Program Information

Information Forms
Program Information
2007-2008 Priscilla Institute Schedule (pdf)
Associate of Arts Degree Curriculum
Organizational Management Course Descriptions (pdf)
Pastoral Studies Course Sheet
Scholarship Application (pdf)

The Facts
In 2004 Eastern University, and its seminary, Palmer Theological Seminary collaborated to launch a new program for women who are leading in various ministry capacities in organizations and churches. The Priscilla Institute (PI) at the Hestenes Center for Christian Women in Leadership is a program designed especially for women. PI makes it possible for women to achieve a bachelor of arts degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University.

The Priscilla Institute is an illustration of koinonia in practice. It combines courses from various schools within Eastern University resulting in a comprehensive outcomes based, learner-centered education. Located on the campus of the Palmer Theological Seminary, the Priscilla Institute was designed to provide a well-rounded education for those who are on the front lines of ministry. It affords women the chance to develop their ministry, management, and leadership skills, offering those with little or no college education the opportunity to earn a degree and enhance their skills as a pastor, a minister, or a leader.

Diploma of Pastoral Studies
24 Credits
Students begin their journey as a cohort through PI with the Diploma of Pastoral Studies, which is a track offered in Palmer Theological Seminary's Eastern's School of Christian Ministry (ESCM). This stage offers each student 24 credits in Bible, ministry, and Theology courses. In addition, it affords the student the well-rounded curriculum necessary to support leadership in ministry.

Associate of Arts Degree
37 Credits
Once attaining the Diploma of Pastoral Studies, the student is then able to move on to the School of Management Studies where courses in the Associate of Arts (AA) Degree are taken. The 37 credits taken in AA degree program, combined with the 24 credits in the Diploma of Pastoral Studies, will afford students 61 credits for an AA degree and fulfill 61 of the credits needed for a liberal arts degree.

Living Leadership
5 Credits

Lifelong Learning Essays
10 Credits
Each year students take a course called Living Leadership. It is a course that integrates all learning with the basic, continuing theme of women in ministerial leadership. Students earn a credit each year for this course. Additionally, many leaders entering the Priscilla Institute will come with a wealth of leadership experiences in churches and organizations. There will be a series of lifelong learning essays to accommodate those experiences. Each student may complete up to 10 credits for life experience. These essays will be directed writings pertaining to various capacities of leadership exhibited over a period of time by the student.

Organizational Management
45 Credits
While students are fulfilling their requirements with Lifelong Learning Essays and Living Leadership they may begin to take courses in the area of organizational management from the School of Management Studies. These courses enhance the student's professional competence in leadership. The fifteen courses (45 credits) taken are designed to link theory to practice. This part of the program helps students to coordinate ministry and management in their churches and organizations. It also assists them in demonstrating the highest level of leadership that their potential affords.

Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management
121 Credits
At the conclusion of the Priscilla Institute students will have attained 121 credits, affording them a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Eastern University.