Admission processes and requirements vary for the seminary's two major programs of study, the Master of Divinity degree program and the Doctor of Ministry degree program.

Admission to the M.Div. Program

A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university is a prerequisite for admission to the Master of Divinity degree program at BTSR. In addition to the major field of study applicants are expected to have a broad background with at least half their hours in liberal arts, including courses such as English, history, social sciences, natural sciences, languages, fine arts, and religion and philosophy.

To complete an application, the applicant must submit the following:

1. A completed Master of Divinity Application for Admission form.

2. An official transcript or transcripts. For non-seminary work, transcripts should be sent from all schools where more than six hours of study were completed. For seminary work, transcripts of all study should be sent.

3. A recommendation from a local church.

4. Three personal recommendations.

5. A $35 application fee.

International Students

In addition to the above items, students for whom English is not a first language must submit a score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A score of at least 213 (computer-based) or 550 (paper-based) is required. For information about the test, contact TOEFL, P. O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 or visit www.toefl.org. Telephone: (609) 921-9000.

Advanced Standing

M.Div. applicants who have completed work in Old Testament, New Testament, church history, or biblical Hebrew or Greek at the college level which is equivalent to seminary course requirements may petition for consideration for advanced standing in these subject areas. A request must be made at least one week before the student begins study at the seminary. If after taking an exam the student is found to have the required proficiency in that area, he or she may bypass the required course(s) and satisfy the BTSR course requirement(s) by taking advanced level course(s).

Transfer of Credit

Work completed at the graduate level at another accredited school with a grade of at least "C" (for which a degree has not been granted) may be applied toward the M.Div. degree at BTSR if it is judged to be appropriate to the student's program of studies. No more than two years of such work can be so applied. In any case, the last full year of work and a minimum of ten course credits must be completed at BTSR.

Non-Degree Study

Study may be undertaken on a limited basis without admission to the M.Div. program. Persons who have earned a baccalaureate degree may take up to 2.5 course credits per semester as a special student. To apply, persons must submit an application for non-degree study, official transcript(s), and a $35 application fee.

Admission as a non-degree student does not constitute admission to the M.Div. program. However, were a student to apply later for entry into the M.Div. program, up to ten course credits completed as a non-degree student can be applied to the M.Div. degree. (The M.Div. application fee also will be waived.)

Persons within twelve semester hours of the completion of their baccalaureate degree may take up to a maximum of four course credits before completing their baccalaureate.

Auditing a Course

Persons wishing to take a course for their own enrichment or as continuing education may apply for audit study. Persons are welcome to audit courses with the understanding that no papers or examinations will be required or graded and that they should defer to members of the class who are taking the course for credit.

Admission to Distance Education Study

Students wishing to take courses in the Distance Education program may be admitted as M.Div. degree students, as special students pursuing nondegree study or as auditing students. For each of these categories, admission procedures are the same as for on-campus students and are outlined earlier in this chapter. For additional information, contact the Center for Distance Education toll-free at (888) 339-2877.

Admission to the D.Min. Program

If ministers are going to benefit from a Doctor of Ministry program, they must have the necessary background both in academics and in ministry. This is also essential to facilitate effective peer learning. The following requirements for admission have been formulated with this in mind. The D.Min. applicant must submit the following:

1. A completed Doctor of Ministry Application for Admission form.

2. Transcripts of all work demonstrating the completion of an M.Div. or its equivalent at an ATS accredited seminary with a GPA of at least 2.75 (A=4.0).

3. Evidence of at least three years in full-time ministry after completion of the M.Div.

4. Evidence of current involvement in ministry.

5. Recommendations from three persons acquainted with ministry skills: seminary teacher, ministry or denominational colleague, and layperson.

6. Score on the Miller Analogies Test.

7. Statement giving reasons for applying, goals for ministry, goals for the program, and thoughts regarding a possible ministry project, which demonstrate interests compatible with a graduate program in practical ministry.

A new class of 12 D.Min. students is admitted each year to begin the program in July. The D.Min. Committee begins reviewing applications and making admission decisions on March 1.

Computer Skills

Students should have elementary computer skills. Classes may require Internet research, computer-based acquisition of class materials and/or sharing class-related questions and opinions via the Internet.