Undergraduate Degree Exemption Policy

A limited number of applicants who lack the prerequisite baccalaureate degree may apply for admission to certain programs other than academic programs offered at Western Seminary. Other than the MA in Counseling and the MA (Biblical and Theological Studies) programs, the Undergraduate Exemption Policy (or “UDE”) is available for all master’s level degree programs.

Admission to Western Seminary without a bachelor’s degree is determined on a case by case basis. An applicant’s qualifications for consideration include the applicant’s maturity, educational background, ministry experience, and vocational goals. Ideally, applicants for admission under the UDE policy should be at least 35 years of age and able to demonstrate significant life and ministry experience, as well as a readiness for graduate theological studies. Preference is given to applicants possessing the most qualifying of educational backgrounds, and applicants without the requisite baccalaureate degree will preferably have completed at least 60 hours of undergraduate coursework with an earned cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a four-point scale).

In addition to the Admission Requirements, applicants seeking admission under UDE policy must include the additional supplemental materials with their application:

  1. A supplemental statement explaining the applicant’s professional and educational journey;
  2. A current resume; and
  3. A current writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s research and writing skills in form, style, and content (utilizing the Turabian style).