Phoenix Seminary is committed to integrity and Christian stewardship. Therefore, it engages in systematic evaluation of its effectiveness in producing graduates who possess the knowledge, skills and character indicated in our Educational Values. Phoenix Seminary’s educational effectiveness is measured through 1) the assessment of student learning outcomes and 2) the successful placement of our graduates.
Student Learning Outcomes
The majority of our students meet the student learning outcomes reflected in the Educational Values of Phoenix Seminary. Some specific examples include:
1. For the last five years, over 80% of our students have passed the culminating theological oral exam.
2. Faculty juried reviews of students indicate that 89% of students are meeting or exceeding all student learning outcomes.
3. Student feedback in the 2011 Seminary Experience Inventory indicates that students are extremely satisfied with a variety of issues that are important to them: 1) Faculty exemplify a deep faith commitment and demonstrate expert knowledge and depth of insight; 2) Students are developing a deeper spiritual life and faith commitment; and 3) The degree programs provide an integration of theory, theology and application.
4. Employers of PS Graduates are overwhelmingly positive and say: 1) They demonstrate a working knowledge and command of the Scriptures (100%); 2) They demonstrate an ability to work with people in ministry (94%).
Placement
In recent years, one hundred percent of graduates requesting placement assistance, have been placed within one year of graduation. The majority of PS students find ministry positions while they are in seminary or are already in ministry when they begin attending seminary. Phoenix Seminary graduates are serving in the following ways: pastoral ministry in the local church; intercultural ministry overseas and in the U.S.; various levels of leadership in a variety of para-church organizations; counseling and chaplaincy in secular and Christian arenas; leadership in the marketplace through professions such as law, business and medicine; and lay ministers in the local church.
