M.Div.-M.A.-M.T.S. | D.Min. | Special (Non-Degree) | International | Transfer
Welcome
Welcome to Wesley Theological Seminary. We recognize that applying to a graduate theological degree program is often the result of a prayerful examination of your call to ministry, and we are pleased that you are considering Wesley to further explore and prepare for the realization of that call. We look forward to joining with you to provide a spiritually enriching and professionally fruitful seminary experience.
Gender, racial, ethnic, and denominational diversity give the Seminary the texture and depth of a rich tapestry. Differences are celebrated here, as they lead to lively discussion and important cross-cultural understanding. Your fellow students are a part of your Wesley education that is just as important as the faculty and curriculum. Wesley is committed to supporting all students in their theological education and encourages applications from previously underrepresented groups as we strive to help make ministry more reflective of the world today. Our student body comprises more than 30 denominations other than United Methodist, as well as a wide range of physical abilities. We are well on our way to creating an environment that is truly barrier-free in attitude as well as physical design.
The Wesley Admissions staff are your guides as you navigate the admissions and enrollment process. We can provide information on academic programs, spiritual formation, housing, financial assistance, and campus visits. We can also help you decide how best to meet any specific denominational academic requirements. Please feel free to contact us:
Admissions Office - admiss@wesleysem.edu
Wesley Theological Seminary
4500 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016-5690
1-800-882-4987 (toll-free)
202-885-8659 (DC area)
202-885-8585 (fax)Seminary Switchboard
Tel: 202-885-8600 (V/TTY)
Fax: 202-885-8605
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts
Master of Theological Studies
Pre-Seminary Studies
Wesley follows the recommendation of the Association of Theological Schools that undergraduate education should provide
- the ability to write and speak English clearly and correctly
- the ability to think clearly
- an acquaintance with the world of persons and ideas, the world of nature, and the world of human affairs.
Accordingly, the faculty have adopted the following policy concerning pre-seminary studies:
Education for ministry neither begins nor ends with seminary. The faculty of Wesley Seminary believe that an undergraduate education rich in the liberal arts is essential to a full ministry in the contemporary world, and is the most desirable preparation for seminary study. Intellectual curiosity and an active growing mind are essential qualities in a prospective student.
Recognizing the diversity of undergraduate curricula from which our students come, the Seminary normally expects that whatever the undergraduate major, preparation for theological study should include foundations in the following areas: language and literature; American and World history; social sciences; psychology; philosophy; natural sciences; and the arts and music.
Where an applicant's academic background appears significantly lacking, the Admissions Committee may prescribe additional preparatory work or may require the applicant to take the Miller Analogies Test. Undergraduate deficiencies identified at the time of admission must be cleared by the time thirty semester hours are completed at Wesley if the student is to continue in the M.Div., M.A., or M.T.S. degree program.
If you have any questions about your particular pattern of preparation, please consult the Director of Admissions.
Admission Criteria
Admission to any Wesley degree program requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college. Admission is based on academic achievement and the Seminary's ability to meet your goals. In addition, M.Div. and M.A. applicants will be assessed on your personal and professional qualifications for Christian ministry.
Your academic record should reflect a grade point average of at least 2.7 at the undergraduate level. If you do not meet this criterion, you will be required to take the Miller Analogies Test. Information about this test is available from the Admissions Office or www.milleranalogies.com
Writing Assessment
Proficiency in English is expected of all M.Div., M.A. and M.T.S. candidates. New students will be tested prior to Orientation to assess your English writing ability. If your assessment reveals a deficiency, you will be required to enroll in a noncredit writing skills course at your expense.
Speech Assessment
A Speech Proficiency test is administered to M.Div. candidates on an individual basis each semester, and those with speech problems will be directed to register for course PW-201, The Lively Word.
Applying for Admission
- Complete the application form in all detail and submit the $40 processing fee.
- Write a short essay of approximately 500 words, discussing the formative elements in your background, focusing especially what you believe to be the most significant people and events in shaping your identity as a person; your sense of vocational call and professional objective; and your reasons for wanting to pursue your theological education at Wesley.
- Request that official transcripts from all junior colleges, colleges, universities, or seminaries you have attended be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
- List references to complete our recommendation form. The Admissions staff will send the form directly to your references.
Admission Timeline
Wesley has a rolling admission policy, although some programs have deadlines for application. You should initiate the application process six to nine months in advance. If you are planning to enter the Seminary during the fall semester, your application must be received no later than June 1. If you plan to enter during the spring semester, your application must be received no later than November 1.
