Welcome

Eastern is a co-educational, comprehensive Christian university of the arts, sciences, and professions which seeks to provide an education rooted in a unifying Christian worldview.

The University offers courses leading to seminary and doctoral degrees, as well as the graduate degrees of

• Master of Arts
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Science
• Master of Education

Undergraduate degrees granted are

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Majors include accounting and finance, athletic training, biblical studies, biochemistry, biological studies, biology, chemistry, chemistry-business, communication studies, criminal justice, economic development, elementary education, English, environmental science, entrepreneurial studies, exercise science, history, management, marketing, mathematics, missions and anthropology, music, political science, psychology, social work, sociology, Spanish, theological studies, and youth ministries.

Vision

As a community, Eastern University will Listen... Love... Learn... Lead.

University Mission Statement

Eastern University is a diverse, Christ-centered community preparing graduates to impact the world through faith, reason, and justice.

Palmer Theological Seminary's Mission Statement

Palmer Theological Seminary’s motto is “The Whole Gospel for the Whole World through Whole Persons.” 

The Whole Gospel

Palmer Theological Seminary’s theological position affirms the Bible as uniquely inspired and the authoritative revelation of God’s nature and purposes for humanity. Commitment to that revelation, fully expressed in Jesus Christ, calls for the preparation of persons for ministry who are faithful to all parts and implications of the Gospel. A curriculum faithful to the whole gospel prepares persons who:

• have a thorough knowledge of the content of the Bible
• are able to interpret and communicate the message of the Bible in a way that is faithful and addresses contemporary life
• are committed to both the individual and social dimensions of the biblical message
• affirm the Gospel’s proclamation of the forgiveness of sin, the reconciliation of human beings to God and each other, and the gift of eternal life, through Jesus Christ.

For The Whole World

Palmer Theological Seminary is committed to the preparation of persons for Christ’s ministry in the Church throughout the world in a variety of forms and institutions, with strong emphasis on ministry in and through local churches, in both the American Baptist and other denominations. Recognizing that the Gospel expresses God’s love for the whole world, Palmer Theological Seminary seeks to prepare persons who:

• are able to lead individuals to faith in Jesus Christ
• have a passion for a ministry concerned with the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of people
• are articulate and empowered expounders of Biblical truth in relation to all areas of human life
• are skilled in assisting God’s people toward a loving, serving and transforming presence in the world
• are sensitive to the various cultural situations in which people live, and are able to relate the Gospel’s saving and freeing power to the needs of persons and institutions in those settings
• are equipped to lead the Church in dynamic growth and mission through preaching and teaching, caring and counseling, evangelizing and serving.

Through Whole Persons

Palmer Theological Seminary seeks to equip persons for Christian ministry who view that ministry as divine vocation, know themselves to be called by God, and are committed to grow toward wholeness in their relationship with God, self, others, and their world. Palmer Theological Seminary is committed to assist persons toward:

• an awareness of their own brokenness and dependence upon God
• the development of a spirit of openness toward others in the global body of Christ, beginning with an appreciation of that body’s expression in Palmer Theological Seminary’s diverse Christian community
• a disciplined devotional life, bearing fruit in a vital, growing, contagious faith
• regular participation in worship and fellowship which supports faith, expands vision, furthers intimacy in relation with God and others, and increases awareness of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Student Learning Goals

Eastern University is dedicated to the following student learning goals as established in the institution's foundational commitments:

To excellence in scholarship and teaching:

• Students develop intellectual curiosity, passion, and agility, valuing the life of the mind and life-long learning.
• Students develop their critical thinking, reflection, analysis and communication skills.
• Students develop knowledge and competencies in the arts, sciences, and professions.

To the whole gospel for the whole world through whole persons:

• Students develop and expand their Christian worldview, grounded in the Scriptures.
• Students discern the ethical consequences of decisions and actions.

To justice, reconciliation, and transformation:

• Students are motivated to assume responsibility for justice and to show a transformative influence -- especially regarding social, political, and economic justice.

To responsible leadership and stewardship:

• Students are prepared to live in an interdependent world, aware of societal and global problems and committed to engage in solving them.

To Christian community:

• Students increase in self-awareness and in their sensitivity towards others and others' needs and situations.
• Students contribute to fostering an environment where diversity is appreciated and reconciliation is practiced.