[4] The Master of Arts in Theology was first awarded to ten men from religious orders in 1972.

Eventually, the school expanded to include religious women and men,as well as lay students training for advanced ministerial degrees and programs.

[citation needed] The school closed in 2015 because of financial difficulties, low enrollment, and declining vocations.

[5] Student records and archival history were transferred to Saint Bonaventure University in New York in 2015 after operations were wound down.

Over 4,500 students attended Washington Theological Union, with almost 500 of them completing a certificate during their sabbatical.