Extension Courses

We bring together learners of diverse backgrounds and ages. Our courses facilitate personal and collective transformation through consultation, action, and reflection.

Browse Our Extension Courses
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WHY TAKE A WI COURSE?

The Wilmette Institute offers courses to people of diverse backgrounds and ages interested in individual and collective transformation. Our courses aim both to enhance personal understanding and to strengthen involvement in community building.

Scholarship

Hone your writing and research skills

Critical Thinking

Engage in solution-based awareness of issues that matter to you most

Communication

Create presentations and contribute to discourse right where you are

Change Making

Gain a global perspective

Upcoming Extension Courses
Our Departments
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Social Transformation

Explore sustainable social change from an integrated spiritual and scientific perspective.

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Bahá’í History
& Texts

Explore sacred texts.

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Religion, Theology
& Philosophy

Discover new perspectives on the relationship between science and religion. 

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Independent Sections

Compose and create art that expresses your spiritual journey. Explore Bahá'í Administration, personal transformation, and community building.

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Our Courses Will Inspire You to…

INVESTIGATE

Independently investigate reality to discern fact from conjecture.

ANALYZE

Analyze global issues through critical thinking.

APPLY

Apply knowledge, spiritual and scientific insights and skills for the common good.

EXAMINE

Examine the root causes of global issues from a Bahá'í perspective, and explore the prerequisites for building a just and peaceful society.

BUILD COMMUNITY

Apply consultation, action, study, and reflection to community-building through participatory social action and discourse.

ENGAGE

Engage family, friends, and community in becoming change agents for their own spiritual and material well-being.

Testimonials

There are no words to express the transformation happening within me... I have never participated in higher education courses that actually build my capacity spiritually and intellectually to this degree and cannot wait to take more courses in the future!

Human Prosperity and Sustainable Development
Certificate Student, Summer 2023

The workload was reasonable, there were a variety of learning modes (videos, podcasts, readings, discussions). We received the assignment guide at the beginning of the course, and it was very detailed.

Human Prosperity and Sustainable Development
Certificate Student, Summer 2023

I feel so fortunate to take part in this course and the Wilmette Institute as I feel I build my capacity to learn and engage in discourse in ways that are meaningful to my community.

Transforming Education: Knowing, Learning, and Being
Feedback from Summer, 2023 course participant
Fees & Tuition Support for Extension Courses
Fees & Tuition Support for Extension Courses

​The fee is typically $75 for a 6-9 week course. The fee for shorter courses is $50 or less. Senior citizens, Bahá’í pioneers, and full-time students are eligible for a 20% discount. In 2020, first-time Wilmette Institute students will get a 30% discount.

How to Apply

Follow the steps below to register for our extension courses

Show Steps
1. Discover

Browse the courses and choose one that’s open for registration.

2. Register

Click the Register button and complete the registration form. Payment and tuition support options are detailed on the form.

3. Start the Course!

That’s it! You will immediately receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to join the course. Browse our courses now.

1. Discover

Browse the courses and choose one that’s open for registration.

2. Register

Click the Register button and complete the registration form. Payment and tuition support options are detailed on the form.

3. Start the Course!

That’s it! You will immediately receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to join the course. Browse our courses now.

Tuition Support

To apply for an interest-free installment payment plan, or for a needs based scholarship
complete this simple online application.

Learn Individually or as a Group
Learn Individually or as a Group

Study Groups are a great way to enrich your learning experience and also save you some money. A group can be as small as two people, or as large as ten.