English Language Proficiency

All non-native English speaking students will be required to demonstrate their English proficiency for admission to Western Seminary by submitting a current Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test (2 years old or less) that meets the minimum required score for the program they are applying to as noted below. While IELTS scores are accepted, preference is still for a submitted TOEFL score.

Students who score below an established level will be required to complete additional training in English prior to seminary courses. The purpose of this requirement is to enable all students to make rapid progress in the comprehension and mastery of their chosen program of study. Information on the TOEFL exam is available at www.ets.org/toefl. Because the TOEFL exam is, in some locations, given only a limited number of times each year, the applicant should allow sufficient time for the results to be included in the seminary admission process. The institution code of Western Seminary, to be supplied for the test, is 4968.

English Language Requirements

The seminary requires a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 25 on each of the four section tests of the TOEFL-IBT (600 on the paper-based exam or 250 on the computer-based exam and a 4.5 writing score) for admission to the Th.M., D.Int.St, EdD, and D.Min. programs. Admission to the M.A. in Counseling, M.A. in Ministry and Leadership Coaching Track and Certificate in Transformational Coaching programs requires scores of 20 (each) on the reading and writing sections and 25 (each) on the speaking and listening sections of the TOEFL-IBT. For admission to the M.Div., M.A. (other than those mentioned above), Graduate Studies Certificate and Graduate Studies Diploma, the seminary requires a minimum score of 20 on each of the four section tests of the TOEFL-IBT (550 on the paper-based exam or 213 on the computer-based exam and a 3.5 writing score).

The seminary requires a minimum IELTS Academic Test score of 7.0 or above in each subject area for Th.M., D.Int.St., EdD, and D.Min. programs (7.0 overall score minimum). Admission to the M.A. in Counseling, M.A. in Ministry and Leadership Coaching Track and Certificate in Transformational Coaching programs requires scores of 6.5 or above in the reading and writing area; 7.0 or above in the speaking and listening area (7.0 overall score minimum). For admission to the M.Div., M.A. (other than those mentioned above), Graduate Studies Certificate and Graduate Studies Diploma, the seminary requires a minimum score of 6.5 in each IELTS Academic Test subject area (6.5 overall score minimum).

TOEFL/IELTS Waivers

Western Seminary does make allowance, on a case by case basis, for a waiver of the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. The main basis for this is on higher education coursework completed in English at an accredited institution. A review of the official transcripts submitted for admission will be used to evaluate the TOEFL/IELTS waiver request. Please note that because of the additional requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling program, TOEFL/IELTS waivers will generally not be granted for this program.