Admissions

Do you sense God calling you to Christian leadership? Choosing to go to seminary is a very important, life-defining decision, one we would be honored to prayerfully discern with you. We invite you to contact us with any questions you might have as you begin to explore this new direction in your life!

Do you know someone who would benefit from learning more about a seminary experience?  Please fill out the referral form and we'll be happy to get in touch with them!

• Should I Attend Western Theological Seminary?

  • I have a warm and personal faith as an intentional follower of Jesus Christ
  • I am theologically and biblically curious
  • I want to develop effective communication and ministry leadership skills
  • I am capable of rigorous academic scholarship
  • People who know me well say that I should be in the ministry
  • Though difficult to explain, I sense deep within me a summons from God
  • I have completed an undergraduate degree at an accredited four-year college or university (see academic guidelines below)

  If this sounds like you, apply today!

• What Programs does Western Offer?

  • Master of Divinity (In Residence and Distance Learning)
  • WTS-Newbigin Distance Learning Master of Divinity
    
  • Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
  • Dual Track Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work
  • Master of Theology
  • Doctor of Ministry
  • Graduate Certificate in Urban Pastoral Ministry

• How Do I Begin the Application Process?

  1. Explore this website
  2. Submit an inquiry form
  3. Contact our Admissions Department (1-800-392-8554 or 1-616-392-8555 - ask for Mark Poppen, CJ Grier or Jill English)
  4. Schedule a campus visit on a day convenient for you
  5. Arrange vocational conversations with your ministry leaders, campus chaplains, pastors and our admissions staff
  6. Complete an application for admission either on-line, or download an application and mail.  For scholarship consideration for fall semester, applications are due April 1 (In-residence) and April 15 (Distance Learning and Newbigin House of Studies) 
  7. Application Checklist.pdf
  8. Once admitted, begin your academic journey at Western Theological Seminary!

• Academic Guidelines

  The guidelines and undergraduate recommendations listed below are those set up by both the Association of Theological Schools and the minimum necessary to ensure your success in a masters level program.

  Applicants to Western's in-residence and distance learning M.Div. or M.A.C.M.programs must earn a bachelor of arts degree or its academic equivalent from an accredited college or university in order to be admitted as a candidate. In rare cases, an applicant without a bachelor's degree but with exceptional compensatory qualifications may be admitted to the degree program under a special provision of the Association of Theological Schools standards. Such acceptance will normally be provisional pending satisfactory academic performance during the first semester.

  A 2.75 grade point average (GPA) is required for admission to the programs. An applicant with less than 2.75 GPA may be admitted on probation if the admissions committee believes there is potential for academic success. A GPA of 2.5 or higher must be sustained to qualify for the lifting of academic probation and continuation in the degree program.

  An applicant whose college record shows an obvious deficiency in some area of the liberal arts may be required to make up any such deficiencies prior to admission. The minimum liberal arts content of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent is:

  • Two semesters of world civilization or world history 
  • One semester of English composition or two advanced English courses with substantial writing requirements
  • One semester of English literature
  • One semester of philosophy
  • One semester of psychology
  • One semester of sociology or cultural anthropology

  These guidelines and recommendations are not intended to discourage you from beginning to explore academic preparation for your call to ministry.  No matter your academic background, we encourage you to begin a conversation of discernment with Dr. Mark Poppen, Director of Admissions, to determine an appropriate entry strategy to seminary and preparation for ministry leadership.

• Important Admissions Dates

  M.Div. Programs, Fall Semester (Aug Start):

  January 1 Fee waiver ends for fall admission

  April 1 Applications due for scholarship consideration-In-Residence Application Checklist.pdf

  April 15 Applications due for scholarship consideration Distance Learning Application Checklist.pdf

  April 30 Scholarship applications due

  May 30 Application end date for fall semester

  M.Div. Programs, Spring Semester Admission-In-Residence (Jan Start) :

  Nov 1 Applications due for scholarship consideration

  Nov 30 Application end date for spring semester

  Summer Semester Admission-Distance Learning (March Start) :
  

  Jan 30 Applications due for scholarship consideration

  Feb 15 Application end date for summer semester

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  GCUPM and Non-Degree Programs:

  Aug 1 Application due for Fall semester

  Jan 1 Application due for Spring Semester

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  Master of Theology Program:

  [Open] Application due for international and scholarship applicants

  [Open] Application due for non-scholarship applicants

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  Doctor of Ministry Program:

  Jan 15 Application due

• Printable Admissions Forms

  To download paper applications and letters of recommendation, simply click on the appropriate link.

  • M.Div. Application - In Residence, Dist. Learning, Dual Track
  • Master of Theology Application and Description: Word .doc or .pdf
  • Non-Degree Application - General and GCUPM
  • Doctor of Ministry Application
  • Ecclesial Letter of Endorsement - Doctor of Ministry only
  • Letter of Recommendation Form-All Applications
  • Or click here to apply online

  If you choose paper application, please mail completed applications and supporting documents to:

  Admissions Office
  Western Theological Seminary
  101 E. 13th Street
  Holland, MI  49423

  We are here to assist you with the application process.  Please call the Admissions Office (800.392.8554 or 616.392.8555 ext 135) with any questions.  Admission Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST.  We look forward to hearing from you!