ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

Student Evaluations

Prospective students seeking enrollment at Evangelical Theological Seminary should contact the seminary for a preliminary evaluation. This will allow the potential student to receive specific guidance as to the entrance level. Important facts such as the student's ability to satisfactorily complete the seminary's academic requirements are involved. Plus, the individual's Christian experience, ministerial "call," moral character, and personal integrity are consequential issues. The student’s previous educational experience can make a difference as to the entrance level. Those applicants who are desiring to be enrolled in a degree program must have a high school diploma, GED, or the equivalent.

ATB (Ability to Benefit Students)

Any prospective students who do not have a GED or the equivalent, can be enrolled under the ATB program for a probationary period until permanent student status can be validated.

enrollment procedures

Required enrollment materials can be obtained through the seminary's administration department. All official enrollments require:

1. An official Enrollment Form

2. Validation of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, or higher degree (unless ATB)

3. Official transcripts of all previous academic work and college credits

4. A completed tuition payment plan form

5. Two recent photographs (passport size)

6. Enrollment fee

Non-Discrimination Policy

Evangelical Theological Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, or physical handicap.

Credit Transfers

Evangelical Theological Seminary accepts credits from approved seminaries, colleges, and universities as long as a grade C or better was received. The student procedure is for the official transcripts to be sent directly from the educational institution to Evangelical Theological Seminary. Acceptance of the transfer credits is subject to the Admissions Office policies. Sometimes credits or degrees were scholastically earned from non-accredited educational institutions (perhaps foreign countries), or educational institutions which are no longer in existence. Evangelical Theological Seminary will make every effort to provide academic recognition for these studies.

Credit Transferability

The student transfer of credits to various other academic institutions can be accepted or denied based on their personal evaluation. Therefore, prospective students considering a transfer to another academic institution should inquire of that institution as to the transferability of their credits and degrees prior to enrollment. It is customary for academic credits not to be transferable from college to college. As an example, credits from ecclesiastical studies would not usually be applied to a degree in mathematics, even if they were from a regionally accredited academic institution. Upon receiving a written and signed request, the student's official grade transcript of credit will be sent from Evangelical Theological Seminary to an authorized agency or another educational institution. However, all financial and academic obligations must have been completed before the official grade transcript will be released. There is a $15.00 charge per copy for official grade transcripts.

Life Experience Credit

When potential students have extensive ministerial experience (of at least five years in a verifiable position in the ministry), they may receive credits based on their life experience. These life experience credits can be counted to make up 25% of the student's total degree program. Confirming evidence of the life experience credit request must be submitted. Evangelical Theological Seminary will not award any diplomas or degrees based solely on life experience credit. The seminary requires a minimum number of credit hours being completed before any diploma or degree is awarded. Life experience credits can be estimated at the time of the academic evaluation but must be verified by submitting the seminary's Credit Assessment Form.

Credit by Examination Criterion

Seminary applicants who have a minimum of five years ministerial experience may qualify to receive credit by taking a special examination. This decision for credit eligibility is determined when the student is academically evaluated.

Dismissal Policy

Evangelical Theological Seminary reserves the right to suspend, dismiss, or place on probation any student whose academic status, financial responsibility, or personal conduct is not satisfactory.

Re-Admission

The student who is on academic probation or who has been suspended must apply for readmission. This request by the student to return to the seminary's academic program is to be in written form. If the student's request is granted then re-entering the program will necessitate being subject to the fees and requirements at the time of the new enrollment.

Honorary Degrees

Evangelical Theological Seminary has a policy of awarding honorary degrees to those individuals who have made influential and significant contributions in the religious realm or to those who have influenced the ministry of the awarding seminary. The seminary will award up to five honorary degrees each year and they must be nominated by the Board of Regents.

Grading Process

Evangelical Theological Seminary utilizes a specific process for student grading. The seminary stipulates that on certain graduate and all postgraduate programs, only 3.0 (B) grades and above are calculated toward the degrees. A grade point measures quality assigned to, or withheld from, units of credit according to the following grade system:

• 4.0 (A+) Excellent

• 3.8 (A)

• 3.6 (A-)

• 3.4 (B+)

• 3.0 (B) Good

• 2.6 (B-)

Graduating with Honors

Evangelical Theological Seminary will grant special honors to those students graduating with a 3.6 grade point average (GPA) and above, as follows:

• 3.6 Cum Laude (with honors)

• 3.8 Magna Cum Laude (with great praise)

• 4.0 Summa Cum Laude (with highest praise)

All students listed in these academic categories will have the special honors noted on their degree diplomas.