The Guidelines and undergraduate recommendations listed below are those set up by both the Association of Theological Schools and the minimum necessary to ensure your success in a masters level program.
These guidelines and recommendations are not intended to discourage you from beginning to explore academic preparation for your call to ministry. No matter your academic background, we encourage you to begin a conversation of discernment with Dr. Mark Poppen, Director of Admissions, to determine an appropriate entry strategy to seminary and preparation for ministry leadership.
All applications are reviewed by the admissions committee without regard to race, ethnic origin, sex, marital status, physical handicap or age.
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or above is required for admission. In some cases students with lower averages may be admitted on academic probation.
The admissions committee is guided by the following criteria in determining the minimum liberal arts content of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent:
- Two semesters of world civilization or world history
- One semester of English composition or two advanced English courses with substantial writing requirements
- One semester of English literature
- One semester of philosophy
- One semester of psychology
- One semester of sociology or cultural anthropology
In rare cases an applicant without a bachelor’s degree but with exceptional compensatory qualifications may be admitted under a special provision of the Association of Theological Schools standards. Such acceptance will be provisional pending satisfactory academic performance during the first semester.
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required for admission. Applicants must write a one-page statement detailing future vocational and educational plans. The minimum liberal arts content of a bachelor’s degree is the same as that for Master of Divinity applicants.
A Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent is required for admission. Applicants also must have three years of practical experience in ministry. Applicants must submit a letter from their denomination or ministry-related agency verifying past service and indicating promise for future service and leadership.
International Students must submit a TOEFL score of at least:
- 230 (computer based)
- 550, TWE 4 (paper based)
- 80 (internet based)
- Overall 6.5 (IELTS)
Applicants must hold the Master of Divinity degree and have at least three years of ministry experience since their M.Div. was completed. Also, they must have served in their current ministry setting for at least one of the three years.
Applicants do not have to have an undergraduate degree. Applicants must include all academic transcripts and submit a one-page statement of how their learning might enhance and empower their future ministry.
Western Theological Seminary accepts credits from other graduate institutions accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. Courses with grades lower than a B- are ineligible for transfer.
An academic assessment will identify class status and determine the steps toward completing the degree program at Western. Transfer students must earn at least 30 semester credit hours in our institution to earn a degree from WTS.
College students interested in pursuing theological education should seek a balanced undergraduate liberal arts program. The liberal arts equip the college graduate with foundational knowledge for theological studies. We suggest:
- English – literature, composition, and related studies. At least 4 semesters.
- Speech – at least 2 semesters.
- History – ancient, modern European, and American. At least 3 semesters.
- Philosophy – history, content, and method. At least 3 semesters.
- Social Science – psychology, sociology or cultural anthropology, economics, political science, and education. At least 6 semesters, including a minimum of 2 semesters of psychology.
- Foreign languages – 4 semesters of Greek, including two of New Testament Greek. A modern European language such as German or French is also desirable.
- Religion – several courses in the study of Christian and non-Christian religions.
Western invites Christians from around the world to learn and grow with us.
International students come to Western not only to receive, but also to give. At Western, we feel that the international perspectives these students provide are a tremendous asset to the seminary community. These "gifts from abroad" challenge worldviews, sharpen theological premises, and broaden perspectives of WTS students, staff, and faculty alike.
International students are encouraged to apply to the Master of Theology (Th.M.) program. The Th.M. is designed to develop church leaders for mission and ministry around the world. The Th.M. program assembles a community of scholars who pursue advanced study to enhance their ministries. The 11-month (25 semester credit-hours) program provides for focused research and reflection within the context of cross-cultural dialogue.
We do not encourage applications from international students for our Master of Divinity degree program. Instead, we encourage international students to complete an M.Div. degree or its equivalent in their own cultural context.
This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
