Admissions Requirements

The Application

General admission materials required for submitting a completed application for admission to Western Seminary include the following:

  1. A completed online application consisting of a number of short answer questions, including questions regarding an applicant’s previous ministry experience, vocational objectives, a self-evaluation of strengths and weaknesses for study and future service, a description of previous major life events and family relationships, and an overview of his or her story of personal faith and growth.
  2. Official transcripts from any institution where a bachelor’s degree or higher has been earned. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the school in sealed envelopes to Western Seminary or issued electronically directly by the institution or an approved issuing body.
  3. 3. A recommendation from the applicant’s pastor and three personal letters of recommendation regarding the applicant’s character and leadership potential on forms provided by Western Seminary.
  4. A non-refundable application fee.

Additional materials are required for applicants to the counseling, doctoral and the Masters in Theology programs as set forth in the program descriptions below. Application materials are considered current for one year from the date of submission.

General Admission Information

  1. Refer to programs of study for specific admissions requirements and procedures.
  2. Admission to the Seminary is valid for one year from the term for which the applicant is admitted. If enrollment is postponed by more than one year, the applicant must reapply for admission.
  3. Those who register for courses and subsequently withdraw from school or do not enroll in classes for more than one year must reapply for admission.
  4. Records submitted during the application process are not returned. Transcripts from other institutions become a part of the permanent file and may not be copied or released.
  5. Applicants are expected to write and speak clear and correct English prose. Western Seminary reserves the right to ask the applicant to correct any deficiencies contained within materials submitted as part of the application process.
  6. For application deadlines, see degree program descriptions.
  7. An interview may be required upon request by the Admissions Committee.