articulate theological positions clearly and coherently, with awareness of historical traditions and contemporary issues.
- Integrate theology with practice in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, leadership, and community engagement.
- Communicate effectively in written, oral, and digital forms for academic, ecclesial, and public audiences.
- Exhibit professional competence, ethical judgment, and intercultural sensitivity in ministry and leadership contexts.
- Demonstrate spiritual depth, personal integrity, and commitment to service consistent with Christian discipleship.
Assessment of Educational Effectiveness
The School of Theology employs multiple, direct and indirect methods to assess student learning and overall program effectiveness. These methods include, but are not limited to:
- Evaluation of course-embedded assignments such as exams, research papers, sermons, and ministry projects
- Assessment of capstone projects, comprehensive examinations, or supervised ministry experiences
- Faculty review of student portfolios and written work using established rubrics
- Student course evaluations, exit surveys, and alumni surveys
- Feedback from field education supervisors, ministry mentors, and employers
- Review of enrollment, retention, graduation, and placement data
Assessment activities are conducted on a regular cycle and are aligned with clearly articulated learning outcomes.
Use of Assessment Results for Improvement
Assessment results are systematically reviewed by faculty and academic leadership of the School of Theology. Findings are used to:
- Strengthen curriculum design and sequencing
- Improve teaching and pedagogical practices
- Enhance advising, mentoring, and spiritual formation initiatives
- Identify faculty development needs and resource priorities
- Inform strategic planning and program revision
Through this ongoing process of evaluation and reflection, the School of Theology demonstrates its commitment to educational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Public Accountability and Ongoing Review
The Statement of Educational Effectiveness is reviewed periodically to ensure accuracy and alignment with institutional mission, accreditation standards, and evolving educational needs. The School of Theology affirms transparency and accountability to students, the church, accrediting bodies, and the wider public as integral to its educational calling.
In all its programs, the Oakwood University School of Theology seeks to glorify God by preparing graduates who combine intellectual rigor, spiritual vitality, and compassionate service for the healing of church and society.
STUDENT SATISFACTION
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|
2022-2023 |
2023-2024 |
2024-2025
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Student Learning Assessment Data
|
90% |
86% |
94%
|
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Placement Rate
|
100% |
100% |
100% |
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Graduation Rate/Completion Rate
|
86% |
60% |
83% |
|
Student Satisfaction Survey Results
|
97% |
94% |
98% |
Student Satisfaction Dashboard
Dean: R. Clifford Jones
Phone: (256) 726-7365