Academic Standards

Western Seminary’s master’s degrees are postbaccalaureate degree programs. Admission requirements, therefore, include (1) a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education accredited by a US agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or approved by a Canadian provincial quality assurance agency, or the demonstrated educational equivalent of an accredited or approved North American baccalaureate degree; (2) evidence of the commitment and qualities desired for pastoral leadership; and (3) the academic ability to engage in graduate education.

General admission requirements include a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for the Master of Divinity, Graduate Studies Diploma, and Graduate Studies Certificate programs, and 3.0 for the Master of Arts, Master of Theology, Doctor of Intercultural Studies, Doctor of Education, and Doctor of Ministry programs.

Applicants may be accepted on a provisional or probationary basis—if their previous record indicates a weakness but with the promise of greater achievement possible. Common areas of limitations include but are not restricted to:

  • An unaccredited baccalaureate degree. Provisional acceptance for completion of satisfactory work. Additional coursework may be required.
  • Low grade point average. Provisional acceptance for completion of satisfactory work.
  • A lack of a specific admission requirement. Students may be permitted to enroll for one or more courses while they complete a specific requirement for admission to a degree program.