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Application and Admissions Requirements for Seminary Programs

Doctoral Degrees

Admission Criteria and Application Process for the PhD in Leadership, PhD in Biblical Studies, and Doctor of Ministry are located in program specific handbooks.

Master’s Degrees

Admission Criteria and Application Process for the MAM, MABS, MDIV, MAFL, MACC and MACPM:

Individuals seeking admission to Seminary programs must complete the following application steps. Decisions for admission to these programs are made using each application piece listed as criteria.

  1. Application Form: Complete the online application and submit the $40 application fee. Once your application has been received, you will be contacted by an Admissions Representative who will guide you through the application process.
  2. Autobiographical Essay: Write an autobiographical essay. Guidelines for the essay are available from Adult Learner Services (717-560-8297). This essay is designed to provide applicable life content as well as demonstrate the applicant's writing ability. Applicants will be evaluated on confirmation of acceptance of Christ as personal Savior, developments in spiritual growth, statement of ministry goals, and rationale for desiring a master's degree. This autobiography has specific guidelines (available from Adult Learner Services 717-560-8297) and is designed for assessing the above content as well as writing ability.
  3. References: Ask two people who are qualified to evaluate your ministry/work experience and potential to complete the reference form on your behalf. Reference forms are located online.
  4. Request Official Transcripts: Contact all institutions through which you have earned degrees to request official transcripts to be sent to Adult Learner Services (717-560-8297). These must be official transcripts sent directly from the degree granting institution(s). There must be a transcript from an accredited institution showing completion of a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
  5. TOEFL Score*: Non-native speakers of English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If the applicant has an undergraduate degree from an accredited American college or university, he/she is exempt from the TOEFL requirement. If required, the TOEFL test score must meet the following minimum for admission: paper score 550; computer score 213; or internet score 79. The applicant's skill score in writing will also be considered in the admissions decision.
  6. Personal Interview: Following receipt of the above items, a personal interview will be arranged with a faculty member.

*The MACPM (PDN) degree does not require TOEFL but does require a Computer Proficiency Form.