NEWS
West Virginia Wesleyan College partners with MTSO to create accelerated graduate degree pathways
West Virginia Wesleyan College has entered into a new partnership with Methodist Theological School in Ohio that will provide students with accelerated pathways to earn graduate degrees in ministry, public theology and social justice.
Dr. Debra Dean Murphy, professor of religious studies and co-director of the Center for Restorative Justice at WVWC, said, “Colleges and seminaries are changing rapidly in the higher education landscape, and this new partnership represents the best of what both can offer: an accelerated, dual degree program that saves time and money, while preparing students for job opportunities in nonprofit leadership, community organizing, climate advocacy, church-related vocations, public policy, and more. We hope students across the curriculum will discover this pathway to both personal growth and a meaningful, impactful career.”
The memorandum of understanding establishes three innovative programs: A 3+3 pathway leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science from WVWC and a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from MTSO. A 3+2 pathway leading to a bachelor's degree from WVWC and a Master of Arts in Public Theology. A 3+2 pathway leading to a bachelor's degree from WVWC and a Master of Arts in Social Justice.
Through the partnership, students can begin graduate studies before completing their undergraduate degree requirements, allowing them to earn both degrees in less time and at a reduced cost. Students in the programs will complete 96 credit hours at WVWC before transitioning to MTSO, with graduate coursework transferring back to fulfill remaining undergraduate degree requirements.
The agreement is designed to create a seamless educational pathway for students interested in ministry, faith-based leadership, community engagement, advocacy, and social justice. Eligible students will benefit from scholarship opportunities, including preferred full-tuition scholarships for qualifying students in the 3+3 Master of Divinity pathway.
MTSO President Jay Rundell said, “We at MTSO have always valued our many West Virginia relationships. It feels natural to join with WVWC in offering these pathways to students who are seeking advanced degrees or their way to lives of lasting significance.”
The partnership also allows students to build upon the strong foundation provided by WVWC's humanities and related academic programs while pursuing advanced theological education at MTSO.
Founded in 1890 as the West Virginia Conference Seminary, West Virginia Wesleyan College remains affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Since 1952, at least 120 WVWC alumni have served as clergy within the Methodist Church and later the United Methodist Church.
For more information, students may contact Murphy at murphy_d@wvwc.edu or April Casperson, Director of Enrollment Management, MTSO, at acasperson@mtso.edu. To learn more about MTSO and the program, visit mtso.edu/wvwc.
About West Virginia Wesleyan College: WVWC is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.
About MTSO: Methodist Theological School in Ohio provides theological education and leadership in pursuit of a just, sustainable and generative world. In addition to the Master of Divinity degree, the school offers master’s degrees in public theology, social justice and theological studies, along with a Doctor of Ministry degree.
CONTACT:
Amanda Hayes, WVWC marketing and communications manager
hayes.a@wvwc.edu, 304-473-8117
Danny Russell, MTSO director of communications
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322