Student Pastor Program
The Student Pastor Program is an option within the M.Div. program that integrates student pastorates into the educational design of the regular M.Div. curriculum. Student pastors are appointed by the United Methodist Conferences to serve as sole pastor to one or more teaching congregations. Such an appointment maximizes the opportunity to relate academic studies to the practice of ministry. Some limited opportunities to serve as an assistant pastor in large-member churches are available and offer a full range of pastoral duties. More details on the Student Pastor Program are available in Degree Objectives and Requirements.
If you are interested in participating in the Student Pastor Program, your application must be received no later than February 1. Student pastorates begin July 1.
Application Review
When your application file is complete, it will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee, whose members make final decisions on the basis of your entire set of credentials, including transcripts, recommendations, and your essay. Submitting your application in a complete and timely manner allows us to review and process it thoughtfully and may give you greater consideration for merit scholarship funds if appropriate. The average processing time for applications is two months.
Conditional Admission
If you are applying to a master's program and appear to be qualified, but your preparation is difficult to appraise, you may be admitted conditionally. You will remain on this status until you have successfully completed 15 hours of academic work. At that time, your application will be reassessed and you will be admitted or dismissed from continuing work at Wesley. As a conditional student, you must take a minimum of six credit hours per semester and are expected to earn a 2.3 GPA in those courses. A failure in any course will result in dismissal. Courses, except those offered only on a Pass/Fail basis, must be completed for a letter grade.
Trial Year
If you wish to test your call to ministry, you may apply for the M.Div. Trial Year. In this category, the recommendation by a denominational administrator is not needed for admission, but will be required for your continuation into the second year as an M.Div. student.
Academic Planning and Orientation for New Students
A required academic planning session and community life orientation program for all master's degree candidates precedes the beginning of each semester and introduces you to the traditions, ideals, and standards of Wesley. The orientation includes academic and community life forums, group discussions, tours, recreation, worship, and fellowship with other students and faculty members.
Dual Degree
M.T.S. in Conjunction with M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution or M.A. in International Development
Those who wish to apply for the dual degree must be admitted separately to each program.
To be considered for the Master of Theological Studies at Wesley, the student should submit an application, a statement of purpose, academic transcripts, references, and an application fee.
To be considered for the Master of Arts at the American University, the student should submit an application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, and an application fee to:
Office of Admissions
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 885-6000
Fax (202) 885-1025
Admission Criteria
Admission to any Wesley degree program requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college. In addition, applicants for the Doctor of Ministry program must hold a Master of Divinity or equivalent from a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, and must have completed three years of ministry experience prior to entering Wesley's D.Min. program.
Admission is based on academic achievement and the Seminary's ability to meet your goals, as well as on your personal and professional qualifications for Christian ministry. Previous academic achievement should reflect a grade point average of at least 3.0 at the graduate level.
Applying for Admission
- Complete the application form in all detail and submit the $40 processing fee.
- Submit:
- A brief biographical statement that describes your career in ministry in chronological order
- A personal evaluation of your professional competence
- A statement on how you use your seminary education in the practice of ministry, especially studies in Bible, theology, and church history
- Your reason for pursuing a D.Min. at Wesley.
- Request that official transcripts from all junior colleges, colleges, universities, or seminaries you have attended be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
- List references from whom the Office of Admissions will request a letter of recommendation.
Admission Timeline
Wesley has a rolling admission policy, although D.Min. programs have strict deadlines for application because significant preparation is expected prior to your first intensive seminars. Doctor of Ministry candidates should apply at least four months prior to the beginning of your program track.
If you meet the academic prerequisites and wish to take courses at the Seminary for academic credit without applying them toward a degree, you may do so in the special student status. You will be expected to fulfill the same academic requirements as degree candidates enrolled in these courses.
To be admitted as a special (non-degree) student, you must be a graduate of a regionally accredited college, and must present to the Admissions Office a completed application form. Additionally, an official transcript (certifying award of the undergraduate degree) must be sent directly from the undergraduate college to the Office of Admissions. Special students are not eligible for financial assistance or campus housing.
Special students may apply for entry to the M.Div., M.A., or M.T.S. degree programs by completing the respective application process. If recommended by the Admissions Committee for entry, you may apply a maximum of nine hours credit from your special student status period toward the degree. Some degree applicants may be admitted into the special student status because of an incomplete application for degree status.
Wesley Theological Seminary welcomes students from around the world. Wesley is authorized by the federal government to admit international students to study in degree programs under an F-1 visa. All international students start during the fall semester in order to optimize class sequences and support for transition to academic programs.
