Mark Olson | John Leland Center

Led by president Dr. Mark Olson, the John Leland Center for Theological Studies is a Baptist seminary which accepts students from all Christian traditions. Accredited by the Association of Theological Studies (ATS), the seminary maintains its main campus in Arlington, Virginia near Washington, DC. Under the leadership of Dr. Mark Olson, the center has expanded its offerings by adding a new master’s degree program focused on Christian leadership. Students can also receive certificates in leadership or theological studies or pursue master of theological studies or master of divinity degrees.

When admitting graduate level students, the seminary looks for candidates who have a strong sense of purpose and the potential for success. At a minimum, students must have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale while pursuing a balanced curriculum. In addition to its graduate programs, the John Leland Center offers opportunities for students with a high school diploma to seek a diploma in theology through its school of ministry. Leland offers weekend and evening courses to allow students to fulfill family and work commitments while continuing their education.

Through the seminary’s leading-edge curriculum and international faculty, students gain the knowledge they need to fulfill their spiritual vocation and understand the diverse perspectives of multicultural populations.