General Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate from the Seminary, all students must meet the following requirements:
- Provide evidence of orthodox belief, genuine Christian character, and conduct consistent with a God-given call to a position of leadership;
- Demonstrate an ability to use the English language with precision in both speech and writing;
- Complete the prescribed course of study within the time limitation and achieve the required grade point average as outlined in this Academic Catalog;
- Remove any admission provisions defined in the letter of admission;
- Complete at least the final 20 credit hours in resident study, except for the online degree programs, which require fewer credit hours in residence (see those degree program pages in this catalog for more details); advanced program handbooks contain residency requirements for the ThM, DMin, DInitSt, and EdD programs;
- Settle all financial obligations*, students who have not made satisfactory financial arrangements will not have access to any student services, or enrollment for a second degree;
- Submit the application to graduate through the Student Information System.
- Receive the recommendation of the faculty and approval by the Board of Trustees for graduation;
- Attend the annual commencement exercises or submit a petition through S.I.S to graduate in absentia.
Master’s degree students who have not completed all academic requirements may obtain permission to participate in commencement exercises if the following conditions are satisfied:
- The remaining graduation requirements will be completed by the last day of the summer semester;
- Eight hours (MDiv), six hours (MA), or four hours (ThM) or less remain for completion of the degree;
- The student has registered for these courses from the regularly scheduled summer course offerings;
- All admission provisions are removed;
- All incompletes are satisfied;
- All thesis or dissertation requirements are complete;
- The appropriate graduation fee has been paid.
Degrees are recorded each semester. The last day of the semester, as indicated by the academic calendar, is the official date of graduation. Commencement exercises are held once per year. A degree is granted only when the Registrar confirms the completion of all academic requirements, the faculty votes to approve the student to graduate, and the Board of Trustees votes to award the degree to the student.
*Note: In compliance with Federal and State Regulations, transcript holds and additional fees will not be placed by students with an outstanding balance. Transcripts will not be withheld from students with an outstanding balance. Regulations state that Degree conferral and Printed Diplomas are permissible to be withheld for students with an outstanding balance and Western Seminary retains the right to withhold these items till student balance is paid or a payment plan is initiated.