Admission Criteria
Academic Preparation: International students must present evidence of academic preparation equivalent to a bachelor's degree and of such quality as to indicate an ability to complete graduate studies. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Wesley Admissions Office from the college or university where you studied. You may also be required to send copies of transcripts, along with the appropriate fees, for evaluation by World Education Services. Details of this process are at www.wes.org. This evaluation is your responsibility and must be completed before the file can be reviewed.
TOEFL: A certification of knowledge of the English language based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. A minimum score of 80 (or computer-based score of 213 or paper-based score of 550) on TOEFL is expected for admission to Wesley. The TOEFL is administered in centers throughout the world. Application forms for the TOEFL are available from TOEFL, P.O. Box 899, Princeton, New Jersey 08542 (www.toefl.org). Wesley's TOEFL code is 5899.
Application Process
As an international student, you must follow the same application procedures specified for your desired degree program. In addition, please satisfy these requirements for consideration:
- Include in your personal statement plans for returning to your home country upon completion of study.
- Submit a recommendation from a church leader in your native country.
Admission Timeline
Please apply at least six months (preferably one year) prior to the start of the fall semester when you want to begin. International applications will not be accepted after March 1.
I-20 and Visa Process
Once you have met admissions requirements, and before the I-20 is issued, you must provide evidence of an ability to finance the complete degree program. Proof of financial support must be shown to cover tuition and living expenses for you and any family members who may accompany you. Sufficient funds for housing, schooling, and transportation must be shown. In addition, you must show proof of health insurance for yourself and any accompanying family members before you may enroll in courses.
Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
When you have been admitted, submitted proof of adequate financial support for studies and placed the deposit with the Business Office, the I-20 will be mailed to you. You must pay a SEVIS fee prior to setting up an interview with the U.S. Embassy in your home country. (Information regarding this fee will be sent with the I-20.) Once the fee is paid, you will receive an F-1 visa from the U.S. Embassy. You are required to maintain your F-1 status by taking 11 credit hours per semester (fall and spring) and may not work without authorization.
Deposit
F-1 students who have been admitted and submitted proof of financial support must place a deposit on account with the Business Office. We must receive your deposit ($500 for a single student and $1,000 for a student coming with family) before the I-20 is issued. This deposit will be held as an emergency fund while you are enrolled in the Seminary. The deposit may be used for emergencies such as medical expenses, a death in the family, and so forth, but it must be maintained at the required level throughout your study at Wesley. The money will be refunded once you complete your degree or officially withdraw from the Seminary.
Special Studies Certificate (S.S.C.)
The S.S.C. program provides an opportunity for students to enroll in a program of studies where a regular degree program is not immediately applicable. Normally, this one-year, thirty-hour program is limited to students from other countries whose previous education is difficult to equate to American theological admission standards or who have available only one year to spend in the United States. S.S.C. applicants should follow the same application process as outlined for Master's degree programs.
A Special Studies Certificate may be awarded to a properly admitted student who has been in residence for a minimum of two semesters, has earned a minimum of eleven semester hours of work per semester, and has maintained a minimum grade point average of 2.3.
Credit Transfer and Advanced Standing
Applicants who meet the requirements for admission and have completed courses at another theological school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) may be considered for transfer admission. If you wish to be considered for transfer or advanced standing, please notify the Admissions Office during the application process, and a written transfer assessment will be provided to you. All transferable credit can be applied to your permanent record after successful completion of 11 hours at Wesley. You request the transfer using a petition form available in the Office of the Registrar.
Previous academic credit will be considered for transfer if it meets the following criteria:
- The credit is from a graduate theological school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.
- The grade is "B-" or higher graded on a conventional grading scale. "Pass" grades are not considered for transfer.
- The course was completed no more than seven years prior the date of admission to Wesley.
Maximum Transfer Credits: No more than half of the credit hours of a degree program at Wesley can be fulfilled by transfer credits, and the final half of the degree program must be completed at Wesley. Every candidate for Wesley's degree programs must meet all degree requirements, including the Practice in Ministry and Mission placement: two years for M.Div. students or one year for M.A. students.
Advanced Standing for Previous Theological Degrees: Applicants who have previously earned a theologically oriented degree may be considered for advanced standing credit. Advanced standing credit transfer is limited to not more than thirty hours and not more than half of the credits required for the previous degree may be transferred.
Credit for Non-Theological Studies: Applicants who have earned graduate credit hours in a non-theological area may be considered for not more than fifteen hours of transfer credit, provided that the courses are related to studies at Wesley. Requests for such transfer should include a written explanation of how the courses relate to the degree pursued at Wesley.
