Returning Students

Western Seminary recognizes that there are situations in which a student must take a break from their degree program for a time, only to return and complete their degree later. A student may miss up to two consecutive terms without reapplying to their program. However, if a student stops out for more than one year (three terms), they must re-apply for admission. If the student stops out more than three years (nine terms) before re-applying for admission, they must complete the entire application process.

If a student stopped out of their degree program less than three years before re-applying for admission, they could apply using the standard application without filling out all the short answers. In such a case, the student must:

• 1. Complete the standard online application in the following way: Fill out all the biographical information, update the “Personal Information” section, and update any changes in the education section if needed. Answer the “Special Circumstances” question on the application with a detailed explanation of why they stopped out, and how they will successfully complete their degree program this time around. (Please write “returning student” in all the other short answer boxes.)
• 2. Request two up-to-date references, one pastoral and one personal. (Students can put their email address in the additional two reference slots, along with the name “returning student.”)
• 3. Provide official transcripts for any academic work completed at an institution other than Western Seminary after the student’s original admission to Western. Official transcripts must be sent from the educational institution to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mailed to 5511 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland, Or 97215.
• 4. The admissions department can waive the $50.00 application processing fee for returning students prior to the application being submitted. If the application is submitted and the fee is paid it cannot be refunded. Speak to an admissions counselor during the re-application process to have the fee waived.

Students who are readmitted are subject to the catalog that is operative at the time of re-enrollment.

Some academic work previously completed at Western may not apply to the degree program to which the student is being readmitted. Reapplicants who are seeking readmission should contact the registrar regarding credit currency.